The benefits of off peak weddings

Are you struggling to work out how to create that perfect wedding day, but can’t quite afford to have it all? The biggest way to save money is to be smart with your wedding day! We're talking about going "off piste" and considering an "off peak" wedding.

When it comes to weather, the summer months are predicted to be the best of the year. Having your wedding booked for June, July, August doesn’t however guarantee you the sun will be shining. The last few years have seen April, September and October especially filled with long sunny days and glorious blue skies creating that enviable backdrop to any wedding photos. There are also drawbacks with too much sunshine and heat on your wedding day too though, have you considered just how hot it’ll be in your dress or your groom in his suit? Does the venue have sufficient air con to keep your guests cool and happy? These are all points to remember with that all-important summer wedding!

According to the latest bridebook survey, the most popular wedding season is now Summer (44%), followed by Autumn (26%), and Spring (22%). Just 8% of couples opt for a winter wedding. With one of the largest costs being venue hire (the average being £6152) many venues offer discounts for quieter months. If you've fallen in love with a venue but can't afford the price tag for a Saturday in Summer, why not opt for a Winter wedding and perhaps even go one step further and go mid week? Worried about breaking the tradition of having a wedding on a Saturday? Don't be! Almost half of couples had Non-Saturday weddings (44%). For alternative wedding weekdays, Fridays are popular with 18% of weddings, as well as Sundays which represent 9% of weddings. Those that really want to be present for your wedding will do there upmost to be there and given plenty of time for them to plan it into their diary gives them the best chance.

Check out Whitewed Approved Wellington Barn-their usual hire rate for a Summer Wedding package (includes venue hire and food) is £9850, but book the same package for a winter wedding and the price for a Saturday goes down to £7150. You could even go one step further and save a further £1000 by marrying on a Friday. If you're having to cut things out of your budget to make the numbers work for a summer wedding then this could put almost £4000 back in your pocket to spend!

If you are happy to look out of season, you’re less likely to be disappointed if the rain does fall (and perhaps get gorgeous images like this one below?!). Venues in the winter month can be simply gorgeous and you can go to town with decorating and offering seasonal food, drinks (did someone say mulled wine!?) and even a theme if you like. This is the ideal time to get creative, again saving money.

How about a Christmas themed wedding – Christmas trees are an inexpensive way to dramatically change the look of a venue, and most venues already have them, again saving you money. If your heart is set on a marquee or barn, don’t be put off to still consider these venues in the wintery months. Talk to the venue and find out what heating provisions they have. You’ll most likely find that they have brilliant heater systems and may even have the added benefits of outdoor fire pits or heaters which will only add to the ambience and character.

So, don’t think of your dream venue or wedding as out of budget or un-achievable - just a little compromise may be required. By picking your date wisely and considering booking out of season, you may well open up your options to having everything that you want.

Happy planning!