As the weather remains stubbornly uncooperative this Autumn season and we start to dig out the dreaded "Plan B"s again for this weekend's weddings, it seems an entirely appropriate time to discuss why we think winter weddings rock.
Yes, before you say it, we get it folks - this is Queensland, and we get an average of 300 sun days per year and so far this year, we've just been a little unlucky with when the precipitation has decided to manifest an appearance. And that might be true, but, unfortunately, when you've been capturing weddings in SEQ as long as we have, you start to notice trends! One of those we've identified is that, more often than not, over the past 10 years or so, the popular Autumn season has seen an above average number of weekends affected by heavy or persistent rainfall, often the legacy of late-season cyclones. This year, after a particularly dry summer (in SEQ at least), the rainy season has come late again and it's impacting lots of couples and the big question is does it really need too?
Because, after all, this is Queensland and our "winters" are pretty darned good when you think about it. With average temperatures in the low to mid twenties, lower humidity and plenty of sunny skies brought about by the prevailing weather systems, winter probably is the pick of the seasons to celebrate your nuptials when you think about it and here are just a few reasons why...
Dress Up/Dress Down... In a state where it's almost a crime to wear a tie, we ask the poor Groom and Groomsmen to don heavy, often uncomfortable suits and then be outside in the heat of the day which hardly seems fair. Winter weddings mean the guys will be cooler and less likely to complain about their attire! And for the ladies, whose bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses often show more skin than everyday outfits, the far less brutal winter sun is much more comfortable to be out in and less likely to cause sunburn. Plus, if you're worried about the evening chill, it's the perfect excuse to invest in a gorgeous stole or jacket.
It's all about the light... Yes, of course, as photographers, we always think it's all about the light, but that's because it is! The sun is lower in the sky during winter, which means the light is more diffuse because it has to pass through so much more of the atmosphere. This means the "quality" of light is better, for more of the day, and, whilst the shadows are longer for more of the day, the "golden hour" we love is actually longer too, so you get the chance for even more stunning images.
Sunset is earlier... The longer golden hour lighting neatly brings us to the earlier sunset times in winter, and, whilst that equals less daylight, it actually means sunset occurs at a better time for your photos. More often than not winter sunsets wrap up well before you've gone into your reception, unlike summer, when it happens (quickly) around the time your entree or main is coming to the table! This makes it easier for you to get those photos you've been dreaming of, rather than having to worry if speeches are running over time or your dinner is getting cold.
The Milky Way is more visible... Yes, you'll need to be in a location with very low light-pollution, but there are plenty of places within an hour's drive from Brisbane that have an incredible view of the stars, perfect for those incredible astro-photography shots. Whilst the "galactic centre" (the really bright bit), doesn't always rise at a suitable time for wedding photos, winter is still the best time to capture truly magical night-time shots of the you and your partner under a starry starry sky.
It's easier to get your dream venue and vendors... With fewer couples tying the knot during the winter months, venues and suppliers are nowhere near as busy as during the peak autumn and spring seasons. That means it's easier to get the date you want with the suppliers you want and even if you do choose a popular option, you probably won't have to share it in the way you often do during more popular periods.
It's probably cheaper too... This could be the big one if you are on a budget! With fewer couples choosing to tie the knot during the roller months, venues particularly are keen to secure bookings and often offer discounts, especially for midweek bookings. And, if you're planning a destination wedding, accommodation costs are generally lower in the off-season which means your guests will have no excuses for not doing you for the festivities...
So, there you are, just a few of the reasons why you should choose a winter wedding - they really do rock...
