Let’s have the summer vs winter wedding debate. While summer is definitely more popular for weddings, I would encourage more people to consider a winter wedding.

Winter vs Summer Weddings Pros

So that’s it really in a nutshell, but let me expand on each point.

Winter

Better Weather

The biggest concern I find most brides have, is around if it is going to rain on their wedding day. And if we are really honest about it, the chances of it raining on your summer wedding day are pretty high. Whereas, on a winters day – there is pretty much no chance.

Longer and better golden hour

Golden hour is the ideal time to take your bridal portraits. So, just having a longer golden hour should already have you considering a winter wedding. But on top of that, the sun is particularly magical in winter. The yellow is much richer and the evening sky is often much more dramatic.

Less make up touch ups, and more comfortable to be in a dress.

If I am down right honest with you, summer weddings are a bit gross. Brides are in thick layered dresses and they sweat all over. Guys are in black suits that absorb every ray sweat just as much. But ladies, you have make up to worry about, and when that sweating starts, it does effect your make up. And worst of all, it’s just uncomfortable. A winter wedding will definitely keep your make up looking better for longer and be a much more comfortable experience!

Stunning portraits with dry grass

There is something stunning about large dry veld fields, now throw a bride and a groom in there and you have magic. Ah and the beautiful blue skies you get in winter, real magic. Winter doesn’t have to mean ugly! Quite the opposite.

Great way to keep people together for a smaller wedding

If you are considering a smaller wedding, there are a number of things you can do to make it as bigger hit as larger weddings, while still keeping it intimate. One of those things is to have a winter wedding. Summer weddings tend to spread out more. Some people move outside to smoke, some to cool down, some move outside just to chat, some will move just to enjoy the evening. While all of these things can still happen during a winter wedding, people will spend less time outside in the cold, meaning your dance floor will stay a hit for longer!

Summer

Warm

Warmer weather does bring some benefits with it. Your portrait sessions wont have you throwing on a thick coat between shots. You can sit outside your reception and have a good chat without freezing and you don’t have to worry about finding a nice cape to wear with your dress.

Outdoor wedding is good option

This goes hand in hand with the above point. Outdoor ceremonies and receptions are stunning, but would be a bit too cold for in winter.

Longer days

This one I would encourage you to give a bit of extra thought to. Longer days obviously mean you can fit a lot more in. But why does that matter? Bridal prep takes long! The bigger your bridal party, the longer it takes. Starting prep at the before the sun is up sounds crazy, but that might be something that has to be done. Remember you have to fit in all the bridal party prep, bride prep, bridal portraits, bridal party portraits, first looks with parents, wedding ceremony, congratulations, family portraits, and then only couple portraits. And you will need to leave time between each incase anything runs over time.

Rich and vibrant colours

This one is pretty self explanatory, but if you love bright green trees, and colourful flowers in your portraits, then you want to get married in summer.

Still winter vs summer weddings undecided? Go have a look at some more of my blogs.

Winter weddings:

Sandra & Paul Wedding

Kementha & Yegin Wedding

Kimi & Dom Covid Elopement

Summer Weddings:

Anthea & Connal Wedding

Simone & Mark Vow Renewal

Nicola & Francois Wedding

What are your thoughts on summer vs winter weddings?