A Blissful Event[mp_row stretch="fixed"] [mp_span col="12"]
Planning an off-season wedding -
Ok so this is semi unscientific data as it is taken from only one source (me), but it does represent an average over the past 7 years so there is some valuable information contained. The following graph shows the busiest wedding months (as a percentage of the total numbers of wedding I have photographed).
From this data we can see that the normal San Diego wedding season extends from April through
November with the busiest wedding months being June and August. It is no surprise that the summer months are popular times to get married, the interesting data comes in the October and November months. Many couples book in the fall months to escape the heat but also because they are looking for a bargain. As this chart helps show, fall is going to offer no real deals from the wedding industry. Additionally, November and December are often very busy months for Hotels and catering companies.
So far as my data goes January - March are historically the best times to find motivated wedding vendors (that may have specials to help keep your wedding at or under budget). The downside of a winter wedding is that it will be cooler and have a higher chance of rain, so think about the many great indoor venues (or at least ones that have a viable rain plan in place). You will want to budget for heaters for an outdoor space and have an emergency budget for a tent if you are choosing an outdoor location that doesn't have an indoor contingency option. The upside is you wont be wearing a huge dress or three piece suit in 100° + summer weather. Additionally, you will have a good chance of dramatic clouds (photographers lover those).
This is an example of a February stormy sky.
When to take action
When is the best time to book those potentially discounted wedding dates? You will want to be planning 12 -14 months in advance. You will likely not get any type of bargain booking a winter wedding during the summer months. Most sales managers are short sighted, so for the 7 busy months they feel unstoppable and fully booked. Reality hits in January when they are likely struggling to make their sales goals post holidays. Be aware that you may have additional frustration trying to contact wedding vendors in those winter months. After that 7 months of no weekends off, many wedding professionals are sunning themselves in the southern hemisphere and are slow to return calls or email. So if you are planning a San Diego wedding and are on a tight budget, make it your New Years Resolusean (see what I did there) and pledge to get your winter wedding booked by the end of March at the latest. Remember, the early bird gets their choice of all the great vendors. The slacker gets people that couldn't previously book the date.
What does great photography cost?
Learn more about wedding photography
Here is a list of wedding professionals that deliver value for your wedding dollar
Coordination
Ann's Plans
A Blissful Event
Floral
Branches
DJ
Sound Prodigy
Positive Energy
Caterer
Personal Touch
