In our previous post, we broke down Phuket’s weather patterns using recent meteorological data. Now, let’s explore how these patterns can influence your wedding decisions, both financially and logistically, to help you plan your perfect celebration.
Budget and Availability: High Season vs. Low Season
While resort wedding packages typically maintain consistent pricing year-round, the significant cost variations come from other aspects of your celebration.
The key date to remember is April 13th – Songkran, the Thai New Year. After the post-Songkran weekend, accommodation rates drop significantly, not climbing back up until early November. During this period (May to October), you’ll find accommodation rates 20-40% lower than high season prices, with luxury resorts generally showing more modest price fluctuations compared to mid-range properties.
The savings extend beyond accommodation. While wedding vendors rarely advertise different seasonal rates, during the low season, there’s often room for negotiation – typically in the range of 10-20%.
Just as valuable is the increased availability of premium venues and sought-after vendors. During high season, securing your dream venue-vendor combination often requires booking well in advance and maintaining flexible dates. In contrast, low season bookings can often be secured with just a few months’ notice.
For couples paying for at least some of their guests’ accommodation, a low season resort wedding will generally be 10 to 20% cheaper than the same wedding in high season. For villa weddings, savings can sometimes reach up to 30%.
Weather-Proofing Your Celebration
When it comes to managing weather considerations, especially for beach ceremonies or garden receptions during the wetter months, you’ll need a solid Plan B – and it should be more than just an afterthought.
Marquees are a common and versatile solution. While most properties don’t keep these on-site, any experienced wedding planner can connect you with reliable rental companies. Marquees come in various styles and sizes, suitable for both beach and lawn setups. Be prepared for the cost though – prices start around 6,000 USD and can go much higher for bigger setups.
For weddings during the peak rainfall months (August to October), we recommend planning indoor receptions from the start, while maintaining flexibility for ceremony locations. Some venues are particularly well-suited for this approach.
One of our favorite picks is The Hyatt Regency, whose White Canvas and Casa Boho are impressive and enjoyable rain or shine. The Slate Phuket also stands out for its many amazing indoor and outdoor options, allowing for unique, weather-resistant celebrations. The Shore at Katathani’s spectacular wedding chapel provides both stunning views and complete weather protection.
In conclusion, while planning a wedding in low season requires some extra consideration, the potential savings and increased venue availability often more than compensate for the additional planning needed.
Photography by Daniel Baci
