Considering planning a winter wedding? Maybe you got engaged over the holidays and want to get married on your engageversary? Want to cash in on off-season wedding discounts? Or, perhaps winter is just your favorite season? There are more good reasons to get married in the winter than most people realize.

Photo by Brie Thomason

But, there are cons to planning a winter wedding, too. From inclement weather to limited floral selection. It's good to be prepared for both the good & bad of planning winter weddings. Thus, with our list of winter wedding pros & cons, you can weigh the benefits against the caveats and decide if a winter wedding is truly for you…

Floral tree by Bellevue Floral Co

Pro: built-in decor.

“If you choose a winter date during the holiday season you may be able to save big on decor. Many venues and churches are decked out in holiday decor, which can save you time and money when it comes to your overall design. If you're into wreaths, lanterns, candles and tinsel, this may be the perfect time of year for you and your fiancé to say your ‘I dos.'” – Maya Holihan, Founder & CEO, EWedded

Con: misbehaving Mother Nature.

“Winter weather is unpredictable and can easily disrupt travel and special events. If you have a good amount of guests traveling in from out of town keep in mind that if storms come rolling through you may have empty chairs and fewer shuffling feet on your dance floor.” – Maya Holihan, Founder & CEO, EWedded

Photo by Erin McGinn

Pro: cozy signature drinks!

“Winter weddings may be cold. But, wintery signature cocktails and drinks are a huge PRO that will warm everyone right up! Pay homage to the winter season with mulled wine, spiked apple cider, or hot-buttered rum. And there's no better way to treat your guests than with a hot cocoa or coffee bar. Offer customized wedding mugs as favors, peppermint sticks for stirring, and miniature donuts for dipping. We'll say cheers to that!” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Con: darkness hits early in the evening.

“The sunset happens pretty early. In some areas of the country, it could be dark by 4:30 pm. Keep this in mind when setting your wedding start time. Be sure to check with your photographer about the earlier sunset's infamous “golden hour.” This is the prime time to take outdoor wedding photos (if the weather cooperates!), and it's worth planning your ceremony around.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Dress by Laure de Sagazan photographed by Carisse de Lauriston

Pro: fun accessories!

“Accessorizing your wedding day look can be very fun. You can layer on very stylish accessories to celebrate your unique style and can go all out without thinking a second of the weather.“ – Sarah Alouache, Founder, Alouache Bridal

Pro: so many dress options.

“We have endless options when winter wedding dress shopping. Opting for a wedding dress that has the option of detachable sleeves will allow you to style your dress in two different ways. Options are always fun to keep in mind!” – Sarah Alouache, Founder, Alouache Bridal

Dress by Anna Skoblikova photographed by Denise Apgar

Con: vendors and couples will need to be extra cautious.

“The cold can be hard to deal with sometimes. Being prepared is the number one key to having the best time while outside.” – Sarah Alouache, Founder, Alouache Bridal

Pro: less humidity = a dream for hair and makeup!

“Bye bye frizz and melting makeup! When you’re splurging on the perfect wedding day glam, a winter wedding means no sweaty strands or glistening faces.” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Florals by The Floral Coach photographed by Nicole Clarey

Pro: more availability.

“Winter months are never as busy as spring, summer, or fall for almost every wedding venue. So, with a winter wedding, you’re more likely to find your dream venue has ample availability. Plus, fewer weddings during this timeframe means your venue might be able to provide extra accommodations they couldn’t normally offer during their busy season. For example, an earlier set-up or extended break-down time.” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Con: your favorite florals may not be in season.

“Even if you aren’t a professional florist, you may realize that flowers are, of course, seasonal items. Winter isn't exactly known for being a lush and blooming season! Keep in mind that your favorite popular wedding florals may not be available for a winter wedding, so you’ll have to be open to close alternatives or unique options like silk flowers to create the look you’re envisioning.” – AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events

Pro: off-season wedding discounts.

“Many venues & vendors offer off-season wedding discounts for the winter season. Due to the slow season & increased availability, you can save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars when booking your vendors. More budget means more luxurious accessories or that coveted honeymoon suite!” – Claire Eliza, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Musings

Con: tents can be expensive.

“If your wedding venue lacks an indoor reception space, you may be required to rent a tent not necessary during summer months. And unfortunately, tents can be quite expensive! Often costing in the thousands, and tens of thousands for more stylish marquees, this could potentially eat all of that money you saved from planning an off-season wedding. Luckily, there's a workaround: make sure you book a venue that provides indoor space for cold-weather weddings.

Maybe a winter honeymoon is suits you better? Here are the best winter honeymoon destinations from sunny beach honeymoons to romantic snow getaways.

These tips were gathered with help from Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness & lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram & Pinterest.