Thinking about having an off season wedding? Choosing to get married during the ‘off season’ (basically, any time between November through May) has one big perk: couples can save quite a lot of money. However, there is a reason why off season weddings aren’t as popular, especially in places like Southern Ontario where cold weather can have a big impact on your special day.

Today, we’ll take a look at how you can have an amazing off season wedding, including tips on how to avoid potential issues that are more common for fall and winter weddings.

Looking for photography for your off season wedding? Let’s talk!

P.S. A lot of these tips are related to wedding planning. I may not be an “official” wedding planner, but I love to offer help to those who need it and also have some AMAZING planner friends I’m happy to recommend if you need one. If you need some more personalized advice, LET'S CONNECT

Tip #1: Get Creative With Florals

Flowers are a staple for pretty much every wedding (though if you choose something else entirely, that’s amazing too!) Flowers typically cost more during the off season in colder places like Ontario because flower costs are often tied to local availability.

This means that if your flowers cannot be grown locally, they must be purchased and shipped, often across borders. This can quickly increase costs - and increase the chance that your flowers may not hold up the best.

However, with a bit of creativity, you can still have amazing bouquets that will beautifully match your autumn or winter aesthetic. For example, even during our harsh Canadian winters, there are plants that thrive, such as Winterberry, Snowberry, and a variety of evergreen and shrubs.

Instead of shipping in flowers, choose to create unique floral arrangements with plants that look natural against the season’s backdrop and will be able to easily withstand colder temperatures.

Tip #2: Find a Cozy Venue

Imagine sipping hot chocolate by the bonfire with your best friends and closest family at the end of the best day ever - umm, yes, please! When it comes to your wedding day, the venue is an important piece no matter when you get married. However, if you are planning an off season wedding, there are a few more things to consider when choosing your venue:

Is it accessible if it happens to snow a lot?
If part of the wedding is outdoors, are there heaters, fire pits, or fireplaces?
Since it gets darker earlier in the fall and winter, what does that mean for photography options?

These are all important things to consider when thinking about your venue. Choosing a cozy space that allows for outdoor options (whether you choose to utilize it or not) can be an amazing way to really get the most out of your fall or winter wedding.

Some venues (such as Cellar 52 in St. Jacobs) come equipped with outdoor heaters and even things like complimentary blankets to use on-site, so if you really want your guests to feel at home and comfortable, consider asking your potential venue if they offer these types of options!

Tip #3: Choose Warm Attire

Traditional wedding and bridesmaid dresses are not typically the warmest clothing choices. Even dresses with longer sleeves are often made with thin material, which is great when it comes to comfort, but not so great when it comes to warmth!

Fortunately, there are so many options to help keep those in your wedding party warm who will be wearing dresses. Furry shawls and wraps are one awesome option. They will not only help to keep you nice and cozy in the cooler weather, but they also look luxurious! You and your wedding party are sure to stand out on the big day and in pictures that you will get to cherish for years to come.

For couples who are looking for less traditional wedding wear, you can get really creative. There are funky winter boots designed to be worn with dresses, scarves, hats, gloves, and full-sized formal (and not-so-formal) winter coats.

When choosing clothing for your wedding party, think about additional attire like you would any other part of the clothing-planning process. Consider how each piece matches, the aesthetic you are going for, and how all the pieces will come together.

Tip #4: Book Vendors Well In Advance

Just because you aren’t planning your wedding during the busiest times of the year does not mean you should leave booking your vendors to the last minute! Although you will definitely have a bit more wiggle room here, it’s better to still book far in advance.

When you start looking for vendors as far out as possible, you open yourself up to way more possibilities. Even though fewer people get married in the off season, that doesn’t mean you will have zero competition. The best vendors will still book up far in advance, sometimes even by a year or two.

Plus, researching vendors far in advance will allow you to compare prices, services, and you’ll also get to take your time to read reviews and see what other couples have had to say. You never want to be rushed when it comes to wedding vendors - whether it’s a caterer, designer, or venue.

Tip #5: Consider Photography Locations

Although off season weddings are beautiful and magical in their own way, one potential issue couples might run into (especially if you are getting married during snowy months) is difficulty finding photography locations.

In the spring, summer, and even early fall, it is a lot easier to find beautiful, natural locations since the green or multi-coloured leaves make a perfect backdrop. Not only that, but pretty much all locations are accessible. If there has been a heavy snowfall, that may make certain locations impossible to trek through, especially for those in your wedding party who may be wearing heels!

With a bit of extra thought and some creativity, however, you can still choose photography locations that look beautiful and won’t cause any issues for you or your wedding party. For example, instead of a forest photoshoot, you may choose to get pictures done in the city.

With plowed roads and gorgeous cityscapes, you will get amazing photos and you definitely will not have to worry about tumbling down a snow hill. Still, remember that you can still get awesome natural shots in the winter too, with beautiful snowy backdrops and evergreen silhouettes. It will just take a bit more planning to choose the right spot.

As a photographer in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, I know some gorgeous spots that are perfect whether you get married in sunny July or choose a magical snowy wedding in February. Connect with me to learn more!

Tip #6: Think About Guest Availability

Summer weddings are the most popular, in small part due to the fact that a lot of people are more available in the summer. Whether they are taking off large chunks of the summer for vacation, or simply have a bit more flexibility in the workplace, you may find that many people in your life have a stricter schedule during the “school year.”

When planning your off season wedding, think about your guest list and who are the most important people that attend. For example, maybe your in-laws are snowbirds who have a timeshare in Florida for February. It may be best to either avoid that time period altogether, or talk with them in advance so you can figure out any scheduling conflicts ahead of time.

Although this may not be a major issue for everyone, it is important to keep in mind that transportation can be a bit more complicated in the winter due to potential bad weather. If you have any guests who would normally be within walking distance to your venue or who won’t have a vehicle, you may need to consider arranging additional transportation.

Tip #7: Plan The Perfect Honeymoon

I mean, this is a great tip no matter when you are having your wedding, BUT, there are some things to be said about planning your honeymoon during the off season, because resorts and hotels have an “off season” too!

What does this mean for you as a couple? Well, first of all, you will likely have waaay more honeymoon options within your budget - more than you probably anticipated. So, take a look at all your options and remember not to feel overwhelmed!

Try to keep in mind what’s most important to you. If you want a relaxing beach vacation, limit your choices to just a few locations and take a look at what’s available. Ready for your next huge adventure? Do the same.

Even though there are more choices available and a seemingly endless number of “once in a lifetime” deals, you and your partner should try your best to stick to what you know you want the most and not get swept away by what looks like the best deal. Because during the off season, pretty much everything is a deal!

Timeless Photography For Your Off Season Wedding

If you are planning an Ontario wedding for 2022 or beyond I’d looove to connect and chat about photography or even just offer any assistance I can! Feel free to reach out - I’d love to chat!

Cheers,
Julie

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