• Your date is more likely to be available. When you’re looking at venues, it can be nerve-wracking finding out whether or not your preferred date is available. If you don’t book a year or so in advance, you may have to choose another day or even month! Because winter weddings aren’t as popular, you won’t have to fight against another couple over dates. • Off-season typically means lower rates. Most wedding vendors aren’t too busy November through February and are looking to fill their dates. Oftentimes, they’ll lower their rates during the winter months in order to garner more interest. Take advantage of these savings with a winter wedding. • It’s a great time to see your family. Your family may already be in town for the holidays. By hosting a winter wedding, you’ll be saving them an extra trip! If they didn’t plan on visiting for Christmas, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day, your wedding will give them a reason to. • Save money on decor. If you choose to get married around Christmas or New Years, you may not have to worry about – or spend much money on – decor! Most venues will have decorations up – we’re talking pine trees with twinkly lights, wreaths, poinsettias, garland, crackling fires, and more. Dress your table in white, red, or gold linens, add a centerpiece, and voila! Your decor is complete. • You’ll end up with stunning photos. Working with – or should we say against – the sun can be quite difficult for Photographers. A cloudy winter day offers the perfect muted light for photos. Plus, with snowcapped trees and a freshly blanketed ground, your pictures will stand out among the dozens of spring/summer weddings. And after looking through this spread of photos, you really can’t deny how gorgeous winter weddings can be. 108 | TELL VENDORS YOU SAW THEIR AD IN TODAY’S BRIDE WINTER Karen Menyhart Photography Genevieve Nisly Photography Karen Menyhart Photography The Heartlanders Co.