I love this book. I love it for the Dr. Strangelove reference in the Table of Contents. I love it for the cover art. I love it for the countless tips that are actually incredibly useful and not just more of the same ol’ same ol’. But most of all I love it because I truly believe this country would be a better place if more people got over the idea that they have to go into debt to have an “amazing” wedding and actually started their marriage off honestly, frugally and yes, a little offbeat.
I’m probably going to piss a lot of people off here, but I feel like I need to say it. You don’t NEED the big gigantic wedding, okay? You don’t NEED to put your parents in debt and whine like a baby that you need a bigger budget so that you can have surf and turf instead of chicken and salad served “family style”. You don’t need to have the 5-tier cake. Cake is cake, okay?
I’m glad I got that out of the way. Now, if you’re thinking you don’t want to read this book because you don’t need another holier-than-though liberal telling you how to plan your wedding, don’t worry. The author is NOTHING like that. In fact, she explains ever so sweetly in the introduction that she wants “to encourage you to craft a wedding that’s honest and authentic- not to tell you there’s anything wrong with coveting a white dress or recognizing your faith in your ceremony”. So relax! This book is inspiring and encouraging and something a little different from the traditional book on the topic of weddings. I think any bride could glean a multitude of inspiration from this book, not just the tattooed and mohawk-sportin’ ones.
Offbeat Bride: Creative Alternatives for Independent Brides is the 2nd edition by Ariel Meadow Stallings. She also has a killer blog on the same topic (as well as a blog for offbeat mommas!). The author is hilarious and the structure is appealing. One can read it cover to cover and get a chronological account of the author’s own wedding extravaganza, otherwise one can jump around from chapter to chapter (there are 43 mini chapters).
There are countless tips in this book that will really save you. For example, the author mentions that using evite.com might sound like a brilliant idea to manage RSVPs but to keep in mind that the comments cannot be moderated. Something like this is huge! You don’t want someone saying anything ugly or inappropriate online in front of your entire guest list. Something like that could seriously stress you out and you have enough stress as it is!
But there is more than just e-advice. There is real hands-on advice featuring ways to get crafty and pull off a stunning frugal wedding. The author interviewed several people across the country who were offbeat brides or grooms and include their advice, tips and stories on almost every page. I wish I would have known about this book when I had my own frugal and offbeat wedding 5 years ago!
One of my favorite pieces of advice is on page 43. The “smidge above” rule. When it comes to makeup, says the author, “. . .bridal beauty preparations should, at the most, be only a smidge more than your typical beauty routine.” So true! I don’t know how many times I have looked at wedding pictures from various brides who don’t normally wear makeup in everyday life (as I know them) but then went buck wild and hired a professional makeup artist to “glamour shot them up”. I always look at those pictures and think, who is that? A lot of the times, too much makeup can be distracting and look really plastic. To think some people pay all that money to have makeup applied that is practically dripping off come reception time in scary to me. Be who you are! You are the same person when you wake up tomorrow, you don’t need to be transformed to have a good wedding. He’s marrying you for who you are. If heavy makeup is an everyday occurrence for you, then by all means- go for the airbrushed-on glitz fest!
Remember, the average couple in America spends $30,000 on their wedding. Is it worth it for one day? It blows my mind how so many people happily accept that kind of money from a parent to spend on their wedding, almost expecting the parent to take out a second mortgage on their house just so they can have their “dream wedding.” I think that if you read this book, you might have a new perspective. You might see that a beautiful wedding is possible with less money. Remember, I am just as married (my wedding budget was $1,000) as the person who spent $100,000 and I hate to say it but I think my chances of staying together are higher. We have a hell of a lot less stress on us financially.
Now for the FUN PART! Seal Press is giving away 5 copies of this book!
All you have to do to be entered to win is post a comment below answering the following question:
Which season do you think is the best to get married during? Are you a fan of the fall? Are summer weddings at the lake a blast? Does Spring say “new beginning” for you?
For a second chance to win, you can tweet this giveaway (but please let me know you did so in a separate comment).
The contest will close at midnight, March 6th. I will post the winners on March 7th. Books will be mailed directly from the publisher. I will contact you for your shipping address if you are a winner.
The contest is open to anyone living in either the U.S. or Canada. Also, you do not need to be a bride-to-be to enter. This book would make a great gift!
Update: This contest is closed. The winners were:
#16 Red
#98 Lauren Dixon
#74 Kelly
#30 Gabrielle
#89 Victoria
An email has been sent to the winners with instructions. Please check your spam folders if you do not see it, it may have gotten stuck there. Thanks everyone for commenting!
125 Comments
As a teacher, who is marrying a teacher, I like summer weddings the best.
While I know not everyone has the perk of summers off, I think summers are a more flexible time for most people. It is also warm, which is so much better for having to dress up!
Kristine- I agree with a lot of what you are saying. As I am in the process of planning my own wedding I am shocked at some of the costs of weddings and the craziness associated with weddings. Ours will be a nice wedding with our own quirkiness throughout…and it will cost far less than $30,000!!
Kristine, I myself had a affordable Summer wedding! It was beautiful outside wedding we did not spend alot at all! But, if I had to do it all over again I would choose a FAll wedding! The beautiful Colors of Fall are cheap Decoration for a outside wedding! I totally agree that people spend way to much money on one day! It is ridiculus! When that money could be put towards a down payment on a house!
I think fall is the perfect time to get married. Crisp, bright days, cool, smoky nights that smell like burning leaves. Gorgeous colors: orange, yellow, brown, red. October is the perfect month anyway, so getting married in October would make it even more awesome.
I think Fall is the best time to get married. The leaves are beautiful and it isn’t too hot or too cold. I am getting married this Fall and am confident about my season choice!
I’m biased towards a fall wedding because that’s what we’re currently planning — it’s our favorite season and we don’t handle the summer heat (or spring mud) very well. While we’re not using fall colors as our own, we think the crisp, classically romantic feeling of an autumn day suits our needs.
I <3 the Offbeat Bride blog, and it's helping me stay realistic and true to our own wishes for the big day.
I think summer weddings are awesome because your venue can be just about anywhere, as long as there is space for people to stand you’re good to go!
I vote for autumn…weather’s still nice and sunny, but the air is crisp and clean. Low humidity = no makeup meltdowns or bad hair days. Plus, the fall foliage makes for a lovely, rich and warm color palette. Can you tell my wedding’s booked for October?
And I tweeted it! Miraz38 is the user name there also
I think Spring is perfect to get married in, the promise of good weather without being too hot. A nice goodbye to the winter and hello to getting to spend the entire summer with your new husband
…and since I discovered this via twitter, I’m retweeting!
I am planning a summer wedding for 2011 or 2012! I love the summertime, and I hope to have an outdoors wedding.
Autumn has just the right color combos and the perfect weather in Louisiana
Q: Which season do you think is the best to get married during?
A: Fall…I;ve always thought October would be best!
Q: Are you a fan of the fall?
A: Very much!! October is my favorite month!
Q: Are summer weddings at the lake a blast?
A: I’ve never attended one, but I would imagine it could be done quite beautifully!
Q: Does Spring say “new beginning” for you?
A: Yes…I am not a fan of snow, so it is such a nice relief when Spring comes!
Good afternoon!
I have to concur with Heather that Autumn is definitely the best time of the year to tie the knot. Aside from the easy theme and the bargain decorations that are available (five steps into the woods, bend over, pick up clean leaves, done!), it’s that time of the year when everything feels as if it is kick starting back into gear. The beginning of school, Halloween, Thanksgiving, family get-togethers infinitem. And depending on where you are geographically, it can also be ideal weather for an outdoor ceremony. I’d prefer to marry my fellow when the leaves are bright and the year is winding down so we can huddle together as newlyweds when the snow begins to fall (and I will next year!)
“I’d prefer to marry my fellow when the leaves are bright and the year is winding down so we can huddle together as newlyweds when the snow begins to fall.”
i could not have said it any better nor could i agree any more!
Yes, that is a great quote!
I love fall weddings simply because that is my favorite season. With that said, I’m having a spring wedding. Could really use that copy of the book
I really love the fall for a wedding especially down here in the South. Less rain!
Fall! We’re getting married in the fall because we love the cooler weather and the warm colors!
As much as I would enjoy a fall wedding, I, myself, think spring would be a wonderful time to have a wedding. The weather is almost ideal- not too hot or not too cold, but you may need to worry about rain, but you usually have a somewhat heads up on that.
While I am getting married this summer, if my fiancé and I could start from scratch (and not have to worry about schedules of guests!), we’d change it to a winter wedding. He and I are both fans of rather formal, heavy clothing that isn’t suited to the heat and humidity of a Maryland summer. Jewel tones sparkle under candlelight, and the whole season just has a very dignified overtone that naturally lends itself to the whole ritual feeling of a wedding – but doesn’t overpower the fact that everyone wants to have fun!
My second choice would be a fall wedding for the reasons mentioned by commenters above – the gorgeous scenery that mother nature is putting out herself, the trees dressed to the nine’s in red, vermillion, scarlet, gold, orange, burnt sienna – you name it.
I’m going to have a Summer wedding. I’m also marrying a teacher! But if I had my druthers, I would have gone for October. It’s beautiful here in the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s almost a combo of Spring, summer and Autumn. I think that now matter when you get married you can do it on a budget. With OBB’s help and support I”m doing it! We’re getting married at his parent Pistachio Ranch in the Valley with a theme of an outdoors concert and boy it’s going to be fun!! Hot…And FUN!!! I think when you get married needs to come from within not just when it’s “popular” or “cheaper”. Anything is then possible!
You never know what you are going to get out there do you? Our honeymoon was in San Francisco and it was an unbelievable 90 degrees March 7th!
We had a summer wedding last year. We are still in college many of our friends are as well. Summer was the only time everyone we loved would be free. Also, we were married in a park outdoors so we spent $0 on decorations or flowers.
Also, I tweeted the contest.
http://twitter.com/Kitosaki
I’m getting married this October so obviously I think fall is the best time to get married. Halloween is my favorite holiday and you can always find fun, cheap decorations for a Halloween themed wedding!
I have always been in love VISUALLY with fall weddings. The palate of jewel tones and rich oranges and browns is just beautiful to me!
That said, I have a late summer wedding in my future.
Fall here (Seattle) is just a little dreary for my taste and we have a ton of out-of-town guests who have never seen the area. Summer is SPECTACULAR up here, so I want them to get a good first impression. haha
I will say though, I have seen weddings in every season that I thought were just jaw-dropping gorgeous. I’ll take one of each, please! (same man, though
) Hmmm, maybe a vowel renewal for each season? I like where my brain is going…
kristine,
i would have to go ahead and say fall! i love everything about that time of year. the sunset occurs at just the right time of day. the leaves are perfectly colored to backlight ANY bride. you could choose a resort out of season and get great rates on the food and service, or (and i LOVE this idea) you could go au natural and have the 25 close friends and family hike to a gorgeously lit clearing and have the ceremony there! and it is usually still warm enough to host a bonfire after party if one wishes!! man, i love autumn!
Yes, that sounds about perfect!
I love the early fall when everything is just starting to turn but you still have the heat of summer. I wanted to do summer at a lake but the times just didn’t match up for anyone. And oooh it would have been nothing but a huge party. As for spring, it probably works out great for lots of people to have that fresh new life effect, but my god here in Calgary, Alberta you get the dead, barren effect most years because of a late frost so I wouldn’t do it myself!
Hi,
I’d love to get married in fall – a beautiful indian summer day with leaves in red and yellow all around… Not only because I don’t like summer but also for those custom-made buttoned-up booties I’d like to wear to the victorian dress…
Best wishes from Vienna, Austria,
Klaudia
Autumn (or fall in Americanese) weddings have got to take the prize you get the warm weather combined with the vivid backdrop of the changing colours of the season, just beautiful!
I love the fall, but I also hate the cold. I was born in the summer, but hate that EVERYONE gets married in the summer. So I’m planning my wedding for spring. It’s getting warm and the the world is just coming alive. Perfect.
After experiencing the brutal heat of a desert summer, and the frigid misery of a northeastern winter, (and having devoted my autumn entirely to Halloween and birthdays), spring has to have my vote. I have my heart set on an outdoor afternoon wedding, so what better time of year? The air is fresh, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming! It’s warm enough to get married barefoot, and not to hot to play games during the reception.
Here in Wisconsin, I think summer weddings are the best because of all the wonderful local food available at that time of the year!
We are going to vacation in Bayfield come June. I hope the local food is good then too!
While I like spring weddings for the break from winter, I know enough teachers I have to go with summer as the best season for weddings. We’re planning a June wedding, only because one of the groomsmen won’t get off school until a few days earlier. As long as the weather holds up, we’ll be in my parents’ backyard with decorations handed down from grandparents and other relatives.
I like fall weddings the best. The colors outside are brilliant (at least in the Midwest where we actually have seasons) and it isn’t too cold or too hot. It just seems so snug and romantic in the fall. That said, I am having a summer wedding because when you work at a school, you can’t take time off in the fall. But I wish I could!
I think the Fall time is best! The colors (at least where I am in Colorado) are the most beautiful of any season (also, orange and purple are my favorite colors together so fall is perfect for that). I’m also not a big fan of the heat, so fall time is perfect for an outdoor wedding where everyone isn’t sweating to death. And the smell of burning fireplaces in the air and the sound of breeze through the leaves is the cake topper for me!
My dream is to move back to Colorado one day!
Kristine,
The best time to have a wedding is in the fall, so yes I am a big fan of fall. My own wedding was in the middle of September when it is still warm but not too warm. Although, my California family thought it was a bit nippy for them. Smaller weddings are less costly and definitely more intimate. I had my wedding in a small chapel on the grounds of the Bethel campus. It was built in the 1800′s and there were only 20 or so very important people present. Since a piano would not fit in the space, we had a harpist do the music. She was a friend of my husbands so very little expense there. I did all the decorations myself with some help from my sister, I made my wedding dress and decided to have everyone take photos. We could not afford a photographer and I wasn’t about to go into debt for one. But everyone sent us their photos, no posed photos just lots of candid ones. It was the best!
Autumn weddings are so wonderful–beautiful fall foliage and autumny colors!
I don’t think a specific season is best to get married in. At most, I’ll answer this question with an “in-between” seasons. But, realistically, it doesn’t matter WHEN you get married. And it doesn’t matter what season is best. All that matters is that you are celebrating a wonderful relationship
Very true!
Tweeted it, too!
http://twitter.com/lenamh
I really love the idea of an early fall wedding, but I think April would also make for a lovely month to marry. I love the traditional fall colors better than spring. I do also love the symbolism of a spring wedding, new beginnings, babies, new life, love, activity, growth, etc. They are both great times for weddings. Summer and Winter weddings are unique and dynamic because the weather really plays a large part on venue/dress/recreation (a river wedding anyone?). I dislike the heat and sunburn I typically experience at a summer wedding, and similarly dislike the cold of winter.
i would think the best time to get married in is in the beginning of summer right before it gets too hot but it sets a beautiful atmosphere of after-spring-type feeling and not having to worry too much about rain or being too windy.
That’s true- wind can be a nightmare!!
I love Summer weddings, because I love the weather… and because I’m getting married in August. I’m a little biased.
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/AZinAugust/status/9792799066
When I began dreaming of my perfect wedding, I knew that fall was perfect for my fiance, Bryan, and I. Neither of us enjoy the hot weather of the summer and, as Oregon natives, the spring brings lots of rain. We have chosen early fall (October 10) for our wedding because of the beautiful colors, the cheaper prices for the off season,the opportunity for mild, dry weather in Oregon, and all of the other fun that goes with early West Coast fall weddings.
I can’t say what month is the best month for everyone to get married in, just myself. So with that in mind, I choose summer. Why? Because it’s hot and I love the heat. And the cute little dress I’m considering would freeze my butt off if I tried to get married in any other month.
i sent a tweet
http://twitter.com/jarofpickle
I like winter and spring best. Summer and fall in Phoenix, Arizona are just too dicey! Winter may be a cheaper option and it gives your relatives an excuse to get out of the snow. If I lived in a cooler climate, my answer would probably be different!
Oh how I wish I had an excuse to vacation south during this Minnesota winter! Good thinking!
FanTAStic little article, here.
We are planning to have our down-to-earth wedding late spring, right when strawberries come in season! The supper menu will be ALL local and organic ingredients, most of which will come from a small farm I interned on last spring.
Sounds like my kind of wedding!
Winter all the way. Never been a fan of hot hot summer days – snowy backdrops, gloves, open fireplaces and maybe a shawl to keep you toasty.
I am a large frequenter of the blog; it was like a godsend when I discovered it. I’m not getting married for about another two years, but already I’m getting into arguments with my family about what I should be doing and the cost.
I love early summer/late spring from May to June. I know it’s peak wedding season, but it’s the time when all my favorite flowers are in bloom. I’ve always wanted a garden wedding. In June, the weather is warm and sunny, but not yet blistering hot that you’re melting the minute you walk out, at least in NC.
I tweeted this as well.
http://twitter.com/Lansama
I think that the winter is the best time to get married. Though I am partial to the lovely snowy landscape of Colorado. I just think snuggling up to the man of my dreams on our wedding night, and watching the snow fall will be amazing. Then, come spring, when new life comes to the planet we can really begin our new lives together.
As much as I hate the cold, I love winter weddings. There’s something so sweet about a bride in a white crochet cardigan. And what with the chilled air, and the chance of snow, everyone huddles together inside, making it much more intimate.
Plus it gives me an excuse to have hot coffee and cake instead of a formal dinner! ^_^
I love going to summer weddings, but I have always wanted a winter one. When it comes time, we shall see which season we pick!
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/CyraEm
http://twitter.com/dianarchy/status/9797040600
here’s my second entry!
We both instantly decided on a spring wedding, not only because it will be around the anniversary of our first date and a good year after our proposal, but also because we want an outdoors wedding. Here in Florida, summer is waaaaaaaaay too hot and rainy, winter is too unpredictable, and fall….well, we don’t really have a fall (consider it a continuation of summer). Spring marks the birth and beginning of our new lives as husband and wife and having it in a garden (our plan) will reinstate that. There is nothing like the sweet aroma of nearby blooming flowers and the fluttering of butterflies as we recite our vows and express our love for each other.
fall has always been my favorite season, but the idea of a spring garden wedding just feels right…beautiful flowers & bright sunny skies:)
I’m with ya!
“Summertime, and the livin’ in easy…”
We think Nina Simone had it right, and so decided to have our wedding in July here in Colorado, when the days are long and sunny and the nights are cool. That means a short afternoon ceremony and partying long into the night–all outdoors!
Also, for my fiancé, Walker, and I, having as much of our (very large) families there as possible is the most important thing, and since most of them have kids, summer is the best season to get the families together!
I think as long as it is warm that day I am good. Therefore I would prefer end of summer and beginning of fall.
i re-tweeted too http://twitter.com/circlesare4ever
I love summer weddings because I love being outside. Warm evening air is great for dancing, relaxing and chatting with guests!
I plan to hold my dream wedding in the fall. Being a bit offbeat myself, I love the eerie, magical time during the Halloween season. I also love the mild weather and the picturesque scenes to be found around the U.S. during the season.
I would love to see pictures of your eerie Halloween wedding!!! I can see something like that with moss hanging from live oak trees. . .
I’ve always wanted to get married in the winter! Having never lived in a snowy city, I associate winter with rain and I love rain! I realize that rain can be problematic for planing a weddng but it’s soooo pretty when it’s coming down. I’d never want to do an outdoor event in any condition bc you can never predict Mother Nature, so cold weather would work well with my ideas.
I love summer! I think my dream wedding would be probably somewhere tropical on a white sand beach
But since it was Paul’s only condition or opinion in the wedding planning, we are going to Vegas, in October… lol I guess it will probably still be hot at least. We were thinking that it would be a lot cheaper doing it there, but now we have to think about the most affordable way to do the reception at home. I would LOVE to read this book and see what kind of tips she has for me : )
Oh yeah and my Tweet : )
http://twitter.com/AmandaLee49
As a marriage celebrant all seasons are wonderful, but my personal favorite for brides in Australia is Autumn. It’s the time of harvest, Celtic Marbon, a time to celebrate the bounty of the year and what better way to celebrate than with a wedding ceremony? The air is cool, so fancy clothes are more comfortable, especially for the men, the trees are changing colour and add beauty to the photography, the weather is usually clear and the skies bright blue and the earth is glowing with change.
I tweeted as well http://twitter.com/Ozquilter
I believe spring weddings are the best, it is the time of year for a garden or an outdoor wedding. Mother nature provides a background of color for photographes and exchanging promises of love and loyality. It is a time of new beginnings as trees bud out, and flowers put forth their first blooms of the season. It is the best time to begin a new life with the man of your dreams. It hard not to smile when a beautiful bride walks down the aisle of an outside wedding. The warm sun on your skin, the smell of flowers in the air, and a beautiful maiden dressed in white. A spring wedding is the best outside activity after being stuck indoors during cold weather. It is a time to gather together friends and family and celebrate a new season, spring is also the best time to celebrate the endless possibilty that a wedding offers. Mother Nature abounds in all her glory at a spring wedding, it is as if she herself gives your union her blessing.
Being from the Midwest, I knew right away I wanted a late spring/early summer outdoor wedding. It’s not too hot and not too cold. Fall in the Midwest is really beautiful too, but it can get a bit chilly. Plus you have football season to contend with. Lol. I think what really solidified it for me though was this picture I saw online of a smiling bride surrounded by her bridesmaids, each in bright blue dresses and holding lovely red and yellow bouquets. The picture just screamed SUMMER! And right away I knew that was the wedding I wanted: colorful, sunny, and all smiles.
“football season to contend with” You must be from Nebraska! Those Nebraskans are crazy about their Huskers and probably would skip a wedding in order to watch a game. . . grrrrrr. I feel like I can say that. I grew up there!
I have added you to my facebook and twitter page, My twitter is Syeirashadowfox, and my facebook is under Jennifer Williams.
OMG, i would LOVE a copy of this book, especially the second edition!
I believe all of the seasons have their strengths. I love that spring is all about new growth on plants and flowers blooming, which is perfect for an outdoor wedding, because nature is the best decor! The only thing with spring is the fact that it is during a very busy time of the year for people, esp. students, and in a place like South Louisiana, the weather can be VERY unpredictable! I’m not a huge fan of summer weddings, because of the heat & the fact that I would sunburn standing outside for more than 5 minutes in a dress, lol. Plus, hurricane seasons have been quite active in the last few years. Fall (late October, early November) is perfect for many people, and was for us, because the plants are still in bloom, the weather isn’t TOO hot, and the weather tends to be a little more predictable. I love looking at pictures of winter weddings because there’s a beauty in how bare nature is at this time. This is my very long-winded opinions.
I don’t think there’s a ‘best’ time of year, but I personally think the whole June bride thing is a bit over-rated. I think each time of year has possibilties for cool & interesting weddings- summer beach, fall has great colors and folliage, winter can have wonderland type things & spring with the flowers etc.
Here in Minnesota, early fall is definitely best. Anytime before June you’re in danger of being snowed out, but as soon as the snow danger ends there’s the danger of melting your guests. Minnesota Septembers, however, are gorgeous.
I am currently planning a Spring Equinox beach wedding. I think springtime is a great time to get married. Especially in Florida since it is already in the 70′s but doesn’t have the grueling humidity that summer brings. Plus it is just a beautiful time of year down here. It represents new growths and new beginnings.
Sounds beautiful!
Wow, this sounds like a great and interesting book. I like the idea of a Fall wedding b/c it’s my favorite season. It’s not freezing and snowy like the winter but it’s not sooo hot like the summer and it’s more likely to rain in the Spring, though that would be my second pick!
“Which season do you think is the best to get married during?”
Summer or spring. Most wedding dresses you can’t bundle too much or it doesn’t show the true glory. Being as the question wasn’t for me in general…. (personally I’d pick fall or winter myself. I’d love a wedding when it’s just POURING rain.)
“Are you a fan of the fall?”
Very much a fan! I like Rain, wind, hail, snow, and fog so I would have to say that fall AND winter are my total favorites.
” Are summer weddings at the lake a blast?”
Only if you like sunburns and beer. I personally have a deep fear of dark water so both lake and sea are WAY out of the question.
“Does Spring say “new beginning” for you?”
I think it says “new beginning” for everyone. Emotionally does it mean anything? No. Here in the part of California that I live it means “Miserable hot weather is starting- and there are bugs.” To me the word “spring” means time to look for a good air conditioner ASAP.
I would personally prefer a summer wedding! I’d like to be outside, and summer seems a bit more predictable (to me, anyway).
Retweeted from puppetpusher!
Which season do you think is the best to get married during?
Early Winter, because inside is awesomely cosey and light showers are so wonderfully romantic. Who doesn’t love kisses in the rain?
Which season do you think is the best to get married during?: It really depends on location, but I definitely would NOT get married in the winter. (Too cold!)
Are you a fan of the fall? Yeah, I like the colors. I wish fall lasted longer.
Are summer weddings at the lake a blast? It sure sounds like it would be!
Does Spring say “new beginning” for you? YES!
Best season? That would be winter. Why? Because it is an untapped market of great savings and great ideas for a bride. Because most weddings are traditionally in the summer months a winter wedding is ALWAYS easier to book, plan, and budget for. Vendors are far more willing to cut you an exceptional deal when their business is slower. Which is a GREAT thing for you and your checkbook.
Additionally there are so many stunning options for decor, flowers, and pretties when it comes to the colder more festive months of the year. Have you ever walked in a room decorated in evergreen, candle light, and orange blossoms? I have and the scent and esthetic is breath taking. All while being completely in reach of even the tightest budget. Add a little holiday spirit by serving your guests apple cider, cocoa, eggnog and gingerbread cookies during cocktail hour.
So many great ideas! You just have to seek them out!
I love winter weddings. My own wedding will be in January. I just think cold weather is so romantic. What is better than cuddling up with your honey in front of a warm fire with a cup of hot cocoa?
Mandy
The Future Mrs. Medeiros
I’ve always wanted an outdoor Fall wedding. The scenery and colors makes it all the more beautiful.
Fall allows for a wide variety of locations, decorations, food and dress. The color palate of a fall wedding is breathtaking. So many colors, decorating is half done for you! With the possibility of cooler weather it may make dressing a lot more comfortable. Though spring can be just as eventful. Flowers coming in to bloom, the fresh smell of greening trees, pastels! Shedding away winter with a bright spring wedding can be just what family and friends need!
We are having our wedding in the fall because NYC has temperate weather then and we want to have it outdoors in the park!
I also just tweeted it (@aprilbd)
Would love to win a copy.
I want everything about my wedding to yell fun, bright, and happy, so summer’s it for me. I’d like to get married outside, and with summer you get nice weather, long days, and beautiful surroundings. Winter is too somber, spring is too muddy, and fall is too orange.
Plus, the flowers are cheaper.
Summer would be my choice (and I hope to plan my wedding for the summer 2011). My ideal place is on the beach (I know it’s corny), I grew up in Israel and spent so much time on the beach. I think it’s such a relaxed setting, but romantic as well.
If budget wouldn’t be an issue I would love to get married somewhere exotic (Bali of Fiji) or in New York, in Art Nouveau setting with jazz band, very old school and elegant
I’d go for Bali or Fiji!
Although summer weddings are pretty expected, I still think it’s the optimal time for a wedding — mostly because people who are in school/teach are more likely to be able to attend. Despite having to deal with unpredictable weather and possibly bugs, summer picnic weddings are always my favorite. I love the relaxed atmosphere.
Can’t get over the winter ‘mountain-top’ wedding I just attended…so far away from the norm here in nebraska – and it was by far, the simplest, most unique, wedding I’ve ever been to. Maybe a vow renewal for me could happen on a mountain!
I’m getting married in late August, on the cusp of summer and fall. To me, the priority was to be able to have my ceremony outdoors. While there’s never a guarantee of nice weather at any time of year, I’m playing the odds that I’ll get a good day that’s not painfully hot.
The book sounds really helpful – and if I weren’t trying so hard to keep my parents happy I’d be having a much more “offbeat” wedding myself!
I think spring is a pretty decent time to get married. Yes, venues may charge more, but there are plenty of parks that work wonderfully. Spring is just a happy time; sun, flowers poking up, etc.
Definitely Fall. Our wedding date is September 18, 2010. Growing up in Southwestern PA I got to experience EVERY season to the fullest (let’s just say that winters can be rough with those lake-effect storms). Autumn was always my favorite season. There’s just something about the crisp air and that smell…ah…the smell. Hayrides and bonfires. Apple cider and smores. Raking the leaves until you had a pile big enough to jump right in. Luckily, my future husband loves fall as much as I do! Wow, I just had some awesome photo-op ideas. Just think what I could do with this book as a reference! ;o)
Spring definitely. Of course, that’s when my wedding was, maybe I’m a bit biased?
Definitely a winter wedding in Canada! I just got engaged a week ago, and I am hoping to get married next February. It may sound ridiculous, but I think it will be funny having to gather my dress in my arms to walk to the car amongst all the snow. Plus, it will make for great pictures.
I was married almost 27 years ago this July in southern CA. So, if I were doing it again I would pick Spring time for my wedding. I love Fall in the Midwest for a wedding-just stay clear of the rain. Never been to a lake wedding during the summer but I would image like all things at the lake in summer time a wedding would be a blast. Spring new all the way!
Best of luck to all you brides to be. If I win I will pass it onto a good friend of mine getting married this year. Thanks! Missy
I tweeted as well! REALLY REALLY REALLY hope I win this book!
http://twitter.com/Lovealulu
Tweet complete. Look forward to your reply.
I would have to say Fall wedding… since my wedding is scheduled for Thanksgiving weekend! I think the colors are gorgeous and slightly “off-beat” which is awesome. =)
Being from Florida I think summer weddings are the best!
My little sister is getting ready to start planning her wedding and she is totally against the “BIG” weddings…she doesn’t want to spend more the 5,000.00 for the whole thing – ceremony and reception. I think this book would be a GREAT help to her! Thank you!!!
i think spring is ideal thanks
I have to go with spring because you are more likely to have warmer weather without being TOO warm and having to worry about sweating in your dress.
fall would be my choice (and it was!) The weather is just great and I love the fall colors.
I like it temperate, so Spring and Fall are best to me. I do love the positive energy that exists in Spring with everything coming back to life and all of the beautiful colors. Summer is far too hot for me (in Georgia!) and Winter weddings are beautiful when done with a focus on the season itself (Winter Wonderland, faux fur, icicles, etc.) but we are getting married 10-23-10 because Fall (especially in North Carolina where we are getting hitched) is seriously stunning!! It really is like free decorations when the mountains are carpeted in gorgeous warm reds, oranges, golds, etc.
Weeee!
“mountains are carpeted” *sigh* Yes indeed that sounds perfect!
I absolutely love FALL weddings! Not just because that’s when my fiance and I are getting married, but also because of the drama of the fall scenery. Who doesn’t love trees glowing with red and golden foliage and cool crisp evenings with the bluest skies ever. Also, where we live in Colorado, there are frequent afternoon “monsoons” in the summer, but by September that all fades away and the weather is just perfect!
Groom here…
We’ve always been a fan of the Fall. We are big camping/hiking people and being outdoors in the Fall in the woods makes for a perfect (wedding) day for us.
And the cool evenings lend themselves to bonfires and drum circles, which we are also fans of.
I’d really love to win this for my future wife. She’s working hard to put together a rockin affair and this book would be a big help. *fingers crossed*
I think the best season to get married in is the summer. Warm sunny weather is the best in my opinion. It would work perfect for me, my lil boy will be one next summer so he could participate
I was in a fall wedding before and it was nice but the pictures were outdoors for the beautiful colors, and I was cold, the breeze was chilly but then again I am a freeze baby
No, I don’t think spring means a new beginning.
Spring is the best. But Im Getting married in July