Choosing a wedding date is one of the most important planning decisions that you’ll have to make as a couple — it will impact every other aspect of your big day. You may have an idea of where you envision yourself walking down the aisle or what you want your cake to look like, but until you decide when you’d like to get married, you can’t commit to anything. You might be asking yourself, “How do I pick a date that works for everyone and is still special to me?” or “Where do I even start?”
For every couple, the process is completely unique and that’s part of what makes your wedding date so special to you. I hope that by sharing some planner insight — as well as my experience in the wedding industry as a wedding photographer/videographer — I can help you find the perfect time to say “I do.”
1. The Venue’s Availability
- Wedding venues sometimes book up to a year or more in advance, especially in more popular locations. This means that the venue of your choice may not be able to accommodate any date you want.
- If you have your heart set on getting married at a particular venue, it’s important to be flexible and allow the venue’s availability to set the day you’ll ultimately wed.
- Dates and Anniversaries That Are Special
- Many couples look to sentimental dates when deciding when to wed, such as:
- Important anniversaries and milestones in your relationship
- Wedding anniversaries of your families
- Tying the knot on a date that has special meaning can lend extra significance to your day and make it all the more special
3. How Your Date Impacts Overall Wedding Costs
- While weddings have traditionally been hosted on Saturdays, more and more couples are opting for Friday, Sunday, or even week day weddings to cut costs. Here’s why:
- Non-Saturday dates are in less demand.
- Venues are cheaper on non Saturday weddings
- Weddings on other days of the week often have a smaller guest lists (because it’s harder for some guests to attend).
4. Busy Times of Year and Local Events to Avoid
- Selecting a wedding date that falls during a busy time of year (like the holidays) comes with challenges:
- It be difficult to book a venue and vendors during the holiday season.
- Price tags may be higher due to high demands for non-wedding parties and events.
- Holiday weddings can lead to many of your guests being unable to attend due to conflicts.
- The same goes for big local events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Make sure to consider both when you set your wedding date.
5. Allow time for planning
You’ll want to allow plenty of time to plan all of the necessary details of the event. Depending on the size and scope of your wedding, how much time you need may vary. Ultimately the length of your engagement is up to you, just make sure you have the right amount of time to get all of the pieces in place.
6. Bon voyage
The best time of year to travel to your honeymoon destination.
7. Work commitments
When will you have the right amount of leave available, or be able to take time off work
8.By the Month
The most popular months for weddings in 2021 are the spring months of October and November, followed by March. Naturally, winter months are less popular for weddings. But this could mean that your vendors are more flexible or available on that coveted Saturday date.
Key Takeaway
There are several factors to consider when setting a wedding date, from the weather all the way to the availability of guests and venues. Having so many decisions to make can be overwhelming, but doing so in advance and allowing yourself ample time to plan will make the wedding planning process a lot easier and smoother.
