Sunday, January 24, 2010
More couples opt for fall weddings
The latest from The Ticker blog
To heck with tradition, October is the new June for Roanoke-area weddings.
May, September and October are the valley's busiest times for weddings, said caterer John Schopp, owner of Center Stage Catering Inc. in Rocky Mount. He calls September and October "feeding frenzy months -- everyone wants to get married then."
More local couples take advantage of cooler temperatures and scenic mountain foliage and plan fall ceremonies, especially in October, rather than traditional June and summer weddings, event vendors say.
"You know, it's funny. You grow up thinking 'June bride,'" said Laura Reilly, facilities manager of Vinton War Memorial Hall, a popular reception venue. "I will tell you that's not necessarily the case."
Brides try to theme or brand their weddings, and fall colors offer that opportunity, Reilly said. Fall ceremonies rather than summer keep male wedding guests from sweating in tuxedos, too, she added.
Vinton War Memorial had five weddings in June and five in October last year. The later month booked faster -- almost a full year in advance -- and had larger receptions at the hall, Reilly added.
The style of bridal gowns doesn't change with the seasons, said Wayne Spencer, manager of the bridal department at Amrhein's Brides, Formals and Fine Jewelry in Roanoke County.
Spencer said he knew of five or six weddings happening on some October weekends last year, compared with two weddings each weekend in June. Many brides still shop for dresses in January, February or March even if their wedding is later in the year, he added.
Angeline Frame, publisher of Virginia Bride Magazine, said she has noticed October's popularity in the past five years. This year is special.
"The big to-do is 10-10-10. Everybody's clamoring to marry on 10-10-10," she said.
Oct. 10 falls on a Sunday.
