There’s a reason people party at night.
What does everyone say when a restaurant dims the lights during dinner? “Oooh. They’re setting the mood.” It’s true. Mood matters, and nothing changes a mood more than dim lights and stiff drinks. The sunset hits reset on your busy day. The weight is gone. It’s a new beginning so if you’re planning to dance, now is the time.
The first thing our team looks at when helping couples plan their wedding timeline is what time the sun sets, because no one wants to dance in the light. If your dance floor opens at 8:00, but it doesn’t get dark until 9:30 (which is the case with most summer weddings), your party will most likely start with a lull. Guests step outside after dinner with their drink to enjoy the most beautiful time of the day. Or they grab a drink and linger. Darkness provides the cover people need to let loose, so most guests will wait. Fortunately in the winter, it’s dark by dinner. The mood is set so there’s no need to wait.
Science becomes your DJ’s nemesis as it takes quite the mix to overcome human nature. It’s not that your wedding guests don’t want to party. But if the sun is up, they just might not be ready … YET.
The day after makes all the difference.
If I have to wake up early the next morning for my kid’s soccer game, I’m volunteering to be the designated driver at the wedding. Darn alarm clock. Responsibility can be such a killjoy.
It’s easy to hate on Michigan winters, but there’s something beautiful about them. Winter slows people down. No one’s going to Home Depot the next morning to knock out their weekend landscaping project. Weekend calendars aren’t jam packed with travel sports. People love having something to break the routine. Knowing they can sleep in gives them all the permission they need to join the party.
Winter weddings are made for parties.
If your party is one of your top priorities, take a look at your wedding venue’s availability and rates in January and February. You’ll save with off-season rates. Your favorite vendors are more likely to be available. Guests tend to have less scheduling conflicts. It’s the only time of year you can really have a candle lit dinner. And get ready for that dance floor because winter parties are something else.