The Wedding Date: Navigating The 'Plus-One' Conundrum

So, you've bagged yourself a plus one for that wedding – now what? Choosing who to take as your date to a wedding is no easy feat, and there are several factors to consider. Firstly, will they be able to handle the emotional rollercoaster of seeing two people pledge their lives to one another? Will they be able to hold their liquor and not end up drunk before the cake is cut? And, perhaps most importantly, will they be able to keep themselves entertained if you need to dash off to the bathroom or get caught up in a conversation with other guests?

Choosing a date that's special to you

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, but there are many ways to make the decision easier. Here are some tips for selecting a date that holds special meaning for you:

Sentimental Value

Select a date that commemorates a meaningful moment in your relationship. This could be your grandparents' or parents' wedding date, the anniversary of when you first met, or the date you officially became a couple. You could also choose a date that marks a milestone year together, such as your 5th, 10th, or 15th year together.

Numerically Unique Dates

Consider choosing a date with a number sequence that is easy to remember, such as 5/5 or 11/12. Dates with repetitive or memorable number sequences, like 10/10/20, tend to be very popular. If you're getting married in 2024, you could opt for a date with a "twentytwenty" pattern, such as 6/12/24.

Lucky Numbers and Numerology

If you have a lucky number or a number of special significance, incorporate it into your wedding date. In Chinese culture, the number 8 is considered lucky as it sounds similar to the word for "wealth". You can also use numerology to choose your wedding date by calculating your Life Path Number based on your birthday.

Astrological Significance

For astrologically-minded couples, consider choosing a wedding date based on the moon cycle or astrological transits. Getting married during a full moon is considered auspicious in many folk tales and ancient Greek beliefs. A new moon during Libra season (September-October) is also favourable, as Libra is associated with relationships and companionship.

Anniversary of a First Date

Another option is to select the anniversary of your first date. This adds a layer of romance and symbolism to your wedding day, commemorating the beginning of your journey together.

Remember, the date you choose will become special simply because it is the day you decided to unite and celebrate your love. Don't stress too much over choosing the "perfect" date, as there are many factors that will contribute to making your wedding day memorable and unique.

Picking a wedding season

Weather

The weather will play a significant role in determining the season for your wedding. If you are set on an outdoor wedding, you will want to choose a season with mild temperatures and a low chance of rain or snow. Spring and fall often offer pleasant weather, with spring bringing new blooms and fall boasting vibrant foliage. Summer is a good choice if you want to take advantage of the longer days and warmer temperatures, but be prepared for the possibility of hot temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter weddings can be magical, but keep in mind that your event will likely need to be held indoors.

Availability and Cost

The time of year you choose for your wedding can impact the availability and cost of venues and vendors. Peak wedding season typically falls between May and October, with summer and fall being the most popular seasons. Venues and vendors tend to book up quickly during these months, especially on weekends. If you are looking to save money, consider an off-peak season like winter or early spring, when you may be able to take advantage of discounted rates.

Theme and Mood

The season you choose can also help set the theme and mood for your wedding. Summer weddings are perfect for couples who want a fun, tropical-inspired event, while winter weddings evoke a sense of opulence and holiday sparkle. Fall weddings are ideal for rich colours and nostalgic moods, and spring weddings offer a sense of freshness and romance.

Holidays and Events

When choosing a wedding season, be mindful of any major holidays or events that may overlap with your chosen dates. For example, spring has several holiday weekends, including Easter, Passover, and Ramadan, which could make scheduling tricky. Similarly, winter overlaps with Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Consider whether you want your wedding to incorporate any of these holidays or if you would prefer to avoid them.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best wedding season is the one that resonates with you and your partner. If there is a particular season that holds special meaning for you, consider building your wedding around it. Whether it's the vibrant colours of autumn, the cozy atmosphere of winter, the new beginnings of spring, or the sunny days of summer, choose the season that speaks to your heart.

Considering astrology

Astrology can be a fun and unique way to choose a wedding date. By studying the movement of the planets and their intersections with your birth chart, you can make assessments about how they will impact you and your future spouse. This practice is called "electional astrology", and it involves using an election chart to determine the best dates for significant life events, such as weddings.

• Start with your birthday: According to astrologist Susan Miller, choosing a wedding date within six weeks of your birthday can be lucky because the sun's energy is strongest when it returns to where it was in the sky at the time of your birth.
• Avoid Mercury in retrograde: Mercury in retrograde occurs three to four times a year when the planet Mercury moves in the opposite direction of Earth. It is generally advised to avoid making contracts during this time, and marriage is considered a type of contract.
• Consider your zodiac sign: Each zodiac sign has certain seasons or months that are considered more favourable for weddings. For example, fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) typically seek fiery energy and warm temperatures, so summer tends to be the best time for these signs to wed. Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) usually prefer to get married outdoors in comfortable temperatures, so spring and autumn are ideal. Water signs (Pisces, Cancer, Scorpio) should consider locales near a body of water, regardless of the season. Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) have the most flexibility and can enjoy a wedding at any time of the year, as long as it involves socialising.
• Pay attention to the moon: Full moons and new moons are considered auspicious times for weddings. The moon in Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Pisces are particularly promising signs to get married under.
• Look at the planets in certain houses: Consider the planets in the first, fourth, fifth, seventh, and tenth houses for a prospective wedding date. The seventh house represents partnerships and contracts, while the tenth house represents public affairs, which is relevant as your public image will change when you get married.
• Avoid eclipses and retrogrades: Astrologers caution against getting married during eclipses or retrogrades. If you do decide to get married during a retrograde, ensure that the planet is in a "cazimi" aspect to the sun, meaning it is exactly connected to the sun.

While astrology can be a fun guide, it is important to remember that it is not an exact science and there is no perfect wedding date. Ultimately, the decision about when to get married depends on various factors and what feels right for you and your partner.

Making sure your date is free

Picking a wedding date can be a tricky task. Here are some tips to ensure your date is free:

Give yourself enough time

The average engagement length is 12 to 15 months, and more than half of couples are engaged for over a year. Giving yourself at least a year to plan your wedding can be helpful, as it gives you enough time to find and order a wedding dress, book your wedding venue, and sort out other logistics.

Be flexible with your date

If you have a specific venue in mind, it's best to be flexible with your date. Many venues are booked over a year in advance, so you may need to choose a date that is not your first choice. Alternatively, if you are set on a specific date, you may need to be flexible with your venue choice.

Consider the season

Think about the climate of your wedding location. If you plan to have an outdoor wedding, choose a season with mild weather. For example, if you want a fun, tropical-inspired wedding, consider a summer wedding. On the other hand, if you dream of a snowy, holiday-themed wedding, consider a winter wedding.

Avoid peak dates

Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices tend to be higher due to high demand. If you're looking to save money, consider an off-peak date in the winter, although December and February tend to be busier due to the holidays. January, March, April, and November usually offer better prices and more venue options.

Consider a weekday wedding

Saturday nights are the most popular and expensive option for weddings. Consider a weekday wedding, as remote work is becoming more common, and your guests may have more flexibility to attend. Weekday weddings can also give you a wider selection of venues and vendors to choose from.

Check for other events

Make sure to check the calendar for any major sporting events, festivals, or local conventions that may overlap with your wedding date. These events can cause issues with accommodation and travel for your guests.

Ask your VIP guests

Before finalizing your date, consider asking your closest loved ones about any date conflicts. This can help ensure that the people most important to you will be able to attend your wedding.

Share your date

Once you've decided on a date, it's time to spread the word! Create a wedding website to display your wedding date and a countdown to the big day. Send out save-the-dates about six to eight months before the wedding to give your guests enough time to plan their attendance.

Writing the date on the invitation

When writing the date on a wedding invitation, it's important to consider the formality of the event and whether you want to follow traditional invitation etiquette. Here are some guidelines to help you write the date on your wedding invitations:

• Formality: The level of formality of your wedding invitation should match the style of your wedding. More formal, traditional invitations for black-tie weddings typically use more conventional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.
• Writing out the date: The traditional way to write the date is to spell out the day of the week, the date, the month, and the year in full, rather than using numerals. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand and twenty-four". The day of the week is capitalized, and there is a comma between the day and the date. The year is usually written on a separate line, without a comma between the month and the year.
• Compound dates: When writing compound dates (dates with two parts, such as the 28th of May), use a hyphen, for example, "Saturday, the twenty-eighth of May".
• Abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations for the day, date, or month. The traditional style is to spell out all the details. However, some casual invitations may use abbreviations like "May 4th" or "10:30 a.m.".
• Time of day: Include an indication of the time of day, such as "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". The traditional style is to use "'o'clock" and write out the time in full, for example, "half past five o'clock in the afternoon". For times on the hour, simply state the number and "o'clock", e.g., "seven o'clock".
• Consistency: Ensure that the formatting of the date and time is consistent throughout your invitation suite, including any response cards.
• Punctuation: Wedding invitations traditionally have minimal punctuation. Use a comma between the day of the week and the date, but avoid commas or periods at the end of lines.
• Respond date: Include a respond-by date for RSVPs, typically set two to four weeks before the wedding date.
• Sending invitations: It is considerate to send Save-the-Date cards six to twelve months before the wedding and invitations four to six weeks in advance.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and you can always choose to break with tradition and write your wedding invitations in a style that suits your personality and the tone of your wedding.

Frequently asked questions