When Is The Right Time To Set A Wedding Date?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how soon you should set a wedding date. While some couples might know on the first date that they've found the one, others might take years to decide. The average couple in the United States dates for around 2 years before getting engaged, with the average engagement lasting 15 months.

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, choosing an off-peak date can be a good option. Peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices tend to be higher. You might also want to avoid major holidays, religious or cultural dates, and local events that could cause issues with accommodation and travel.

When setting a date, it's important to consider the availability of your dream venue, as well as the time of year and the potential impact of the weather. Giving yourself at least a year to plan can be beneficial, as it allows enough time to find a dress, book a venue, and sort out other important details.

Remember, the decision of when to set a wedding date is a personal one and should be made based on what feels right for you and your partner.

Consider the weather

When setting a wedding date, it's important to consider the weather conditions of your chosen location, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Weather Patterns and Seasons

Before settling on a date, research the typical weather patterns of your desired location. Consider the season that offers the most favourable conditions for your special day. For example, June is traditionally the most popular month for weddings due to its association with the goddess of marriage, Juno. It often offers dry and comfortable weather.

Weather Tools and Forecasts

Utilise weather prediction tools to help you plan. Check the average weather patterns for your chosen location and date. If you're planning an outdoor ceremony, be mindful of potential rain and rent a large enough tent to accommodate your guests and activities. For summer weddings, aim for sunny yet comfortably warm days, avoiding excessive heat and humidity.

Romantic Beach Weddings

If you're dreaming of a beach wedding, consider the tide predictions to ensure the ceremony isn't interrupted by high tides.

Winter Weddings

For winter weddings, be mindful of the shorter days and plan memorable outdoor shots using sunrise and sunset calculators.

Full Moon Ceremonies

If you're considering a full moon wedding, consult moon phase calendars to choose a date with the desired moonlight.

Weather-Related Superstitions

Some superstitions consider rain on your wedding day to be a symbol of good luck, bringing freshness, cleansing, and new life.

Off-Peak Dates and Budget

If you're looking to save costs, consider off-peak dates when prices tend to be lower due to less demand. However, be mindful that off-season flowers may be more expensive, and certain months like December and February can still be busy due to holidays.

Remember, the weather is unpredictable, so be prepared for surprises and have a backup plan if necessary.

Think about off-peak dates

When it comes to setting a wedding date, one of the most important considerations is the budget. If you're looking to save money, choosing an off-peak date is a strategic way to reduce costs. Here are some reasons why you should consider an off-peak wedding date:

Venue Availability and Costs

The most popular wedding months are typically between May and October, with September and October being the most popular. As a result, venues during these months tend to get booked faster and are in higher demand. By choosing an off-peak date, you'll have more venue options available and may be able to negotiate better rates.

Vendor Availability and Costs

During the peak wedding season, there is a lot of competition for vendors like photographers, caterers, and entertainment. By choosing an off-peak date, you'll have an easier time booking your preferred vendors and may even get discounted rates. Off-peak dates can also apply to days of the week, with Saturday nights carrying the heftiest price tag. Consider a weekday wedding, as remote work may give your guests more flexibility to attend.

Guest Accommodations

An off-peak wedding date can also benefit your guests, especially if they need to travel. Hotels often have off-seasons, so choosing a winter wedding date, for example, could result in lower accommodation costs for your guests.

Weather Considerations

While spring, summer, and fall are popular choices for weddings due to milder weather, don't discount the charm of a winter wedding. Winter weddings can be pretty magical, with the opportunity to incorporate wintry accents and details like candles, wedding string lights, and rich fabrics.

Holiday Considerations

When considering off-peak dates, be mindful of major holidays, as these can impact costs and availability. For example, Valentine's Day can significantly increase flower prices, and New Year's Eve can affect hotel room availability.

Flexibility and Planning Time

If you're someone who stresses over big assignments, a shorter engagement period might be preferable. A wedding date that's six months away may create a sense of urgency, but it's manageable with enough planning and dedication. On the other hand, a wedding far into the future could feel like a looming cloud of anxiety.

In conclusion, choosing an off-peak wedding date can offer cost savings, increased vendor and venue availability, and a more unique and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Avoid holidays

Holidays are a time for celebration, but when it comes to weddings, there are several reasons why you may want to avoid tying the knot on these special days. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Guest Availability and Travel Plans

Holiday weekends might seem like a convenient choice for a wedding, as they offer an extra day for festivities and recovery. However, they can also interfere with your guests' plans. Many people have longstanding traditions or travel plans during holidays, and your wedding may conflict with these commitments. This is especially true for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, which are typically spent with family.

Increased Costs

Holiday weekends tend to be more expensive, not just for your guests but also for you. Vendors may charge higher fees during these periods due to increased demand, and you might find yourself paying more for flowers, catering, or venue rental. For example, roses around Valentine's Day can be significantly pricier.

Competing Celebrations

When choosing a wedding date, you want to ensure that your special day stands out and doesn't get overshadowed. Holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or Father's Day already have a specific focus, and your wedding may end up competing for attention. Ask yourself if you're comfortable with potentially sharing the spotlight with these occasions.

Anniversary Considerations

While it might seem romantic to get married on a day like Valentine's Day, consider how you'll feel about celebrating your anniversary on that day every year. Will it add extra significance, or will it feel like your anniversary is lost in the shuffle of other celebrations?

Guest Comfort

Holidays can be busy and stressful for your guests, especially if they have to juggle multiple commitments. As a result, they may not be able to fully relax and enjoy your wedding. Additionally, accommodation and flight costs tend to surge during holiday periods, making it more expensive for your guests to attend.

Alternative Options

If you're set on a holiday wedding, consider opting for a less popular holiday or one that falls on a weekday. This can help alleviate some of the issues mentioned above, giving your guests more flexibility and potentially saving you some money.

In conclusion, while there are no hard and fast rules, avoiding holidays for your wedding date can help ensure a smoother planning process and a more enjoyable experience for both you and your guests. It's important to weigh the pros and cons and choose a date that aligns with your priorities and vision for your special day.

Check for other local events

When choosing a wedding date, it's important to check the calendar for other local events. Every wedding location is different, and certain weekends may be busier than others.

Be sure to check when major sporting events, graduations, festivals, and other events are taking place in your chosen location. The local Chamber of Commerce may be able to help with this. Big events, such as the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, can cause sold-out hotels, high airfares, and heavy traffic—not ideal for your wedding weekend.

If you're hosting a destination wedding, it's also a good idea to consult a local wedding planner to ensure you're taking local events and customs into account when picking your date.

In addition, if a large portion of your guests will be coming from out of town, it might be harder for them to find accommodations if your wedding is the same weekend as a major city-wide event. Pay attention to marathons, big-name concerts, and festivals. Although booking a hotel block for guests can help, street closures and traffic could still interfere with your event.

If you're getting married in a city, check for events like Pride or carnivals, which could make it tricky for your guests to reach your venue. If you're dreaming of a firework display to end your big day, check for nearby Guy Fawkes events, or have your own fireworks that won't be drowned out by larger displays.

Be mindful of your guests' schedules

When setting a wedding date, it's important to be mindful of your guests' schedules to ensure they can attend and fully enjoy the celebration. Here are some tips to consider:

Consider the day of the week:

Weekends are typically more convenient for guests, especially if they need to travel or take time off work. Saturday nights are the most popular, but don't rule out Fridays or weekdays, especially with the rise of remote work, which may offer guests more flexibility.

Avoid major holidays and key dates:

While holiday weddings can be festive, they may interfere with your guests' existing plans and traditions. Major holidays like Christmas, Valentine's Day, and New Year's Eve, as well as religious holidays, event weekends, and sporting events, can impact your guests' availability and travel plans.

Be mindful of peak travel seasons:

If you're planning a destination wedding or have guests travelling from out of town, consider the peak travel seasons and how they may impact your guests' schedules and budgets.

Check for local events:

Research local events, festivals, or major sporting events at your chosen location. These can affect hotel availability and prices, making it challenging for your guests to find accommodation.

Consider your guests' comfort:

Think about the weather conditions during your chosen season and how they may impact your guests' comfort. For example, providing throws or fans for unseasonably warm or cold weather can ensure your guests are comfortable during the ceremony and reception.

Give guests ample notice:

Once you've set a date, share it with your guests as soon as possible, especially if it's a destination wedding or during a busy travel season. Sending out "save the dates" or sharing the information on your wedding website gives your guests time to plan their schedules and make necessary arrangements.

Remember, while it's important to consider your guests' schedules, ultimately, the choice of wedding date is a personal decision, and you may not be able to accommodate everyone's preferences. Choose a date that works best for you and your partner, and your closest loved ones will make every effort to be there to celebrate with you.

Frequently asked questions