| 7 ways to save on an off-season
wedding |
| By Leslie
Hunt • Bankrate.com |
|
Wearing white doesn't have to cost you a lot of green.
That is, if you schedule your wedding ceremony, reception and honeymoon
during the off-season.
During off-peak months, wedding vendors hunger for
business. This opens the door for couples to negotiate better pricing
and save on such big ticket expenses as the reception site and catering
fees. The drawback? Off-season often means less-favorable weather
conditions.
"The most popular marrying months are May through
October," says Joyce Scardina Becker, wedding designer, president
of Events
of Distinction and author of "Countdown
to Your Perfect Wedding." Weddings can be celebrated any
time of the year, but if you set your big date in a less-popular
month or during off-season, the savings can be significant.
Just like buying a car, however, you won't know if
you're getting a good deal unless you've done your homework and
approach vendors with an understanding of prices and demand for
the product or service.
| We spoke with wedding service
providers, vendors, authors and wedding industry experts
about the hidden financial savings of an off-peak wedding.
Passing on their industry advice, here are seven tips
that will save you money on your uniquely timed nuptials.
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1. The wedding off-season varies by the weather.
Generally, weddings occur less often December through April, says
Marilyn Oliveira, editor of WeddingChannel.com.
However, off-peak wedding months vary according to
regional climate and the desirability of the weather.
"In warm-weather states, the off-season takes
place during summer months, while in colder climates, off-season
prices go into effect during the winter," says Phyllis Cambria,
wedding book author and wedding coach with WeddingCoachPlus.com.
"The only time it's consistent that prices go up or off-season
rates don't apply is during the busy December holiday season."
Of course, while a wedding costs less during off-peak
times, consider the practicality of where and when it takes place.
A winter outdoor wedding in freezing temperatures or a Southern
wedding during hurricane season makes for an impractical ceremony,
says Cambria.
"Since weather is often a factor in off-season
weddings, be sure that your site offers a Plan B for that outdoor
terrace you wish to use for the cocktail party," says Sharon
Naylor, author of "1,000 Best Secrets for your Perfect Wedding."
Securing a separate party room or backup transportation
in case of inclement weather makes for smart planning. "It's
within bounds to ask the florist if their delivery truck is reliable
if it snows," says Naylor.
For brides-to-be planning a wedding in an unfamiliar
town, Naylor recommends discussing off-season weather planning with
a wedding coordinator through the Association
of Bridal Consultants.
2. Hotels
and resorts have off-seasons, too.
If you are planning a wedding during peak season at a hotel or resort,
which attracts convention business, you'll be competing with business
travelers, says Becker. The weekends may also be untouchable, unless
you are willing to pay top dollar.
Couples who desire a destination wedding during peak
season and are budget-conscious might consider moving the wedding
date itself from the weekend to a weekday. "If you're pondering
the idea of a destination wedding and your guests are ready, willing
and able to travel, does it matter to them if it's a Wednesday night
wedding instead of a Saturday?" says Becker.
If you can wait until the best weather passes, you
might be able to get off-season prices while the weather is still
fair. Becker suggests calling the convention and visitors bureau
in that city and asking when their business-travel slow season starts.
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