THE SUNSHINE STATE
Florida has the advantage of being one of the few states where you can get married almost year round. Some times are more ideal than others, but you can find sunshine all 12 months of the year. During the winter you don’t have to worry about freezing temperatures, ice, and snow. Wedding season in Florida is for the most part any time other than the hottest 4 months, June-September. If you do decide to get married during those months, it’s best to do it indoors.
The least ideal situation during this time is having your ceremony on the beach. Extreme heat, humidity, sand, and salt are a recipe for a miserable time. These months are also prone to thunderstorms and hurricanes.
The one caveat is that the summer months have the longest days. If you’re doing an all day wedding, it’s best to have as much sunlight on your side. In this case, the ideal time to get married is just before and after summer. This allows you to maximize the length of day with the most comfortable weather and temperature. Check out this great sun graph for help with planning.
WEDDING SEASON IN FLORIDA
Wedding season in Florida by no surprise lasts the fall through the spring, or October to April. This is when the weather is mild and pleasant. Keep in mind that with the increased demand for the best dates comes less availability. It’s important to book well in advance, a year or more. Most weddings occur on Saturdays, so if your top pick vendor is booked, consider having a Sunday wedding. You could also do a weekday wedding. However, there’s less of a chance that your guests will be able to attend. Some vendors offer a discount for weekday weddings due to less demand. Keep in mind the workload stays the same, so it’s not guaranteed.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
When choosing a date for your Florida wedding, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
- Holidays: Avoid scheduling your wedding on a major holiday, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, as this can make it difficult for your guests to travel and attend your wedding.
- Spring Break: If you’re getting married during the spring, be aware of spring break dates, as this can lead to higher prices and less availability for vendors and venues.
- Hurricane Season: Hurricane season in Florida runs from June to November, so if you’re planning a wedding during this time, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
Tips for Planning a Florida Wedding
Here are a few tips for planning a Florida wedding:
- Start planning early: Florida is a popular wedding destination, so it’s important to start planning your wedding well in advance, especially if you’re getting married during the peak season.
- Choose a wedding planner: A wedding planner can help you with all aspects of planning your wedding, from finding vendors to coordinating the logistics of your big day.
- Be flexible with your date: If you’re flexible with your wedding date, you’ll have more options when it comes to choosing vendors and venues.
- Have a backup plan: In case of bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, it’s important to have a backup plan for your wedding.
SUMMARY
- May-September it’s hot and muggy
- Keep summer weddings indoors
- Book your vendors at least 1 year ahead
- Consider Sunday or a weekday
Florida is a beautiful place to get married, no matter what time of year it is. By following these tips, you can plan a Florida wedding that is both memorable and stress-free.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips for planning a Florida wedding:
- Consider an indoor/outdoor venue: This way, you have the flexibility to move your ceremony or reception indoors if necessary, such as in case of bad weather.
- Provide transportation for your guests: If you’re getting married at a destination venue, consider providing transportation for your guests to and from the wedding.
- Offer sunscreen and water to your guests: Florida can be very hot and humid, so it’s important to provide your guests with sunscreen and water to stay hydrated.
- Be prepared for bugs: If you’re getting married outdoors, be prepared for bugs. You may want to consider using insect repellent or providing insect repellent wipes to your guests.
Personalize Your Wedding
Florida is a diverse state with a lot to offer couples planning their wedding. When choosing a location and vendors, consider what makes your relationship unique. Think about what kind of wedding experience you want to create for your guests. For example, if you love the outdoors, you could get married on a beach or in a state park. If you’re foodies, you could choose a venue with a renowned chef or caterer. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable wedding experience, consider getting married at one of Florida’s many theme parks.
Regardless of your budget and style, you can plan a Florida wedding that is perfect for you and your partner.
~Patrick
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