When planning your wedding, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your venue. This choice requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to availability and budget.
Selecting the right venue all starts with understanding the wedding season in your chosen area. If that happens to be the Chicago area, or Illinois in general, you’re in the right place! We’re breaking down what wedding season in Illinois looks like so you can find the season that works best for you.
Let’s get to it!
Understanding Peak Wedding Season in the Chicago Area
Wedding season in Chicago is a busy one! Usually spanning from May to November, venues book up fast since these months bring the best weather (and spare you from venturing out into the frigid temperatures Illinois can bring!).
Wedding venues in the Chicago area are in high demand during this time, making them more difficult to book during peak months. If you’re set on a peak season date, starting your venue search 12-18 months in advance is crucial. This early planning approach is even more important when you consider that the most sought-after vendors often book their calendars entirely during this time.
While wedding planning can be challenging, if you wait too long, with plenty of notice, you’ll find it easier to get ahead of the business!
Planning for Wedding Season at The Haight
At The Haight, our peak wedding season runs from May to September, but if you’re flexible with your dates, you’ll be happy to know that we host weddings all year round. Our wedding schedule is as follows:
- Spring and Summer: April through August
- Fall: September through November
- Winter: December through March
Each season brings unique advantages to enhance your wedding experience. Spring and Summer offer warm weather, perfect for outdoor ceremonies, along with longer daylight hours that create beautiful photo opportunities on our rooftop deck.
Fall weddings hold a special place in our hearts. This wedding season in the Chicago area comes alive with stunning foliage for your portraits, adding to the cozy charm of The Haight.
Winter celebrations create an intimate atmosphere that turns up the romance. Snow-covered landscapes offer unique photo opportunities, while December weddings can incorporate festive holiday elements for extra magic.
Exploring Off-Season Advantages: April, November & December
If you’re not set on a specific date, may we suggest planning an off-season wedding? There are so many benefits!
For starters, it’s much more cost-effective than peak dates, which can be especially helpful for couples on a budget. Off-peak months typically feature reduced venue and vendor pricing, and increased vendor availability can potentially allow for package deals that aren’t possible during peak wedding season.
Enhanced availability during off-peak months also means you have a wider selection of photographers, caterers, and musicians. For some couples, this abundance of choice feels less stressful and creates a more laid-back planning environment.
Dates during the off-season might not be top of mind, but don’t overlook how amazing they can be!
aking Your Decision
Ultimately, the decision of when to host your wedding comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and the atmosphere you want to create. Just know that whatever you choose, The Haight is here to help!
During your tour, ask about seasonal pricing differences, available dates for your preferred timeframe, and seasonal decor and lighting possibilities. We’ll also give you the rundown on weather contingency plans and backup options so you can be confident that your wedding will be a good time, no matter the season.
To learn more about booking your wedding at The Haight, follow us here!