Coming off a three wedding weekend has us thinking about this late autumn month…Is November the new October?   October is historically the most popular month to get married.  With 67% of all weddings taking place in the summer and early fall months, 14.9% of them take place in October, that’s nearly 3 in every 20 weddings that occur within the United States. It is easy to see why couples choose October as their wedding month.  With October boasting some of the most picturesque views and landscapes, favorable weather and jewel toned color palettes, it’s no wonder this month has moved up the ranks.  As expected, October also brings with it some hefty prices and less flexibility when it comes to dates. What is a couple to do?

Enter November

One of the very first things you will be tasked with when planning your wedding is choosing a date. As we all know, late spring into early fall months are most popular when it comes to nuptials. And of course they are…temperate weather, stunning scenery and longer days…the recipe for wedding perfection. 

In recent years, however, wedding planners have started noticing a trend…couples waiting until November to tie the knot.  With our busy wedding weekend we can’t help but embrace the possibility of November becoming the new “it” month !  What is it that is pushing the wedding season out?  Why are couples holding out for November?  We did some research and have a few ideas why couples are beginning to “pencil November in” their date books.

Cheaper Rates

One of the reasons for the increase in popularity for November is the decrease in rates.  Since November is not traditionally part of the wedding season, many venues and vendors begin to lower their prices to get potential clients.  Although it falls after the typical timeframe;  the weather, the landscape and the atmosphere are almost identical to the weddings of mid to late October. Aside from lower rates, the generous availability also makes November an amazing choice for your wedding. November definitely welcomes a whole new set of opportunities, couples are beginning to realize the benefits of a lower demand for venues and a little loosening of the purse strings…making more room for the fun stuff (decor that is!!).

Dare I Say Global Warming

Global warming is not a joke…but the truth is that because of it, November has become increasingly warmer over the past few years, putting this month on the radar for many newly engaged couples.  In fact, in 2023 we had the warmest November we have had in 174 years, with each November consecutively bringing in temperatures above the 20th century average.  Typically, November ushers in the crisp, refreshing weather…a brisk daytime ceremony makes way to a cozy reception. However, studies show that couples are getting the opportunity to have outdoor weddings as November sees higher than average temperatures, some days spiking into the 60’s and 70’s!

Holiday Cheer

Once upon a time, Black Friday kicked off the beginning of the festive holiday season…today, however, people begin decorating and preparing for Christmas on November 1st…Thanksgiving who?  For the couple that wants the festive holiday cheer to be incorporated into their wedding but not looking to compete with holidays, corporate events and family gatherings, November may offer you just what you need.  November will definitely give you that extra layer of festive excitement without causing scheduling conflicts for your guests…seems like a win-win to me.

November weddings, once overshadowed by the more popular months, are beginning to gain esteem  among couples seeking a celebration that rivals the norm.  Thanks to warmer weather, holiday over-exposure and cheaper rates, couples are getting a bit of an extension on the wedding season, and we can’t help but embrace it!  What once was a period of relaxation before engagement season, is now an ideal wedding month. 

November marks a time of family and feasts and it just so happens that this aligns beautifully with the idea of marriage. So cheers to all of the whimsy and magic that November brings with it. Whether you choose November to get away from the October crowds or something more meaningful, we can’t help but love the idea of this up and coming add on to the wedding season.