Conflicted

Do you care more about summer or your $5k? I wouldn’t want to wait another two years either...if you do August could you have an indoor reception or a tent with AC? You can always do ice water, fan programs, and lighter clothing/no tuxes for a hot ceremony.

I had an outdoor wedding this past February in San Diego— most people think it’s sunny year round... no, it rained hard all morning and threw a wrench in our plans. We had to move our ceremony from a beautiful space/view to a partially covered space. It was still pretty, but definitely wasn’t the “wow!” factor the original space would have had. I’m assuming New Jersey is a lot colder and temperamental when it comes to winter weather.


If I were in your situation, I would do the big celebration in May and do a courthouse wedding or a small elopement before it. It gives you more time to plan and save up for that extra cost to meet the F&B minimum.

I would choose the end of August date and have your wedding in the evening when temperatures will be dropping. Surely by the time the sun begins to set it will not be too bad? I also wouldn't want to wait another 2 years to get married, and a dead of winter wedding in New Jersey doesn't sound too appealing. Especially if your venues offers a nice outdoor space like you are describing!

Honestly, I would go for the spring or summer months when you can enjoy the outdoor space. We never considered an “off peak” wedding in New England because we chose our wedding location for the scenery of the venue and surrounding area. To me, it was worth the extra cost. If you don’t want to wait 2 years you could make August work. I’m sure the venue will have plenty of suggestions of how they handle hot days - Id see if their suggestions make you a little more confident in an August date. The end of August could potentially work too as it could be hot but it’s less of a occurrence than early in the month.

My husband is from New Jersey and I am from Pennsylvania. August can definitely be very hot. Our wedding was at the end of July in Pennsylvania about 1 hour from the boarder of New Jersey and it was 100+ degrees outside which never would have worked. I would also never have a wedding in January or February outside in New Jersey as it would be way too cold. My best suggestion would be to have it later in the day in August like 5:30-6:00 that way your chances of it being too hot are lower. I would also only have the ceremony outside so that guests aren't spending an extended period of time outside. Are you only looking at Saturdays? If so, would you be open to a Friday or Sunday wedding?

What if you offer your guests fans in your colors also offer a refreshment before wedding starts

I would keep going with what you have now. I would not want to wait, it’s affordable, and it’s already a beautiful spot. Why spend another 5k on something that you have no control over : the weather. If you pay for the outside space, you still have a chance of moving everything back inside due to weather. That’s a lot of money for something like that IMO.

The price jumping by $5k... can you reasonably afford that? Like is it going to stress you out financially? Just trying to figure out if your lower budget was out of necessity because you don’t have much to spend, or just out of practicality because you’d rather spend less where possible.


If the $5k will be a financial strain, I say just do it in the winter. And I’d say January... I’m in NJ too and I feel like February is usually the colder and snowier month! Also honestly, this year wasn’t January like mostly in the 50s? And one weekend even went to upper 60s? I mean, weather is CRAZY. You never know what it’s going to be like, it could be cold and snowy in January for sure, so it’s a huge gamble... but I think with wacky New Jersey weather it’s honestly possible you could end up with a gorgeous semi-warm day in January. Just something to consider!

That being said, if you can reasonably afford to spare the $5k and not stress yourself out with the money, I’d go with August. How long is your ceremony? Most people would be fine outside especially if it’s quick and if you have either an earlier or a later wedding... either like noon before the sun gets too strong, or like at 6 when it’s getting weaker again.

I know someone who had a December wedding in Wisconsin, (snow and cold!) They did outside pictures and they were GORGEOUS. So if it's pictures you want then go for the cheaper option.

Being a Jersey girl myself I would make sure to like the plan B option for the weather because even if it manages not to be brutally hot in August it could rain like crazy. Do you live the venue because of the outside? If so try and plan a way to utilize it. If not stick with your winter plan

Thank you all for the help! We decided to stick to our original January plan and I’m feeling happy about to!