Forget finding the perfect venue, organizing a caterer, or choosing your wedding rings – one of the most stressful parts of getting married is deciding what month to do it in! After all, the month you choose is going to be with you for the rest of your life.
Your chosen month will also dictate how you’re able to celebrate each anniversary. Jetting off the Caribbean for your 25th wedding anniversary is a lovely idea, but it’s definitely not something you want to do during hurricane season!
If you’ve been struggling to choose the perfect month for your wedding, you’ve come to the right place!
Below, we’ll take a look at some pros and cons of getting married in each month of the year. We’ll also take you through some of the history and events associated with each month, along with some fabulous color schemes and theme ideas.
What is the Best Month to Get Married?
Before we start looking at each month singularly, let’s take a moment to talk about the best month to get married. There’s no real answer to this, and the month you choose will ultimately come down to personal preference.
However, there are some things to consider before settling on your final date, the biggest of which is your budget. Weddings are notoriously expensive, but you can save a few dollars by choosing a month that is considered “off-season”.
Weddings that take place in January, March, April, and November are usually much cheaper as the venues want to entice you with lower prices at a time when, traditionally, the business generated by weddings is scarce.
So, rather than feeling as though you need to be pressured into getting married in “wedding season”, take advantage of these lower prices and go for a cheaper month.
You might also be surprised at some of the things associated with each of these months, which you can then tie into a theme or color scheme! Let’s explore some of these below.
Getting Married in January
January is potentially the quietest month for weddings, but this doesn’t really make much sense as the wintery surroundings can make for some truly stunning photographs. Wedding venues are also much cheaper in January than at any other time of year, so it’s the ideal month for anybody getting married on a tight budget.
Another wonderful thing about a January wedding is that it brings everyone together at the beginning of the year, and can unite some family members and friends that weren’t able to see each other over the holidays.
If you’re a mythology lover, then it might also interest you to learn that the Ancient Greeks considered January the best month to get married. They called it “Gamelion” and it’s believed that it was the month that Zeus and Hera got married.
Of course, there are a couple of downsides to a January wedding. The weather is unpredictable which means that an outdoor wedding is basically a non-starter. Depending on how badly the weather is behaving, you may also find that some of your guests have difficulty getting to your venue.
It can also be a bit of a demand for your guests to spend money on wedding gifts and a hotel room right after the holiday season. They may also have less vacation time available but, if you give them enough notice, this can be avoided.
Pros of Getting Married in January
Cheapest month of the year to get married.
Depending on where you get married, the wintery scenery can create a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Unites family and friends that may not have been able to meet over the holidays.
January weddings have a place in mythology, as it is believed that Zeus and Hera got married in the month of “Gamelion”, also known as January.
Cons of Getting Married in January
The January weather is unpredictable and an outdoor wedding is pretty much always going to be out of the question.
The unpredictability of the winter weather can also mean that your guests may struggle to get to your venue on the day.
Most people are financially recovering from the holiday season and can’t afford wedding gifts or a hotel room.
January Wedding Colors
Royal Blue
Silver
White
Lavender
Ice Blue
Pale Rose
Berry
Grey
Burgundy
Emerald
Gold
Black
January Wedding Themes
Winter Wonderland
Beauty and the Beast
Greek Mythology
Great Gatsby
Enchanted Winter Forest
Getting Married in February
There is one event in February that weddings were made for; Valentine’s Day! This makes it a super romantic choice of month not only for your wedding but for all of your guests as well. After all, who wouldn’t want to spend their Valentine’s Day celebrating love?
The weather also starts to turn from gloomy winter into spring towards the end of February, and there are usually several spring flowers popping up that you can incorporate into your wedding photos. You can also tie them into your floral arrangements.
February is also considered the “lucky” month for marriage in some cultures. In the Jewish calendar, it’s the month of Adar, which is known as one of the most favorable months for a wedding.
What are the downsides to a February wedding, though? Well, first of all, even though the weather may be nicer than January, it can still be pretty unpredictable. This means that you’ll need an inside venue, and you still run the risk of some of your guests not being able to make it on the day.
You could also find that your florist’s bill is much higher in February, especially if you want roses. This is because of the demand for flowers around Valentine’s Day.
Finally, February is the month of the Super Bowl. While it’s unlikely that any of your friends or family will miss your wedding to watch the game, you do risk losing them to their hotel rooms at intervals throughout the evening as they check the score.
Pros of Getting Married in February
February is the month of love, with Valentine’s Day sitting right in the middle!
The weather is starting to turn from winter to spring.
You can feature early spring flowers in your floral arrangements and wedding photographs.
Considered the lucky month for marriage in some cultures.
Cons of Getting Married in February
The weather might be better than January, but it still can be pretty unpredictable during February.
You may find that your florist’s bill is particularly high as the demand for flowers increases around Valentine’s Day.
It’s Super Bowl month and you may only have your guests’ attention for a portion of time while the game is on.
February Wedding Colors
Burgundy
Blush Pink
Gold
Cream
Black
Forest Green
Peach
February Wedding Themes
Winter in Paris
Victorian Winter
Valentine’s Day
Enchanted Woods
Getting Married in March
March is another off-season month that is ideal for any couple looking to get married on a limited budget. It’s also right around the time of year when the wedding season starts to generate interest and prices go up, so you’ll be ahead of the game.
The weather in March is much better than it is in January & February and, while it still feels a little cooler outside, the days are longer. You also have a much better selection of seasonal flowers to choose from while still taking advantage of “off-season” prices.
The downside to a March wedding is that it’s still not quite the right time of year for an outdoor ceremony or wedding breakfast. It’s right at the beginning of spring after all, and that clear sky and warming sunshine can turn to a torrential downpour in minutes.
There is also some superstition around the month of March, as past wisdom dictates to “beware the ides of March… ”. It’s also the month that Julius Cesar is murdered in Shakespeare’s play.
Pros of Getting Married in March
One of the cheapest months of the year to get married.
Better weather than January & February.
Loads of seasonal flowers are available at an affordable price.
Cons of Getting Married in March
Still too cold and unpredictable for an outdoor ceremony or wedding breakfast.
There are a couple of superstitions about getting married in March.
March Wedding Colors
Lavender
Mint Green
Royal Purple
Pastel Pink
Coral
Navy Blue
Peach
Forest Green
Cream
March Wedding Themes
Enchanted Garden
St Patrick’s Day
Spring Flowers
Getting Married in April
While you’re still not completely safe from unpredictable weather in April, it is starting to improve as we head into the middle of spring. You’ll also find a much wider variety of seasonal flowers to choose from that are still available at lower prices than they would be in the wedding season.
April is also the month of April Fools. This doesn’t mean to suggest you should start playing pranks on your betrothed or your guests, though! Instead, it can symbolize being a “fool in love” and, in ancient traditions and tarot card readings, the depiction of a fool represents new beginnings.
Also, one of the most famous weddings in the world took place on April 29, 2011, between Kate and William! So, if you want to give your wedding that Royal appeal, April is a great choice. It’s also the month of Venus, the goddess of love.
Superstition is at play again with April weddings, though. April is the 4th month of the year and some people believe that the number 4 is unlucky. The reason for this is because the word for “4” in Chinese is a homophone for “death”.
Also, because of the unpredictability of the weather, April still isn’t the safest month to plan an outdoor wedding. You might find that the cost of some of your vendors is slightly higher as we start to enter wedding season as well.
Pros of Getting Married in April
The weather is starting to improve as we go into mid-spring.
A wider variety of seasonal flowers is available.
April is the month of “The Fool”, which symbolizes new beginnings in tarot cards and ancient traditions.
It’s the month of Venus, the Greek goddess of love.
Famously, Will and Kate got married in April 2011.
Cons of Getting Married in April
The April weather is still a little too unpredictable for an outdoor wedding.
Some vendors may start to increase their prices as the wedding season begins.
The number 4 carries superstitions for some people, particularly in Eastern cultures.
April Wedding Colors
Fuschia
Orange
Pink
Grey
Navy Blue
Green
Yellow
Cream
April Wedding Themes
Cherry Blossom
Spring Flowers
Butterfly Garden
Secret Garden
Getting Married in May
You hit the very beginning of the wedding season as you enter May. It’s also a month that is synonymous with historic celebrations, making it the almost perfect month to host a celebration of your own.
The May Day holiday is the most modern of these and it has roots in European cultures where people would sing, dance, and eat to celebrate the warm weather and the resurgence of plants.
The Roman Festival of Floralia also took place in May and it celebrated the goddess of flowers. At this festival, people would adorn themselves with floral wreaths and the celebrations would go on for several days at a time.
Bringing things back to your actual wedding day, however, the month of May offers you a real improvement in the weather. Depending on where you’re getting married, you’re almost guaranteed a bright, sunny day.
This means that you’ll be able to plan an outdoor wedding without a huge risk of the sky opening on you.
If there is one downside to getting married in May, it’s that it’s one of the most popular months for getting married. This means you may find that it’s quite difficult to find a venue with an opening and, as such, you might have to wait a couple of years for your ideal location to become available.
Pros of Getting Married in May
The month of May is synonymous with celebrations.
The warm, sunny weather is ideal for an outdoor wedding.
Loads of flower varieties to choose from for your centerpieces and posies.
Cons of Getting Married in May
May is the most popular month for weddings, which means that you might have difficulty finding a venue.
More flowers means a higher pollen count in the air, which can be a real nightmare for anybody with allergies.
May Wedding Colors
Pastels
Blue
Yellow
Pink
Purple
May Wedding Themes
May Day
Beltane
Festival of Floralia
Getting Married in June
The word June itself makes it one of the most perfect months to host a wedding, as it comes from the Roman goddess of marriage, “Juno”.
The weather is almost guaranteed to be perfect at a June wedding, so it’s ideal if you’ve got your heart set on an outdoor ceremony and reception. You’ll also be able to take full advantage of the weather when it comes to your wedding photographs.
There’s also some history surrounding June as it’s the month of the Summer Solstice. Ancient Druids believed this to be the marriage of heaven and earth. As such, it’s regarded as one of the most magical times of the year for love and romance.
Be warned, though. Getting married in June is expensive as it’s placed right in the middle of the wedding season. It’s also a really popular month for weddings, which means that your guests may have to choose between your wedding and another.
Pros of Getting Married in June
June gets its modern name from the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno.
Ideal weather for an outdoor wedding and for outdoor photographs.
It’s the month of the Summer Solstice, which Ancient Druids believed to be the marriage of heaven and earth.
Cons of Getting Married in June
Getting married in June is expensive as it’s right in the middle of the wedding season.
June is a highly popular month for weddings, which means that your guests’ availability may be limited.
June Wedding Colors
Hot Pink
Light Pink
Green
White
Peach
June Wedding Themes
Summer Solstice
Celebration of Summer
Enchanted Forest
Beach / Nautical
Getting Married in July
As July is the height of summer, there is a real party atmosphere to be had with a July wedding. Outdoor weddings are guaranteed to take place, and the warm weather and long days mean that you and your guests can party all night long without getting too cold!
You might also find that you have less difficulty with guest attendance if you get married in July. This is because the uber-popular month of June has passed, and a lot of people will be free to attend.
And, when it comes to your wedding photographs, you’ll have beautiful sunsets and scenery that will add that magic touch.
It is worth noting, however, that for some people the July weather can be almost unbearably hot. This is especially true if you’re getting married outdoors and, to keep everybody happy and comfortable, you may have to hire a generator and some AC units. This can add to the cost of an already expensive wedding month.
Pros of Getting Married in July:
The excellent weather helps create a real party atmosphere.
Your guests are more likely to be free to attend.
Sunsets and sun-bathed scenery will add a magic touch to your wedding photographs.
Cons of Getting Married in July:
July is one of the most expensive months to get married.
The hot weather can be too much for some people and you may have to factor in the added costs of AC units and generators.
July Wedding Colors:
Plum
Lavender
Peach
Green
White
Copper
Pink
Orange
Teal
July Wedding Themes:
4th of July
Carnival
Waterfront
Rustic Country Wedding
Barn Wedding
Getting Married in August
While the month of April is considered back luck in some Eastern cultures, August is one of the luckiest months to get married. This is because the Chinese word for “8” is a homophone for wealth and fortune, making it a lucky number!
The word “August” is also synonymous with luck, coming from the Latin “Augur” which means auspicious. So, if you’re a superstitious person, both of these things mean an August wedding could be the right choice.
Superstition aside, you’ll get excellent weather and some beautiful scenery for an outdoor wedding in August. However, it is worth noting that it’s also hurricane season for the Eastern Seaboard of the USA, so this is definitely worth considering before booking your venue!
Pros of Getting Married in August:
August is considered a lucky month to get married in some Eastern cultures.
The month of August is further associated with luck, coming from the Latin for auspicious.
The warm, summer weather offers beautiful scenery and ideal temperatures for an outdoor wedding.
The summer scenery could also add some extra beauty to your wedding photographs.
Cons of Getting Married in August:
August is hurricane season along the USA’s Eastern Seaboard, so it can be difficult to schedule an outdoor wedding at any location along there.
August Wedding Colors:
Purple
Ivory
Orange
Yellow
Pink
Green
August Wedding Themes:
Summer Party
Garden Party
Rustic Country Wedding
Barn Wedding
Getting Married in September
While July and August can be problematic for anybody who struggles in high temperatures, September brings the best of both worlds.
The weather is warm and the days are long, but there isn’t an extreme heat beating down all day. This makes it ideal for outdoor weddings that go long into the night, without having to worry about providing AC.
September is another month that is considered lucky in some Eastern cultures, with the word for the number “9” being a homonym for “enduring”. It’s also right at the end of the wedding season, so it’s a more affordable option for some people.
Something that is happening quite quickly, however, is the increase in demand for September weddings.
So, while it’s currently a fairly affordable month, it may carry a higher price tag in the future. If you’re engaged and eager to book your wedding in September, we’d recommend acting now!
Pros of Getting Married in September
Ideal weather and temperatures for anybody that would struggle in the heat of a July or August wedding.
The month of September is associated with luck in some Eastern cultures.
Comes right at the end of the wedding season, making it more affordable for some couples.
Cons of Getting Married in September
The popularity and demand for September weddings means that it may not stay as such an affordable wedding month for very long.
September Wedding Colors:
Coral
Mustard
Blush
Midnight Blue
Marigold
Lavender
Dark Purple
September Wedding Themes
Rustic Woodland
Woodland Wedding
Barn Wedding
Getting Married in October
In many locations, the scenery in October is truly breathtaking. Red leaves and pink sunsets are the ideal way of making your wedding photographs sing. Not to mention, they lend themselves perfectly to color schemes and themes.
The October weather is also perfect in many places. It’s not too cold to have to move your wedding indoors just yet, but cool enough to stop you and your guests from feeling uncomfortable in the heat.
Sounds pretty ideal, right? Well, unfortunately, everybody else thought to as well and October is now one of the most popular months to get married. This means that most venues come with a pretty hefty price tag.
It’s also the month of Halloween, which some people may feel a little suspicious about. However, if you want a Halloween-themed wedding, it’s the ideal choice!
Pros of Getting Married in October
The beautiful fall scenery will look amazing in your wedding photographs.
The natural colors of the surrounding trees can lend themselves to your wedding’s color scheme.
October weather is still mild enough for an outdoor wedding, but cool enough to keep everybody comfortable.
Cons of Getting Married in October
The popularity of October weddings over recent years has meant that it’s now one of the most expensive months to get married.
Halloween is in October and some people may feel a little superstitious about this.
October Wedding Colors
All Jewel Tones
Pumpkin
Orange
Sage
Navy
Gold
October Wedding Themes
Rustic Autumn Wedding
Fall Harvest Ball
Halloween
Getting Married in November
One of the best things about getting married in November is that it’s the month of Thanksgiving! What better way to celebrate your wedding than surrounding yourself with friends and family, and giving thanks for them being there.
The holiday season is right around the corner in November as well, and people are starting to get into the spirit. A November wedding is the perfect way to kick party season off and get your guests on the dance floor.
Another fantastic thing about getting married in November is that it’s one of the cheapest months for wedding venues. It’s also around the time when certain vendors have hit a decline in sales as the wedding season has finished and the holiday season hasn’t yet started, so you may be able to get some services for a cheaper price.
There are a couple of downsides, though. First of all, the weather in November is pretty gloomy. The beautiful leaves of fall have gone and the hot weather has passed. With this in mind, you won’t really be able to have an outdoor wedding in November.
Also, if you leave it too late to send out your invitations, you may find that some of your guests aren’t able to attend due to other holiday plans and travel commitments.
Pros of Getting Married in November
November is Thanksgiving month, so it’s ideal for surrounding yourself with friends and family that you’re thankful for.
The perfect month for kicking off the upcoming holiday season.
It’s one of the cheapest months to get married.
It’s also possible to get some of your vendors at a reduced price.
Cons of Getting Married in November
The weather isn’t that great and outdoor weddings aren’t really achievable.
It may be difficult for some of your guests to attend if you don’t give them enough notice.
November Wedding Colors
Dark Purple
Navy Blue
Mustard
Dark Green
November Wedding Themes
Forest Wedding
Getting Married in December
As is the case with November weddings, your guests will really be in the party mood at a December wedding with the holiday season directly following. Many people will already be done with work for the rest of the year as well, so there is a higher chance that they’ll be free to attend if given enough notice.
The weather isn’t going to be your friend at a December wedding, but this doesn’t really matter if you want an indoor wedding. Having said that, the snow-laden scenery can make for some truly magical photographs, as long as you’re brave enough to face the cold!
You might think that getting married in December would be a cheaper option, but this actually isn’t the case. Many venues hold Christmas parties in December that they profit from hugely. And, if you’re taking that business away for a night, you can expect to pay the same prices.
These Christmas parties can also mean that it’s difficult to get a venue with any availability in December as they get booked up quite early. However, if you get there early enough yourself, you may be able to secure a date.
Pros of Getting Married in December
It’s right around the holiday season and your guests will be in the party mood.
There’s also a higher chance of your guests being able to attend as most will be finished with work for the year.
Depending on where you get married, you may get snowfall which can help create some breathtaking scenery for your wedding photographs.
Cons of Getting Married in December
It can be just as expensive to get married in December as it is in the wedding season.
Venue availability can be limited due to Christmas party bookings.
December Wedding Colors
Royal Blue
Light Blue
White
Indigo
Cream
Cherry
Mint Green
Red
December Wedding Themes
Winter Ball
Fairy Tale Wedding
Winter Wonderland
Final Word
We hope that this guide has helped you choose the best month for your wedding. Whatever date you settle for, there are pros and cons to each and it’s worth thinking about the budget before you choose. Go “off-season” and you may find that you’re able to save a huge amount of money!
