Courtesy of Robert Holley Productions

Typically, the busiest times of the year for weddings are late-Spring (May and June) and the Fall (September and October).  However, winter weddings have some definite perks.  You might experience better availability with top choice venues, and many wedding vendors will offer a price reduction during the non-peak dates.  But, you certainly take a chance with weather, as we are seeing this weekend.

The biggest impact with snow is always going to be travel.  As I write this, DC currently has both Metro Rail and Bus service completely shut down.  Washington Reagan National Airport is expecting runways to be closed through Sunday.  And anyone trying to get anywhere is challenged to do so.  Granted, this isn’t your run of the mill sprinkling of snow, but it doesn’t take a lot to impact your typical forms of travel.

It’s not all bad though.  As you can see from the incredible photo above, provided courtesy of Robert Holley Productions, the photo opportunities that come from having snow in the air are fabulous.  Photos in the snow always seem to have a natural quality to them that make them seem less staged, and more in-the-moment.  Plus, you’re getting a look that can’t be replicated by couples with more traditional summer and fall weddings.

If you do decide to have a winter wedding in the DC area, we believe these are the critical questions to answer ahead of time:

• How many of your guests are local versus traveling from outside areas?
• Will your wedding be at a hotel where the majority of guests will be staying?
• Should you consider wedding insurance to protect against lost deposits?
• Do you have a way to communicate with guests on short notice if plans change?

All weddings are affected by weather in some way or another.  The best way to be prepared is to ask the tough questions before they turn into emergencies.  And, have a Plan B, even if it isn’t your ideal situation.

Cheers folks, stay warm out there!

Photo above taken at: St. Regis Hotel, Washington, DC