Autumn Weddings

When we think of garden weddings, whether they are, indeed, in the garden or by a lake, a river, or at a park, we often think of summer, when the sun is high in the blue sky. However, even here in Michigan, an autumn wedding, where a canopy of brightly-colored leaves provides a beautifully-enticing background for an outdoor wedding, you can have a lovely setting.

Perhaps you think it might be too cold, or it might rain, but that can be true even during the summer. As with any outdoor wedding, you may wish to plan for a backup location in case of inclement weather. Often, the location of your indoor reception has set aside the entire day for you anyway, so if you need to arrive early for the ceremony, no harm no foul. The important thing is to provide adequate notice to your officiant and vendors. Be sure to watch the weather report for a couple of days in advance and put them on "stand-by" to receive your directions at the last minute, in case of rain or a sudden drop in temperature. Remember to ask for cell phone numbers so they can be reached even if they are not home or in the office.

One of the benefits to an autumn wedding, aside from the beauty provided by the colorful leaves, is that you have less competition for vendor services. The peak season has passed and there are fewer weddings going on, so you will have a larger selection of vendors, and thus, will have access to a higher quality of service than if you had to take whoever was available, as is often the case in the summer. In addition, you may be able to get a discount for having your ceremony outside of the peak season. It never hurts to ask!