The date sets the weather, the light, the price and how easily your guests can get to Grafton. For a marquee wedding it matters more than for a venue wedding, because there is no roof between you and the season. Here is what to weigh up.
Work with the Clarence Valley seasons
Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the easiest months for an outdoor wedding here. Temperatures are mild, the evenings are comfortable and the chance of a washout is lower. Spring adds the jacarandas. Autumn adds long golden afternoons and dry ground.
Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon storms rolling through from late spring to March. It can be done, but plan for shade, walls, portable fans and a ceremony time that avoids the middle of the day. Winter brings clear, dry days and cold nights, so budget for lighting, a patio heater and an earlier finish.
Plan around local events
Grafton has a few weeks each year when the town fills up. The Jacaranda Festival runs from late October into early November, and the July racing carnival brings visitors from across the region. A wedding in those windows can borrow the atmosphere, but accommodation books out early and traffic around town is heavier. If most of your guests are travelling, check the calendar before you lock in the date.
Book early for popular dates
Long weekends, school holidays and Saturdays in spring and autumn go first. For those dates:
- Plan 12 to 18 months ahead. Lock in the site and the marquee before the smaller bookings.
- Book early in the peak season. Booking early gives you the full choice of marquee styles and sizes, rather than whatever is left.
- Keep your suppliers talking. Confirm the date with the marquee company, caterer and celebrant at the same time so nobody is double-booked.
Be flexible on the date
If you can move the date, you gain options. A Friday, a Sunday or a weekday outside the peak months usually means better availability and a wider choice of marquee sizes. It also tends to make travel and accommodation cheaper for guests. Tell us your rough window and we will tell you which dates are open.
Pick the date, then call the yard
Once you have a date, or two or three options, we can check availability and quote the marquee while the rest of the plan comes together. Get a quote or Call (02) 6643 2878.
