Ready to set the date? We’ve created this helpful guide on how to choose a wedding date!
It’s one of the most important decision you’ll make in your wedding planning, second to saying “yes” to the love of your life (aren’t you so glad you found him )! Almost all other wedding planning decisions will be based off the date you chose. Take some of the pressure off yourself by asking yourselves these questions:
- How long do you want to be engaged?
- What time of year do you envision your wedding?
- Can your budget afford peak season or days?
- What are your wedding priorities?
- What dates or times of year will not work for you and your fiancé?
- Who are your must-have guests?
- Have you considered the pros and cons of having your wedding around a holiday?
Let’s expand a little more.
Engagement Period
Being engaged is truly a sacred period in your lives. It may seem like your engagement period serves only as a wedding planning period, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a time to grow closer and build a strong foundation for your marriage (click link for blog post about how to do this). How long you’re engaged is up to you. There’s no right or wrong. What matters is that it serves its purpose, and that’ll look different for everyone. It’s a deeply personal decision. Remember, you don’t owe any explanations to anyone.
Time of Year
Have you always envisioned your wedding with refreshing cocktails and Summer sunrays; fresh blooms and Spring colors; rich, Fall colors and warm cider; or snowfall and Winter sparkle? If you’re having a destination wedding, you’ll want to do your research on the location’s weather and peak seasons. Is there a time of year that is memorable to you as a couple? For example, some couples choose to marry on the day they first met or had their first date. Or maybe there is an anniversary of a loved one you’d like to honor.
Budget
The most popular months for weddings are December, July, and May. The most popular day of the week for weddings is Saturdays. It’s likely your vendors will be more expensive for dates during these times. So, if your budget cannot afford the extra costs for peak season or days, you may want to consider having an off-season wedding.
Wedding priorities
Have you considered what your non-negotiables are for your wedding? Is it your venue, photography, music, florals, food, honeymoon destination, certain guests, etc.? Depending on what your non-negotiables are, they may effect when you set your date. For example, if you have a specific venue in mind, your set date may be based upon their availability. Keep in mind that most vendors book 12-18 months in advance! It’ll be important for you to identify what your non-negotiables are ASAP.
Dates to Avoid
The unfortunate reality is that life doesn’t stop for your wedding. So, it’ll be important to consider your school and/or work schedules. Is there a time of year that’s busier than others? Certain deadlines that will demand your time and attention? You may not want to set your date around that time. Wedding planning can be stressful enough, so be kind to yourself and don’t add to it! Also, do you or your fiancé have any religious observances that you shouldn’t have your wedding around?
Must-have guests
Are there people in your life you just couldn’t get married without them? These people may be your immediate family, bridal party, officiant, etc. You may want to consider asking those individuals about dates that would not work for them and plan accordingly.
Holidays
Holidays are naturally a time of coming together. It could be fun to implement a holiday tradition at your wedding or theme your meal around it! Some holidays even come with a longer weekend, making it easier for out-of-town guests. However, some guests may not want to spend their holiday time off away from their families.
Any dates or non-negotiables coming to mind yet? Take time with your fiancé to carefully consider all variables of how to choose a wedding date. Even if it takes multiple conversations. We hope that you find one that’ll allow you and your fiancé to have the best day ever! You deserve it.
