Though spring and summer weddings are most common, winter weddings have been increasing in popularity in recent years.

With a winter wedding wedding you can embrace the Christmas theme or build your wedding colors around winter whites. At your reception, you can serve hearty cold-weather foods such as soups, pasta and stews. Also consider bridesmaids gowns in rich, deep colors such as burgundy, forest green, dark blue and even browns. And if you are planing an outdoor winter wedding, the women in your bridal party will look stunning in capes or wraps. Add a splash of color to your bridal gown by wearing colored satin pumps instead of your traditional white bridal shoes.

Another option is a fall wedding. When the leaves are turning and the weather is just starting to cool down, an outdoor wedding can be very beautiful. The autumn colors make a perfect backdrop for a wedding. Wedding decorations can be featured in browns, deep oranges and rusts. You can serve pumpkin soup, squash and harvest fruits and vegetables.

One main reason to consider a cool weather wedding is cost. Oftentimes, reception halls, hotels and other wedding facilities are booked years in advance in the spring and summer months. However, in October, November, January and February facilities are readily available.

Therefore when you are planning your wedding, don't automatically go for a traditional time of year, consider fall and winter as well.

Wedding Resources:

• The Knot
• Wedding Channel
• Alfred Angelo
• David's Bridal
• More Wedding Gowns