The Story Behind Your Wedding Date: How Did You Choose Yours?

There are many factors that go into choosing a wedding date. Some couples choose a date that is special to them, such as the anniversary of their first date or the date they became a couple, while others might opt for a season they like first and then pick a date based on venue availability. Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, with Saturdays in high demand, so choosing a date during this period might limit your options. If you're looking to save money, consider choosing an off-peak date or a weekday wedding, which often come with discounted rates. Other factors to consider include the weather, family and vendor availability, lucky numbers or dates, and avoiding major holidays or local events that might interfere with your plans.

Sentimental value: e.g. your grandparents' wedding date, the date you first met, etc

There are many reasons why a couple might choose a particular wedding date. One of the most popular reasons is its sentimental value. For example, you might want to get married on the same date as your grandparents, or on the anniversary of the day you first met your partner.

Honouring Family Members

Honouring family members by choosing their wedding date as your own is a popular choice for many couples. Some couples choose their wedding date to be the same as that of their grandparents, parents, or other relatives, as a way to honour and celebrate their long-lasting relationships. This can be a touching way to involve family members in your special day, especially if they are no longer alive. In some cases, the chosen date may hold significance for multiple generations of a family, creating a sense of continuity and honouring the family's history.

Commemorating Milestones in Your Relationship

Another reason to choose a particular wedding date is to commemorate a milestone in your relationship with your partner. This could be the anniversary of the day you first met, your first date, or another significant event that holds a special place in your hearts. Celebrating your wedding on such a date can add extra meaning and sentimentality to your big day. It acknowledges the progress and milestones your relationship has achieved and can be a way to reflect on how far you've come together.

Seeking Guidance and Permission

When considering a wedding date with sentimental value, it is generally considered thoughtful to seek guidance and permission from the family members involved. This is especially important if you are planning to share a date with a living couple, as you want to ensure they are comfortable with the idea. In most cases, family members will be thrilled and touched by the gesture, but it is always best to ask beforehand to avoid any potential misunderstandings or hurt feelings. This discussion can also lead to special moments during the wedding, such as including family members in a dance or presenting them with a gift.

Practical Considerations

While sentimentality plays a significant role in choosing a wedding date, practical considerations should not be overlooked. It is essential to ensure that your chosen date is feasible and convenient for you and your guests. This includes checking the availability of venues, accommodating the schedules of must-attend guests, and being mindful of any conflicting events or holidays. By combining sentimental value with practical planning, you can ensure that your wedding date is not only meaningful but also workable for everyone involved.

Family availability: consider the timing that works best for your family members

When choosing a wedding date, it is important to consider the availability of your family members. This is especially crucial if you have a small circle of loved ones or if there are specific people you feel must be present. Before settling on a date, it is advisable to consult with your parents, close friends, and other essential guests to ensure that the date works for them. This consideration becomes even more vital if you are planning a destination wedding or have many out-of-town guests, as they will need to plan their travel accordingly.

While choosing a date that accommodates everyone's schedule might seem daunting, you can start by identifying any dates that hold symbolic value for you. For instance, you may want to get married on the anniversary of your first date, the day you became a couple, or your grandparents' wedding date. If you have cultural or religious traditions, these can also guide your decision-making. For example, Japanese families often refer to the koyomi, an ancient astrological calendar, to select an auspicious day.

Additionally, it is worth noting that certain times of the year tend to be more popular for weddings, which can impact the availability of venues and vendors. Peak wedding season typically falls between May and October, with Saturdays in these months being in high demand. If you have your heart set on a particular venue or vendor, their availability may dictate your wedding date.

To increase the likelihood of your desired guests' attendance, consider avoiding major holidays, especially those with family orientations like Christmas and Thanksgiving. Similarly, be mindful of other weddings that may overlap with yours, especially if they share a guest list. Allowing a buffer of three to four weeks between weddings is generally recommended to ensure your guests do not feel overwhelmed or have to choose between events.

Ultimately, choosing a wedding date that considers the availability of your family and loved ones is a thoughtful gesture that ensures their presence on your special day.

Supplier availability: keep your date flexible to guarantee a booking with your dream vendor

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, there are many factors to consider, and supplier availability is a crucial one. To guarantee bookings with your dream vendors, keeping your wedding date flexible is essential.

Wedding Vendors to Book in Advance

While there is no set order for booking wedding suppliers, certain vendors are typically in high demand and should be prioritised to ensure you get your desired date.

Wedding Venue

The wedding venue is often the first thing couples book after setting their wedding date. Popular venues can be booked well over a year in advance, especially for peak dates like Saturdays during wedding season.

Wedding Planner

If you plan on hiring a wedding planner, it's advisable to get in touch with your preferred planner early on. They can help with venue recommendations and availability if you haven't chosen a date yet.

Wedding Photographer

Popular wedding photographers are often booked up to two years in advance. If you have a particular photographer in mind, reach out early to secure your date.

Wedding Caterer

If your venue doesn't provide catering, you'll need to book a caterer separately. Contact your desired caterers early, especially if you have a specific catering style in mind, to confirm their availability and arrange tastings.

Wedding Cake Designer

In the UK, many cake designers are self-employed and can get booked up quickly. If you have your heart set on a particular cake designer, don't delay in reaching out to ensure they're available for your special day.

Wedding Florist

While it's important to have a clear idea of your desired floral style before booking, leaving it too late may result in your preferred florist being unavailable.

Wedding Hair and Makeup Artist

Highly sought-after hair and makeup artists (MUAs) can be booked over a year in advance. It's best to secure your date early and discuss specific styles closer to the wedding during the trial.

Wedding Band or DJ

If you have a particular band or DJ in mind for your entertainment, get in touch with them early. This is especially important if they are in high demand or need to travel to your location.

Benefits of a Flexible Wedding Date

By keeping your wedding date flexible, you increase your chances of securing your dream vendors and can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Avoid Disappointment: You can avoid disappointment and stress by ensuring your favourite vendors are available on your chosen date.
• Cost Savings: Certain vendors, like venues and caterers, often have seasonal pricing. By being flexible with your date, you can take advantage of off-peak rates and save money.
• Vendor Recommendations: Many vendors have worked together previously and can provide recommendations. Being flexible with your date increases the likelihood of booking a package deal or taking advantage of their established relationships.
• Peace of Mind: A flexible date gives you more options and reduces the pressure of planning, ensuring you can book your dream vendors without rushing or settling for less.

Tips for Choosing a Wedding Date

• Consider Off-Peak Dates: Wedding seasons vary by location, but generally, the off-peak season includes the colder months from late November to January. Vendors are typically more available during this period, and you may benefit from lower rates.
• Be Mindful of Holidays: Avoid family-oriented holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as guests may have prior commitments. Additionally, holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day can increase flower costs.
• Check Local Events: Large-scale local events, such as marathons or concerts, can impact accommodation availability and travel for your guests. Check the local event calendar and choose a date with fewer conflicts.
• Consult with VIPs: Before finalising your date, consult with your immediate family, grandparents, and must-have guests to ensure they are available.

In summary, keeping your wedding date flexible is crucial to securing your dream vendors. Prioritise booking your venue, wedding planner, photographer, caterer, cake designer, florist, hair and MUA, and entertainment early. By being flexible, you can take advantage of cost savings, vendor availability, and peace of mind during the planning process.

Budget: snap up special rates at certain times of the year

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, there are several factors that can impact the cost. Opting for a date during the wedding off-season, which typically runs from November to April, can result in significant savings. For instance, a Saturday wedding in February can cost £4,000 less than one in August. Suppliers, including photographers, caterers, hair and makeup artists, DJs, and car hire services, also tend to be cheaper during the low season as they are in less demand, allowing for greater negotiation on price.

In addition to choosing an off-peak month, selecting a weekday wedding can further reduce expenses. Monday to Thursday weddings are considerably more affordable than weekends due to lower demand. While a midweek wedding may require guests to take time off work, it can be a perfect choice for a more intimate gathering with close family and friends. Friday and Sunday weddings can also offer savings, although they may still be subject to higher weekend rates.

Another strategy is to opt for a morning or brunch wedding, which is usually cheaper than an evening reception. A daytime celebration may also reduce the expectation to provide alcohol, further lowering costs.

For those seeking a discounted rate without sacrificing the weekend, occasionally venues will offer special rates for dates that have become available due to cancellations or other circumstances.

Lastly, while special event days like Super Bowl Sunday may provide discounted rates, it is worth considering the potential inconvenience to guests and providing alternative entertainment, like televisions to broadcast the game.

Lucky dates: e.g. dates with your favourite or lucky number

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, but incorporating your favourite or lucky number into the date can make the decision a little easier and more fun! Here are some tips and ideas for selecting a lucky wedding date:

Lucky Numbers and Numerology

Incorporate your lucky number into your wedding date. For example, if your lucky number is 2, you may want to choose a date like the 2nd, 20th, or 22nd of the month. You can also use numerology to choose a date with a root number that aligns with your values and aspirations. For instance, the number 1 symbolises new beginnings and unity, making it a popular choice for weddings. The number 3 represents laughter and socialising, perfect for a fun and lively celebration. Meanwhile, the number 6 signifies domestic happiness and family, and the number 7 denotes spirituality and creativity.

Cultural Significance

Consider the cultural significance of certain numbers when choosing your wedding date. For instance, the number 8 is considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture due to its association with wealth. In American culture, the numbers 7 and 11 are traditionally seen as lucky.

Special Dates

Think about special dates in your relationship that you may want to incorporate into your wedding date. This could be the date you met, your engagement date, or even the wedding date of your parents or grandparents.

Days of the Week

While Saturdays are traditionally popular for weddings, don't be afraid to consider other days of the week. Mondays are great for a relaxed pre-wedding vibe, Wednesdays are a nice break in the middle of the week, and Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays work well for guests with busy schedules.

Astrological Influences

If you're interested in astrology, you can also take into account the position of the planets and zodiac signs on your chosen date. Venus, the planet of love, in a favourable position can enhance the romantic energy of your wedding day.

Practical Considerations

Keep in mind that your chosen venue's availability may impact your decision. If you have a specific date in mind, it's best to book early to secure your desired date. Additionally, consider the season and the types of flowers you want at your wedding, as certain flowers bloom at different times of the year.

Incorporating your lucky or favourite number into your wedding date adds a special and personalised touch to your big day. Whether it's through numerology, cultural significance, or simply choosing a date that resonates with you, there are many ways to make your wedding date extra lucky and meaningful.

Frequently asked questions