Weather Concerns in October

Eah5144

I'm having some concerns about the weather for a potential wedding date and wanted some advice and thoughts from fellow bride-to-be's. We originally wanted a wedding at the end of September or early October in 2012, but the reception venue we fell in love with (Peter Allen House in Dauphin, PA)  is booked solid for all dates except 10/20/2012. Actually, they have 9/29/2012 available, but that happens to be the ONE single weekend that our church does NOT have available between September and October. Just our luck, right?! Anyways, I am concerned that the weather will be a little too chilly on 10/20/12 to have our reception outdoors at Peter Allen house. I'm also concerned that the leaves will have started to fall by this time, so we won't get the fall color effect either. Of course, the reception is tented so we could have heat lamps if needed, but the cocktail hour is mostly outside of the tented areas. I'm very back-and-forth about this issue!  Does anybody have any experiences or advice to lend me? ANY help would be greatly appreciated Thanks All!

kimberlyr22

We were debating this same thing when we were looking at outside venues. We were planning around October 13th, until we found out NO ONE had that date open (Penn State football bye week is very popular).  All of the advice we got is that October is probably one of the best times to have an outdoor wedding. It's probably not going to be super hot, but it's probably not going to be uncomfortably cold either. And, every year the nice weather seems to be pushing further and further into November. We eventually decided on an indoor location that has the option for outdoor (we are indoor people, and the thought of a Plan B for rain stresses me out).

As far as the leaves, I don't think the trees go totally bare until November. We're planning a honeymoon in Maine October 21-28th, and we're told the trees will still be full and very "autumn-y" then.

Hope this helps a little!

ncd5015

Would you be able to use a different church for the September date?
I think you'll be fine in October. My sister got married in November and outdoor venues were still available. She opted against it only because she found something that she liked better.

tenofcups4me

I attended a wedding there last October and it was beautiful. BUT I remember thinking it was really risky. They just happened to get a beautiful day, but right before and after it would have been too chilly for their outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour. I think you're really taking a chance with a date at that time of year.

Eah5144

Thanks Ladies---All helpful responses! I think we could get lucky and end up with a beautiful day on 10/20/12, but I don't think I am willing to risk it and worry about it all year long while planning. I'm already stressed about it and haven't even booked that date yet! I'm hoping to talk to the owner of Peter Allen House about their past experiences with weddings during that time of year and maybe that will ease my mind a little. Pretty sure I will opt for an earlier date in the end. Thanks again!

cashmerekisses

Just remember that ANY fall weddin is technically a risk.  I went to a September wedding last year.  Both the ceremony and reception were outdoors, and I was FREEZING!  That said, my wedding is October 8th of this year, and we're risking it.  The weather has been so crazy this year that who knows what we'll end up with!