As you start down the planning road, the number one thing you’ll need to do is secure your date. While you can certainly spend time researching and contacting all the vendors you’ll need, nothing can be booked until your venue is secured and a contract is in place. While a wedding can be planned in 6 months or less, we usually recommend giving yourself a full year or more. Take your time to tour lots of venues and compare amenities. There is so much to consider, from location to cost. SAVINGS TIP: Skip the Saturday and go with Friday or Sunday instead or even a weekday if having an intimate wedding. Saturday is prime time and will always cost the most no matter the time of year.
Below are things to consider by season when picking a venue and date.
Ranalla Photo & Films
WINTER WEDDINGS
December-February. Expect you will get discounts and availability should not be an issue. This will limit a lot of the outdoor venues simply because they are often just that. Look for venues with indoor/outdoor so if our California weather permits, a ceremony could still be held outdoors. At least you’d have a back-up plan if the party needs to move inside.
High Sierra Photos
SPRING WEDDINGS
March-May is such a lovely time of year, and certainly opens up more opportunity for an all outdoor affair. While March is still marginal on weather, April and May are usually fine and our local outdoor venues book those dates regularly. You won’t see big discounts from vendors, but availability may be easier at your preferred venue. Hidden costs could involve renting heaters for the evening, or tent if a rainy spring and your venue doesn’t have any indoor options. Be ready for rain!
Bucheli Photography
SUMMER WEDDINGS
June-August are at least in our area the hottest months to choose. However, most weddings are in the evenings and warm summer nights are welcome. June tends to be the most popular, so if you’ve got it in mind, start inquiring soon for those weekends. Outdoor weddings will have to contend with heat and making sure guests are comfortable. Additional costs would be providing shade if there is none, fans and plenty of cool drinks.
Christopher Armstrong Photography
FALL WEDDINGS
By far and away the most popular time of year for weddings in Sacramento is September-November. Expect that you may to reserve a date more than a year out at the most popular venues. While we may suffer into September with heat, the evenings turn cool and pleasant. Sunsets are fabulous for those 6 pm ceremonies. The major con is it is the busiest season, so some of your favorite vendors may be booked out far in advance for those dates. Get those deposits in place!
