KC Wedding Planning Essentials

Seasons in Missouri can change back and forth in the blink of an eye. So basing your wedding date off the weather should only be a partial factor. There are more KC wedding date considerations that you should think through before finalizing the date.

THE BEST WEATHER FOR OUTDOOR WEDDINGS USUALLY OCCURS BETWEEN MID-APRIL AND LATE OCTOBER.

Kansas City weather can vary greatly, but spring, summer and fall can all be excellent options for your Kansas City wedding. April tends to be a little windier, so be sure to keep this in mind when planning outdoor nuptials or receptions. May and June afford warmer temperatures than April, along with decreased wind, typically. 

Both spring and summer reliably produce some precipitation, with lesser amounts in the summer. Outdoor weddings in July and August must be ready to endure the heat; planning to implement remedies such as fans, cold water, or shade can help you and your guests. September and October typically produce less precipitation than the summer, with cooler temperatures and the addition of autumn colors toward the end of October. If you’re after rich fall hues for your wedding backdrop, be sure to choose a wedding date between mid-October and early November. Fall colors usually begin to turn in early to mid-October; the most vibrant colors pop in late October and are usually gone by the second week of November.

With that being said…there’s a joke us locals have about the weather in KC: “If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes. It’ll change.” While the quip may elicit a chuckle, there’s a nugget of truth to it. Planning a wedding in the Midwest necessitates a backup plan for outdoor events. While more temperate months don’t produce much rain, it’s best to have a backup plan in place prior to the week of your wedding, in the event of unforeseen weather changes.

Next up on KC wedding date considerations:

THE BUSIEST MONTHS FOR TOURISM IN KANSAS CITY ARE JULY AND AUGUST.

Kansas City tourism heats up with the weather. If you want to avoid crowds and traffic, it’s best to avoid KC’s busiest travel months. If you prefer a summer wedding, choose a date in June, or even early September. 

By avoiding KC’s most popular months for tourism, your guests will thank you for helping them save on lodging and flights…and you’ll save yourself the headache of trying to secure a block of rooms when hotels don’t have many vacancies.

If you don’t add this next KC wedding date consideration to your list, you might get stuck in traffic (or your dad might be at the bar watching a TV when they are announcing him for the Father/Daughter Dance).

IN KANSAS CITY, WE REALLY LOVE OUR SPORT TEAMS.

From the Chiefs to the Royals, and every professional team in between, locals love their sports. From the excitement of the crowd to the camaraderie, to the tailgating, we love it all. 

Whether you are a sports lover or not, it would be smart to review the sports team’s schedules before picking a wedding date. An important game could affect day-of traffic, lodging availability, or attendance issues. Yes, your wedding day is important but to locals who love sports, so is a Chiefs payoff game.

THERE'S TRULY NOTHING LIKE AUTUMN IN KANSAS CITY.

Everyone loves to joke about the return of PSL (Pumpkin Spice Lattes), but the dress Kansas City arguably wears best is autumn. From trees draped with vibrant and varied crimson, gold and auburn hues, to a plethora of truly visit-worthy pumpkin patches, to our beloved cider mill, Kansas City “does fall” well. Out of town visitors will enjoy touring all Kansas City has to offer in autumn, and the abundance of fall activities and foliage will leave you no shortage of wedding weekend activity suggestions for visitors and locals alike.

With comfortable temperatures we affectionately call “sweater weather,” your autumn wedding in Kansas City is guaranteed to be an occasion to remember. Wedding venues around the metropolitan area offer everything from chic, formal accommodations to rustic, outdoor and even barn wedding options, complete with fire-pits, outdoor games and breathtaking scenery.

With mother nature serving up her finest backdrop, wedding photos in autumn top the list of some of the best in Kansas City. For impossibly beautiful photos, this is a must for your list of KC wedding date considerations.

IF YOU LOVE BBQ (AND HONESTLY, WHO DOESN'T?), YOU SHOULD CONSIDER CHOOSING A WEDDING DATE IN MID-SEPTEMBER.

Any KC local will tell you it’s barbecue season year-round in “Crown Town,” but the American Royal BBQ contest usually takes place in mid-September each year. If you’re planning to incorporate your eternal love and heritage of great barbecue into your wedding weekend, be sure to check the American Royal BBQ contest schedule first!

Barbecue aficionados from all over bring their best and “basted” to compete for titles in chicken, pork ribs, pork, brisket, and evens side dishes. Out of town wedding guests, and locals alike, will enjoy sampling various kinds of BBQ and soaking in the flavor of Kansas City. In addition to the BBQ contest, the annual American Royal features a livestock barn, rodeo and more. 

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