Congratulations, you’re engaged! As a newly engaged couple, one of the first things you think about is setting a date. Whether that date is 6 months down the track or two years away, there’s a lot to consider, and one of those things is the time of year.

Many couples opt to set their wedding date in summer and spring, as the very thought of chilly weather on your big day can bring on a touch of anxiety. The thing is, there’s no need to be anxious, because weddings in winter, or in any season for that matter, can be equally as charming.

Read on to find out how you can have a comfortable (and beautiful) wedding during any time of the year.

Autumn wedding tips

Why have a wedding in autumn? The question really is, why not? There are so many reasons to have a wedding at this time of year, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have access to a backdrop of beautiful trees packed with rust, gold and red flame hues – not only does this add to the gorgeousness of your day, it also presents an opportunity for spectacular photographs. Believe us, your wedding photographer will love it!

Autumn in Australia is a mild transitional season, meaning you get a huge array of options when it comes to attire and where you choose to entertain your wedding guests. And in autumn, picking the right wedding venue is easy – simply go for a place with indoor and outdoor options so guest can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The air is warm enough that you can celebrate outside, and cool enough that no one is going to overheat indoors. Want an outdoor wedding? Well, autumn temperatures give you the perfect opportunity.

Read: The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist

Winter wedding tips

Winter weddings are growing in abundance, and that’s really no surprise. Not only does the season offer an opportunity for unique wedding receptions, the colder weather also agrees with the long-sleeved wedding dresses that are making an appearance on catwalks from Sydney to Milan. Not only this, but crisp cooler days make for ideal lighting conditions for your photographer.

“Most venues and vendors consider winter to be on the quiet side, so you can expect to save a little bit of money.”

Organising a winter wedding can often be cheaper with most venues and vendors considering this time of year to be on the quiet side, so you can expect to save a little bit of money. You can also expect to find it easier to get styling pieces and props for your big day, since there’ll be a smaller pool of weddings to compete with. And with your wedding guests not expecting parties and gatherings at this time of year, they’re more likely to let loose and really have some fun.

Don’t be turned off by the cold; guests can still enjoy the outdoors with many venues offering heated outdoor areas. Why not dial up the cute factor and offer your guests blankets and mulled wine? If not, trust us, guests love getting dressed up for a winter wedding.

Spring wedding tips

For many couples, spring seems like the perfect time for a wedding and an obvious choice for a garden wedding. The temperature is warm without being too intense, there’s a sense of happiness in the air, and hey, you can get married in a garden full of blooms. What else could you really want?

Spring is the perfect season to go for a classic indoor/outdoor wedding; think a ceremony outdoors, a reception inside, and twilight conversations under the stars. It’s easy enough to utilise what the season gives you: an abundance of flowers to choose from, amazing seasonal food and even seasonal wedding favours. And if you’re planning on having your wedding outdoors, you can afford to go for a lighter and minimalistic colour scheme, as your natural surroundings are likely to be heavily bathed in spring colours and blooms.

It’s important to keep in mind that in spring you’re in the midst of peak wedding season, so make sure you plan and book everything well in advance, right down to the finer details.

Summer wedding tips

It’s true that no one quite does summer like Australia; it’s the balmy nights, the blue skies, the fresh fare and the relaxed atmosphere that work together to create something magical. It’s no wonder couples like to set their wedding date at this time of year.

Summer light can be quite harsh at certain times of the day, and we all know how important lighting is to a photographer. If you have a summer wedding, think about coinciding your ceremony and reception with parts of the day where soft and beautiful light is in abundance. Harsh light strikes in the middle of the day, while soft light happens in the morning and late afternoons.

Australia is notorious for its harsh sun, so if you plan to have part or all of your wedding outdoors, you should ensure there’s plenty of shade available. Pick a wedding venue with indoor and outdoor options; gardens and gazebos are an obvious plus.

Like spring, summer is a popular month for Australian weddings, so make sure you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.