To paraphrase a once popular oldie…for every wedding there is a season. Knowing what that season is will help you choose a wedding date, which is one of the most important planning decisions you’ll make as a couple.
Where do you even start?
- Consider the weather
- Make sure your season fits your venue
- Plan well ahead (even a year or more)
- Book for the entire weekend
- Think about the advantages and disadvantages of each season
For every couple, the process is completely unique, and that’s part of what makes your wedding date so special to you. We hope by sharing some insights we can help you find the perfect time of year to say “I do.”
Take
the weather into account
The most popular months to get married anywhere in the country, are June,
September, and October and it’s no surprise — because the weather is
absolutely beautiful in early summer and fall. In general, you can plan for weather
based on past records and standards, but always remember to continue to track
it throughout your planning process as well.
The best way to plan for unseasonably strange weather is to add some cushion in your budget for items like throws, heaters or fans. Think about your guests and their comfort level.
Make sure the season fits the venue
The season is especially important to consider if you’re planning an outdoor wedding ceremony and/or a lovely rustic wedding reception. This means the best time of year for a farm wedding in Winchester, or anywhere in Virginia is April through June, and September through early November.
Plan well ahead
If you wait until the last minute, you can’t expect to get the season, date and venue of your choice. That’s why it’s critical to make plans well in advance…even a year or more.
Many venues, including Six Pastures Farm, are currently taking reservations well into Fall of 2021, a year and a half away. If you want to get married when and where you want, you shouldn’t hesitate to book your first choice as soon as possible.
Book for the entire weekend
You don’t want to feel rushed. You need time to set up, get ready, entertain out-of-town guests and your bridal party – even relax a bit.
Many venues schedule multiple events per day and per weekend, which can be a major hassle and annoyance. Six Pastures Farm schedules just one event per weekend for one affordable fee.
This allows you to set up, decorate and hold your rehearsal the day prior to your ceremony. You have use of the guest house for wedding party prep the day of your event. Then you can return the following day to retrieve personal items, decorations, etc., left behind. You also receive other unique perks such as a day of coordinator/planner, golf cart with driver to shuttle guests and the wedding party around the venue plus a restroom attendant to refresh and replenish.
There’s no rush to get out, because there’s not another event coming in right after yours or waiting because the event prior to yours is running late! Talk about reducing stress!!
The advantages of each of the seasons
Many couples want to avoid winter because of the cold, the possibility of snow, the flight delays for out of towners, the road conditions, the problems getting around in slush and on ice, and the limited venues for outdoor ceremonies or barn receptions. (Winter is not the best time of year for a farm wedding in Winchester.) Dead of summer as well, can be a challenge simply due to HEAT. So, we’ll discuss a few pros for Spring and Fall weddings.
Choose Spring if you…
- Love the season’s natural romantic beauty and blooming bursts of color
- Want the best lighting for outdoor photography
- Want maximum hours of daylight for photos
- Desire maximum flower availability
Choose Fall if you…
- Love the deeper, richer autumn colors that make mouths drop
- Want a bit more predictable weather
- Reduce your spending on decorations, with the beauty of the changing colors of nature around you
- Prefer comfortable temps after the sun goes down
Give us a shout if you are thinking about booking your wedding at Six Pastures. Want to tour the property, including our gorgeous “Flying Pig” barn perfect for parties and receptions? Give us a call at (703) 868-1331 or drop us a line via the contact form, and we’ll be back in touch with you shortly.