Spring
Weather: March and April can be extraordinarily windy in the Hamptons, so keep that in mind when planning photo locations (steer clear of the beach perhaps). Also prepare for any unexpected spring rainstorms.
Best time of day to take photos: Dusk is generally the best lighting of the day; however, this is also when the evening chill starts to settle in. If your heart is set on sunset pics, make sure to keep a shawl on hand.
Look out for: Daylight savings time. Take into account when the shift in timing will occur, and make sure you and your photographer are accounting for this when coordinating the ceremony and group photography times. In early March, your best bets for sunset are around 5:30-6 p.m., but sometime mid-month the schedule will delay to a 7-7:30 p.m. sunset.
Must-have: Colorful photographs. Take advantage of all the bright blooms this time of year, ranging from cherry blossoms and lilies to gladiolas and tulips. Our favorite quintessential spring flowers are sunny yellow daffodils, which are among the first blooms of spring in March.
Summer
Weather: Although Memorial Day weekend is the traditional Hamptons summer kickoff, May and June can still be slightly cool. July is typically the most pleasant month as temperatures can get into the high 80s during the day. Beware of the humidity in August.
Best time of day to take photos: Great shots can be taken up to three hours prior to sunset. Remember, the sun rises in the east over the ocean horizon. If you want pictures with the ocean as a backdrop, you'll need to wait until around 2 p.m. so the sun is behind the photographer and not blaring into his or her camera.
Look out for: Traffic! It's no surprise that summertime in the Hamptons is crowded and parking is limited, so try to keep wedding events relatively close to one another, if not at the same venue. Also plan very early for hotel accommodations for out-of-town guests as lodging during the summer is just as tricky.
Must-have: Weather relief. If you're having an outdoor event, set up a table on-site with cooling provisions for guests: Evian water spray, fans, moist towelettes and sunscreen. Even silly sunglasses and parasols could be a cute addition to the table for fun photo ops during the reception.
Fall
Weather: September and October are fantastic months for a wedding, thanks to brisk yet comfortable temperatures. The fall has become an extremely popular time for Hamptons nuptials because of the abundance of local produce, flexibility in planning and prices of vendors.
Best time of day to take photos: Again, late afternoon is the best lighting for photographs. Bummed out by an overcast autumn day? Don't be! The shaded sun can be a photographer's best friend.
Look out for: Movie lovers. The Hamptons International Film Festival occurs annually in October, so make sure to take this into account if you're concerned about lodging and traffic.
Must-have: Seasonal flair. This is the perfect time of year to incorporate nonfloral natural elements into your centerpieces. Think cinnamon sticks, pomegranates and gourds. Also alternative desserts, like fresh apple pies, are a great way to show off local goodies. Then take the party outside to heated tents for drinking and dancing and fire pits for roasting marshmallows.
Winter
Weather: Snowfall in the Hamptons is absolutely breathtaking, so this is a great time of year for not-so-beachy couples. Also, you'll get the best deals on pricing during the off-season.
Best time of day to take photos: Evening candlelit ceremonies can make for beautifully soft photos. If there is snow on the ground, take advantage of the daytime landscape and snap some shots outside; just avoid the midday sun as it will glare against the snow.
Look out for: Busy schedules. December is a notoriously difficult time to plan any event, simply because of the holidays. However, it can be a wonderful time to gather friends and family, given the already festive spirit in the air. Set your date far in advance so guests will have you first on their calendar.
Must-have: A cozy affair. Intimate receptions at a local inn are perfect for the winter months. Cuddle up by a fire and serve warm cocktails like hot buttered rum, brandied apple cider and Irish coffee.
Special thanks to Jodi Baron of Baron Events, Upper Brookville, and Janelle Brooke Councill of Janelle Brooke Photography Inc., Northport.
-- Susan Waits