When is the Best Time to get Married?
When it comes to getting married there are soooo many decisions to make; location, dress, food, bridal party, flowers, celebrant, rings, invites, decorations, entertainment. But what is the best time to get married? This is a question I would answer based on the look you want your photos to have, what you want to spend and how comfortable you want to be on the day. I think time should be the first thing on your list of decisions to make when it comes to your wedding.
The Season
It's near impossible to predict the weather, especially a year or 2 in advance! But the season can give a good indication of what to expect.
Summer - Is popular, thus expensive. It is also very hot, meaning full suits and large gowns can make the day uncomfortable. It is great for beach weddings (if you can avoid the crowds), and if you get married later in the day with lighter gowns and suits it can be beautiful.
Tip: Make sure you bring lots of water with you everywhere, its easy to get dehydrated at a summer wedding.
Autumn - Like all transitional seasons autumn weather can be unpredictable; pleasant one day and raining the next. While wedding sales don't normally start until late Autumn or Winter, you may be able to score some things a little cheaper. It is also full of some of the most beautiful colours which will add a lot to your photos! It's great for hills or winery weddings.
Tip: Matching the colours of your wedding with burnt reds and oranges can create stunning images.
Winter - Because winter is so cold and often wet it is the least popular time to get married, therefore the cheapest. Lots of wedding suppliers offer up to 50% off which can make a huge difference for your budget. You will need to have some sort of shrug or cardigan with your dress & have an indoor or sheltered reception, but winter light can actually be very soft and beautiful - unlike the often harsh direct light in summer. Garden or woodland weddings look beautiful in winter because they cast less harsh shadows.
Tip: Umbrellas can make great props! If it rains, make the most of it and have fun with your photos.
Spring - As with Autumn, Spring can have very unpredictable weather. Despite this it is still very popular, and expensive. Spring is a great time to get married because the weather is mild, and generally pleasant. The flowers look beautiful with bright pops of colour and it works for almost any location.
Tip: Book early! Spring sells out fast.
Time
So that's time done in terms of the season, but what about time in terms of time of day? Every photographer has different favourite/s times of day for their ideal lighting. (You can read about my favourite types of light for weddings here). If light is super important to you, I suggest talking to your photographer abut timings and lighting. They should be able to help you with your schedule to make sure the light is gorgeous.
Below, I've listed a very rough guide on when I would suggest starting the ceremony and Reception based on the month (in South Australia). These times are based on a 30 minute ceremony with 2 hours for family, bridal party and couple portraits. Want help working out your schedule? Please feel free to get in touch!
Summer
Dec
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 7:30pm after entrees or before dessert to catch magic hour and/or sunset
Jan
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 8pm after dinner, before dessert to catch magic hour and/or sunset
Feb
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 7:45pm after dinner, before dessert to catch magic hour and/or sunset
Autumn
Mar
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 7:15pm after entree, before dinner to catch magic hour and/or sunset
Apr
Ceremony: 2:30pm
Reception: 5:30pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 6:45pm after entree, before dinner to catch magic hour and/or sunset
May
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: by 6:00pm the sun will have set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Winter
Jun
Ceremony: 2:00pm
Reception: 5:00pm
Tip: by 5:00pm the sun will have nearly set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Jul
Ceremony: 2:00pm
Reception: 5:00pm
Tip: by 5:00pm the sun will have nearly set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Aug
Ceremony: 2:30pm
Reception: 5:30pm
Tip: by 5:30pm the sun will have set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Spring
Sep
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: by 6:00pm the sun will have set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Oct
Ceremony: 3:30pm
Reception: 6:30pm
Tip: by 6:30pm the sun will have set, and you will have had beautiful light for all your portraits.
Nov
Ceremony: 3:00pm
Reception: 6:00pm
Tip: duck out for a few more photos at 7:15pm after entree, before dinner to catch magic hour and/or sunset
These times should be used as a guide only and are based on Adelaide sunset times. If you would like help planning your wedding times as part of your wedding photography package I'm more than happy to help. Just contact me for more information.