Selecting Your Special Day: A Guide To Choosing Your Wedding Date

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and choosing a date is one of the most important decisions you'll make. There are several factors to consider, from the weather to your budget, and it's crucial to start with a clear idea of what you want for your big day. Here are seven steps to help you select the perfect date for your wedding:

1. Consider the season: Do you prefer warmer or cooler months? Research the weather patterns for your desired location and choose a season with pleasant weather. Spring and fall are generally the most popular, but it depends on your preferences and location.

2. Pick a month: Narrow down your options to a specific month or two. Consider factors such as flower availability, your favourite time of year, and any meaningful dates within those months.

3. Think about logistics: Discuss with your partner and consider both of your schedules, work commitments, and any prior engagements. Choose a date that works for both of you.

4. Check venue availability: If you have a dream venue in mind, their availability might dictate your wedding date. Contact them to inquire about open dates and consider being flexible to increase your chances of securing your desired location.

5. Factor in your guests: Ensure that your closest family and friends can attend. Consider their schedules, especially if they have health limitations or pregnancies to take into account.

6. Weigh the costs: Your wedding date can impact your budget significantly. Peak seasons and Saturdays are usually more expensive, so consider choosing an off-season month or a weekday to save on costs.

7. Plan ahead: Give yourself enough time to plan and prepare. The average engagement length is around 12 to 18 months, but you can adjust this based on your preferences and the complexity of your wedding plans.

Sentimental value

When choosing a wedding date, it's important to consider the sentimental value of the day. Here are some ideas to help you pick a date that holds special meaning for you and your partner:

• Opt for a date that holds significance for your family, such as your grandparents' or parents' wedding anniversary. This can be a meaningful way to honour your loved ones and incorporate their legacy into your special day.
• Choose a date that marks a milestone in your relationship. This could be the anniversary of when you first met, started dating, got engaged, or any other significant moment you want to commemorate.
• Consider a date that would coincide with your 5th, 10th, 15th, or another milestone year together. This way, you can celebrate your relationship's journey and the commitment you're making to each other.
• Select a date with a number sequence that is easy to remember, such as 5/5 or 11/12. These dates are not only memorable but also create a fun numerical pattern.
• Plan your wedding around the best time of year to travel to your honeymoon destination. This ensures you can seamlessly transition from your wedding celebrations to a romantic getaway, making the most of your special time together.
• If you're planning an outdoor wedding, consider the time of year when the weather will be most pleasant for a garden ceremony or open-air reception. Opt for a season with mild temperatures and lower chances of inclement weather to ensure the comfort of you and your guests.

Remember, the sentimental value of your wedding date is deeply personal, and you can get creative in choosing a date that holds meaning for you and your partner.

Weather

• Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the typical weather patterns in your chosen location. Consider the time of year, the likelihood of rain or snow, and the average temperatures. Websites like U.S. Climate Data can provide valuable insights into the climate in different states and cities.
• Consider the comfort of your guests: Think about the comfort of your guests when selecting a date. Provide fans, sunscreen, and sunglasses for hot weather, and outdoor heaters or fire pits for cooler evenings. If your wedding is outdoors, ensure there is adequate shade or air conditioning to keep your guests comfortable.
• Have a backup plan: While you can't control the weather, you can control how you respond to it. Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather changes. Rent a tent or outdoor heaters, or be prepared to move the ceremony indoors if needed.
• Choose a season with pleasant weather: Opt for a season that typically has mild and pleasant weather. Spring and fall are generally the most popular seasons for weddings, as they offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. However, this may vary depending on your location.
• Check historical weather data: Look at historical weather data for your chosen date and location to get an idea of the typical weather patterns. Tools like the Weather History tool and Long Range Weather Forecasts can help you make an informed decision.
• Be flexible: Remember that even with careful planning, unexpected weather can still occur. Be flexible and adaptable on your wedding day. If there is a brief rainstorm, consider delaying the ceremony by a short amount of time to let it pass.

By following these tips and staying informed about your chosen location's weather patterns, you can increase your chances of having beautiful weather on your wedding day.

Budget

When it comes to your wedding budget, your chosen date can have a major impact. Opting for a wedding during the peak season, which is usually between May and October, will likely mean higher costs due to increased demand. Venues often charge a premium for these dates, and you'll face more competition when booking vendors.

If you're looking to save money, consider choosing an off-peak date. Winter weddings, for instance, can save you a lot as venues tend to host fewer events during that time. Off-peak dates can also get you discounts from other vendors. Additionally, your guests may benefit from lower accommodation costs, which is a plus.

However, be mindful of major holidays, like Valentine's Day, which can increase flower prices, or New Year's Eve, which affects hotel room availability.

Another way to save money is by choosing a weekday wedding. Saturdays are in high demand and limit your venue and vendor options. By considering a weekday, you increase your date availability and often get reduced rates.

If you're set on a particular venue, it's best to be flexible with your date and choose from the available options. This approach ensures you have more venue choices and can save you money.

For destination weddings, it's essential to give your guests ample notice (around nine months to a year) so they can plan and save for the trip.

Remember, your wedding date doesn't have to be set in stone right away. Take your time, consider your budget, and choose a date that works best for you and your partner.

Logistics

The logistics of your wedding include all the practical considerations that will ensure your wedding day runs smoothly.

Weather

Research the weather for your chosen location and season. While you can't control the weather, you can plan for it. For example, if you're getting married outdoors, provide throws or fans depending on the temperature.

Budget

Your wedding date will have a big impact on your budget. Getting married in the summer is generally more expensive than in any other season. Saturday weddings are also more costly. Opting for an off-peak date or a weekday wedding can save you money.

Guests

Check that your chosen date works for your closest friends and family. If you're planning a destination wedding or will have guests travelling from out of town, give them plenty of notice so they can plan and save.

Vendors

If you have a particular vendor in mind, check their availability before confirming your date.

Time to plan

Give yourself enough time to plan your wedding. The average engagement length is 15 months, and more than half of couples are engaged for over a year.

Your schedule

Look at your schedule for the month and eliminate any days when you'll be busy or unavailable.

Venue

Your chosen venue may only be available on certain dates. If the venue is more important to you than the date, be prepared to be flexible.

Guests

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, there are a lot of factors to consider, and it's important to keep your guests in mind. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect date for your big day while taking into account the comfort and convenience of your guests:

• Consider the availability of your guests, especially those who are VIPs or very important people in your life. Make sure they can attend by choosing a date that works for them. This might include checking if they have any prior commitments, health limitations, or travel plans that could impact their ability to be there.
• Think about the travel arrangements for your guests, especially if you're having a destination wedding or if many guests will be coming from out of town. Give them enough time to plan their travels and take time off work. International weddings may require guests to obtain passports, so be sure to give them plenty of advance notice.
• Avoid major holidays or religious events that may conflict with your guests' plans. For example, Christmas, Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, religious holidays, and major sporting events like the Super Bowl. Your guests may already have commitments during these times, and hotels, flights, and car rentals can also be more expensive.
• If you're considering a holiday wedding, weigh the pros and cons. While it can add a festive touch, it may also overshadow the significance of your wedding anniversary in the future. Some guests may not appreciate having to choose between celebrating a holiday and attending your wedding.
• Take into account the cultures and religious beliefs of your guests. Avoid dates that may require fasting or conflict with their traditions, such as Ash Wednesday, Good Friday for Catholics, or Ramadan for Muslims.
• Be mindful of the day of the week you choose. Saturdays are the most popular and tend to be more expensive, but weekdays like Fridays or Sundays can be more affordable and still convenient for guests.
• If you're set on a specific venue, book it well in advance to ensure it's available on your chosen date. The venue's availability may impact your final decision on the wedding date.
• Give your guests enough notice by sending out "save the date" cards or emails in advance. This will help them plan their schedules and make any necessary arrangements to be there for your special day.

Frequently asked questions