The Competition For Wedding Dates: A Battle For The Best Day

So, you're engaged – congratulations! Now, you're probably wondering how to pick the perfect date for your wedding. Well, you're not alone. In fact, there are entire studies dedicated to determining the most popular wedding dates. And, as it turns out, there are certain months – and even specific dates – that are more popular than others.

According to various sources, the prime wedding season typically runs from May to October, with Saturdays being the most popular day of the week to tie the knot. Within those months, June, September, and October are the most popular, with 13-16% of couples choosing to marry during these months. And if you're looking for an even more specific date, mark your calendars for September 21, 2024, which is predicted to be the most popular wedding date of the year.

But why are these dates so popular? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, these months tend to have milder temperatures, making them ideal for outdoor weddings. Secondly, they fall outside of super-popular travel seasons, making it easier for guests to book travel and accommodations. And finally, the fall season offers beautiful foliage as a backdrop for wedding photos.

However, there are also some downsides to choosing a popular wedding date. Demand for venues and vendors is typically high during these times, so you may find that your dream vendor is already booked. Additionally, some venues and vendors charge higher prices during the peak season, so you may end up paying more.

Peak wedding season

According to a study by The Knot, 42% of weddings took place between September and November in 2023, solidifying fall as the peak of wedding season. In 2022, October was the most popular month to get married, accounting for 20% of all weddings. September and October are tied as the most popular months to get married in 2023, each accounting for 17% or a combined 34% of all weddings.

Fall weddings have become increasingly popular over the years due to factors such as temperate weather, pretty foliage, and the lull between summer and winter holidays. Summer is the second most popular wedding season, with 25% of couples getting married between June and August in 2023.

The choice of wedding season can impact planning in several ways. Prices during peak season are typically higher due to increased demand for vendors and venues. Additionally, booking vendors early is crucial during peak season to secure their availability.

The most popular wedding months

When it comes to the most popular wedding months, there are a few that stand out. According to various sources and reports, here is a list of the top wedding months, along with some insights into why these months are so favoured by couples:

October

October has been the most popular wedding month for the past few years. In 2019, three of the most popular wedding dates fell in October. The month offers a range of attractions, from the crisp air and cozy vibe to the vibrant changing leaves, pumpkins, and apples. It is also known for its picturesque setting, with colourful leaves providing a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos. The weather during October is generally cooler, creating the perfect conditions for outdoor weddings, especially in Southern states.

September

September is a close second and has been the most popular wedding month for 13.6% of couples. It marks the transition from summer to fall, bringing a sense of excitement and offering a range of aesthetic options for weddings. The weather is usually balmy, and the flora and fauna are abundant. September provides the opportunity for an autumnal-themed or end-of-summer wedding. It is also a great time for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, as the sun sets earlier in the month, casting a warm glow over the evening celebrations.

June

June is the third most popular month for weddings, with 12.5% of couples choosing this summer month. It offers longer days, warmer weather, and vibrant scenery. The milder temperatures and less humid conditions are ideal for outdoor festivities. The surrounding landscape is typically in full bloom, and there is an abundance of seasonal flowers for decorations. Since big vacations usually happen later in the summer, more friends and family are likely to be available to attend June weddings.

May

May is a favourite for spring weddings, with 10.9% of couples choosing this month in 2022. It offers temperate weather and blooming flowers, such as peonies, lily of the valley, orchids, and tulips. Getting married in May is also considered auspicious, as it is associated with growth and renewal. May also falls just before the peak of wedding season, so venues, hotels, and airfare are relatively more affordable.

July

July is the fifth most in-demand month for weddings, with 9.6% of weddings taking place in 2022. It offers beautiful lighting for photos, in-season blossoms, and fresh produce for food and drinks. However, the weather can be hotter, posing challenges for outdoor celebrations.

August

August is the sixth most popular wedding month, with 9% of couples choosing this summer month. It provides later sunsets, prolific settings, al fresco dining, and more guest availability due to the vacation season. August is popular for couples who want to celebrate the last hurrah of summer and offers a variety of venue options, including coastal destinations, lush gardens, vineyards, and family farms.

While these months are the most popular, it is important to note that each season has its own pros and cons when it comes to weddings. Couples should consider factors such as venue and vendor availability, weather, and personal preferences when choosing their wedding date.

Choosing a meaningful date

Sentimental Value

Opt for a date that holds sentimental value for you as a couple. This could be your grandparents' or parents' wedding date, the date you first met, the anniversary of your first date, or the date you officially became a couple. You could also consider the date of your engagement or a date that would mark a milestone year in your relationship, such as your 5th, 10th, or 15th year together.

Numerology and Lucky Numbers

If you believe in numerology or simply want to incorporate your lucky numbers, consider adding, subtracting, or dividing your lucky numbers to create your wedding date. For example, dates with the number eight are considered lucky in Chinese culture as it sounds similar to 'wealth'. In Western cultures, dates like 5/5 or 11/12 are easy to remember and have a nice ring to them.

Symbolic Dates

Some cultures have traditional methods for choosing a wedding date. For instance, Japanese families may refer to the koyomi, an ancient astrological calendar. You can also consider dates that are symbolic for other reasons, such as getting married on a date that is considered lucky or auspicious according to your cultural or religious background.

Personal Preferences

Think about your favourite time of year and the kind of atmosphere you want for your wedding. Do you prefer the idea of a cosy winter wedding or a vibrant autumn celebration? Consider the season, typical weather patterns, and the availability of certain flowers or produce that you may want to include.

Emotional Significance

Finally, reflect on shared memories and experiences with your partner to choose a date that holds emotional significance. This could be a date that symbolises your love story and commitment to each other, adding an extra layer of meaning to your wedding day.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a wedding date. The process of selecting a meaningful date is unique to each couple, so take your time and consider what matters most to you both.

Astrological wedding dates

Astrology can be a fun and unique way to choose your wedding date. By looking at the positions of celestial bodies and their corresponding signs, you can select a date that is said to be lucky and prosperous.

Moon Phases

The Moon is the ruler of emotions and inner thoughts in astrology. It is believed that getting married during a Full Moon brings prosperity, happiness and fulfilment. The Full Moon is also a powerful time, representing success and clarity, and the energy of this time is perfect for celebrating partnerships. The Full Moon's effect can be felt three days before and after the event, so this gives some flexibility when choosing a date. However, it is best to avoid the Waning Moon, which represents endings and the closing of a cycle.

Planet Placements

The bulk of astrological predictions are made using the positions of the planets in our solar system. Venus, the ruler of romance, luxury, and passion, is an important planet to consider. When Venus enters the Zodiac signs of Cancer or Pisces, romance gets a boost as these are water signs, heavily in tune with their emotions.

Jupiter Alignments

Jupiter is the largest planet and represents expansion, abundance, and optimism. It is an auspicious planet that brings luck and good fortune. To use its energy, get married when Jupiter is in a harmonious alignment with either your or your partner's ruling planet. Positive alignments are called Trine, Sextile, and Conjunctions, while Square and Opposition are negative and should be avoided.

Zodiac Signs

Each Zodiac sign has its own characteristics and traits that can influence the energy of your wedding and marriage. For example, Aries marriages are adventurous and bold, while Taurus marriages are sensual and decadent. Gemini couples value communication and crave variety, and Cancer couples enjoy pampering each other and cooking together.

Other Considerations

It is recommended to avoid getting married during Mercury retrograde, which happens three times a year. It is believed that Mercury retrograde can cause foggy thinking and rushed decisions. It is also suggested to avoid eclipses and retrogrades, and to choose a waxing or new moon instead of a waning moon.

By using these astrological tips, you can choose a wedding date that aligns with your desired energy and creates a magical experience for you and your partner.

Dates to avoid

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, it's important to be mindful of various factors that can impact your special day. Here are some dates that you may want to avoid when planning your wedding:

Holidays and Long Weekends

Holiday weekends, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Presidents' Day, can be tricky for weddings. While they offer an extra day for festivities, they often come with higher travel and accommodation costs for your guests. Additionally, vendors may be busier or more expensive during these periods.

Religious and Cultural Holidays

It is essential to respect religious and cultural holidays when choosing a wedding date. For example, Christmas and Christmas Eve are dates that many people spend with their families or attending church services. Similarly, Easter Sunday is a notable Christian and Catholic date to avoid. Be mindful of the religious backgrounds of your guests and try to avoid dates that may cause conflicts.

Days of Remembrance

Some days of remembrance are best avoided for weddings, such as Patriot Day on September 11th, which commemorates the terrorist attacks of 2001. Similarly, National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th is another solemn date that may be inappropriate for wedding festivities.

Major Sporting Events

Major sporting events can cause disruptions to your wedding plans, with guests sneaking out to catch the latest score or even pulling a last-minute sickie! The Super Bowl, Rugby Six Nations, Wimbledon, and the Olympics are just a few examples of sporting events that may clash with your chosen date.

Unlucky Dates

If you're superstitious, you might want to steer clear of dates like Friday the 13th, which is often considered unlucky. Additionally, ancient Romans believed that the "ides" of March, or March 15th, was an unlucky date after the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Dates with Personal Significance

It's essential to check your calendar for personally significant dates before choosing a wedding date. Avoid dates that coincide with family weddings, anniversaries, graduations, or other important events. You don't want your special day to clash with other milestones!

Dates with Local Significance

Keep an eye out for local festivals, carnivals, or Pride events that may cause disruptions to your wedding plans. Contact your local council to get information on any large-scale events planned for your chosen date.

Astrological Considerations

For spiritually-minded couples, certain astrological dates may be best avoided. For example, dates with multiple planetary retrogrades, like December 6th, 2024, or solar eclipses, like April 8th, 2024, may bring bad luck or chaos to your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions