special to the town crier Having an off-season wedding is one way to cut costs on wedding expenses such as flowers.

Whether the site is a snowy ski resort in Utah, an autumnal meadow in Vermont or a Santa Cruz winery surrounded by early-springtime greenery, more couples are discovering the magic of an off-season wedding.

The natural beauty of a season is not only a spectacular backdrop for the occasion, it is also a theme that can be used to base the wedding’s decorations, flowers and color scheme.

Another advantage of tying the knot in the off-season is the potential for cost savings due to less competition for wedding services. This is the case for flowers.

For a wedding in any season, flowers play an important role. Their color and texture bring warmth and richness to the celebration.

The time of year also dictates what color palette should be used for a wedding.

For example, imagine exchanging vows surrounded by towering, fragrant pine trees in a forest glistening with snow.

Brides, planning a year in advance for their off-season winter wedding, should consider jewel tones for their bouquet.

Rich color options include cranberry, aubergene and deep amber tones.

New varieties of red roses are also bringing rich color to winter weddings.

A large, red-rose bouquet for the bride is a strong trend. Attendants can wear wine-colored dresses and carry bouquets of dark red roses.

Whatever color theme the bride chooses to brighten her wedding, there are many flowers to carry it out.

In fact, many varieties are grown year-round, so it is possible your favorite flowers will be available for a fall, winter or early spring ceremony.

Some - especially roses, lilies, and gerberas - are grown in