The Facts

• During the months of May through August is when most weddings are celebrated, while January through April make up 34 percent of all weddings, with each month boasting 4.5 to 8 percent. Forty percent of weddings are held in the spring and almost 20 percent are held in the fall. In Vermont, for example, 13 percent of weddings take place in the winter, with 11 percent of those being Christmas weddings.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Winter weddings are no less grand than spring weddings. A bride still has access to many varieties of flowers. And while sunlight may not be abundant, snow and candles will keep the wedding brilliant and dazzling.
  
  

Risk Factors

• Planning a winter wedding can be risky. You never know if inclement weather is going to keep some of your guests from attending. If you live in an area where it snows, a blizzard could cause you to reschedule your wedding altogether.
  
  

Benefits

• There are several benefits for having a winter wedding. You will have a better choice of venues at a discounted price. You will have access to more caterers, photographers, bands and other wedding vendors that are hard to acquire in the spring. Christmas weddings, in particular, are advantageous as more family members are able to get time off for the holidays, making the occasion even more special. You can take advantage of typical holiday décor and build on it by adding extra poinsettias and winter flowers to make your wedding décor brilliant.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Winter weddings are most impressive when held in the evening, with the reception going into the night. This makes the most of snowy backdrop, candles, sparkly jewels, fur coats and white wedding attire. Some places to consider for a winter wedding are a ski lodge, a museum, a country club, a four-star hotel or City Hall. These places are already beautifully decorated for the season.