Selecting Your Perfect Wedding Date: A Guide To Choosing An Auspicious Day

Choosing an auspicious date for a wedding is a common belief among many cultures, including Hindu, Chinese, Catholic, Scottish, Irish, Old English, Ancient Roman and Moroccan culture. An auspicious date, also known as a lucky date, is believed to bring good fortune, prosperity and happiness to the couple.

In Chinese culture, an auspicious date is chosen through numerological analysis of the Chinese calendar. In other cultures, such as the Chinese and Hindu, zodiac signs are also considered when selecting an auspicious date. For example, in Chinese culture, couples must not marry in a year of the animal with which theirs conflict.

Some cultures have specific months or dates that are considered lucky or unlucky. For instance, the Ancient Romans considered the month of June to be auspicious, while May was seen as an illegal month to marry.

When choosing an auspicious date, it is recommended to consult a fortune-teller or Feng Shui master, who will consider factors such as birth dates, zodiac signs and preferences for the wedding date.

Zodiac signs

When it comes to Zodiac signs, there are a few things to consider when choosing an auspicious date for your wedding.

Firstly, it is important to determine the zodiac signs of the couple and their parents. This is because the selected date should not clash with the signs of the six important people: the couple and their parents, especially if they are attending the wedding.

Next, it is recommended to choose a month in which the couple wishes to marry and check for any "Zodiac Clashes". If none of the signs appear in the "Zodiac Clash" column, the date is considered auspicious.

Additionally, when it comes to Chinese Zodiac signs, the couple must not marry in the year of the animal that conflicts with theirs. They may also choose to eliminate months that clash with their Zodiac animals.

For those who follow Hindu Vedic astrology, it is advised not to marry when Jupiter transits the Leo zodiac sign. Only solar months are considered when deciding on marriage dates, except for Chaturmas, a period reserved for penance and religious activities. This period will fall from 17 July to 12 November. The Hindu calendar divides the solar year into 12 lunar months, so there is an 11-day difference between the two calendars. To compensate, an extra month, known as Adhik Maas, is added every two to three years. This month is not considered auspicious for weddings.

• Aries – 21 and 22 March, and 10 April
• Taurus – 6, 15, and 19 May
• Gemini – 2, 9, and 20 June
• Cancer – 7, 12, and 21 July
• Leo – 26 July, 6, and 19 August
• Virgo – 28 August, 9, and 17 September
• Libra – 22 September, 5, and 13 October
• Scorpio – 8 and 17 October, and 7 November
• Sagittarius – 21 and 28 November, and 13 December
• Capricorn – 22 and 29 December
• Aquarius – 11 and 18 February
• Pisces – 9, 12, 15, and 20 March

Consulting a professional astrologer is recommended to receive personalised advice regarding auspicious wedding dates.

Numerology

When it comes to weddings, numerology can be used to select an auspicious date that will set the tone for the marriage and lay the foundation for a harmonious and prosperous relationship.

Calculating Your Wedding Date Using Numerology

To calculate a wedding date using numerology, you can use either of these two methods:

• Calculate the date to fit the energy or "personality" you want the marriage to have: First, decide on the type of wedding you want. For example, if you're planning a destination wedding with close friends, you may want your wedding date's "life path number" to add up to a 5 (celebration, travel) or a 3 (laughter, excitement). Then, sum up the whole date into a single digit. For instance, if you plan to get married on July 6, 2019, your wedding would take on the energy of the number 7 (because: 7+6+2+0+1+9=25, 2+5=7).
• Calculate the date to fit a date that's compatible with you and your partner's life path numbers: In this method, you first calculate your life path number by adding up your birth date until you get a single digit. Then, you do the same for your partner's birth date. Finally, add both life path numbers together to get your "marriage number." This marriage number is then used to choose a wedding date that is compatible with both partners.

• Number 1: New beginnings, unity, and independence.
• Number 2: Partnership, harmony, and balance.
• Number 3: Creativity, fun, and socialising.
• Number 4: Commitment, practicality, and planning.
• Number 5: Adventure, celebration, and exploration.
• Number 6: Family, love, and home.
• Number 7: Spirituality, introspection, and creativity.
• Number 8: Infinity, financial success, and results.
• Number 9: Success, growth, and endings.

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Date

When choosing your wedding date based on numerology, here are some additional tips:

• Choose numbers that represent love and partnership: Look for dates that work with the energies of expansion, love, partnership, and growth. Incorporate your life path number, marriage number, or the universal day and month numbers to find a date that aligns with these energies.
• Best numbers for a successful marriage: According to numerology, the best numbers to support a successful marriage are 4 (representing foundation and commitment) and 6 (representing home and family).
• Avoid unfriendly numbers: The most unfriendly numbers in wedding date numerology are 7 (which can be isolating), 9 (which represents endings), and sometimes 5 (which can be unstable).
• Best months to get married: April and June are considered excellent months for a wedding in numerology, as they are the 4th and 6th months, respectively, representing commitment and true love.
• Consider your life path number: Your life path number is calculated from your birth date and represents your personality and life journey. It is an important factor in choosing a compatible wedding date.
• Incorporate astrology: You can also use astrology alongside numerology by considering the position of planets and zodiac signs on your preferred numerology-approved date. For example, having Venus, the planet of love, in a favorable position on your wedding day can enhance romantic energy.

Remember, while numerology can be a fun and meaningful way to choose your wedding date, don't stress too much about finding the perfect number. Your wedding day will be special no matter when you choose to say "I do."

Birth dates

Many cultures consider birth dates when choosing an auspicious date for a wedding. In Chinese culture, it is advised to avoid the birthdays of the bride, groom, parents, and unmarried siblings. It is also considered auspicious to give priority to the bride's birthday when deciding on a date.

In addition, according to Chinese astrology, the zodiac signs of the couple and their living parents should be considered when choosing a wedding date. The zodiac signs should be checked against a "Zodiac Clash" column, and if none of the signs appear, the date is considered auspicious. For example, if any of the couple or their parents are born in the Year of the Tiger, carrying out a wedding on 3 January 2025 should be avoided.

In Hindu Vedic astrology, a couple should determine each other's zodiac signs to aid in finding an auspicious wedding date. An astrologer will determine the groom's astrological position in relation to the moon and the bride's position in relation to the sun. This information will help the astrologer suggest lucky times and dates for the wedding.

Birth times

When choosing an auspicious date for a wedding, it is important to take into account the birth times of the bride and groom. Here are some guidelines to help you select an auspicious date based on birth times:

• Identify the zodiac signs of both the bride and groom, as well as their living parents. If a parent has passed away, they can be excluded from the calculations.
• Determine the astrological position of the groom in relation to the moon and the bride in relation to the sun. This information can aid in finding lucky times and dates for the wedding.
• Avoid birthdays: it is considered inauspicious to marry on the birthday of the bride, groom, parents, or unmarried siblings.
• Avoid conflict with zodiac signs: Ensure that the wedding date does not conflict with the zodiac signs of the couple and their living parents. For example, if the groom is born in the Year of the Rat, avoid marrying in the Horse month or day.
• Choose a date governed by 'Tian De' or 'Yue De': Select a wedding date that aligns with 'Tian De' or 'Yue De' and does not conflict with the Wealth Star of the groom and the Husband Star of the bride.
• Compatibility: If the Eight Characters of the bride and groom are in conflict, choose a date that is compatible or can eliminate the evil spirit to solve any potential issues in the marriage.
• Authenticity: If the wedding ceremony and registration are held on different days, choose auspicious dates for both. If only one date is available, the traditional etiquettes shall be considered the authentic wedding date, so choose an auspicious date for this day.
• Work and study: Avoid dates that clash with intense work or study periods, such as exam preparation.
• Physical condition: If the bride or groom is unwell or experiencing physical discomfort, consider delaying the wedding to maintain harmony and prevent aggravating the illness. Also, avoid the bride's menstrual period, and pay attention to her preferences.
• Holidays and festivals: Choosing a wedding date during a holiday can add a commemorative and festive atmosphere. It also ensures that friends and family can attend. However, be mindful of booking in advance due to high demand.

Culture

The concept of choosing an auspicious date for a wedding is rooted in various cultures worldwide, including Chinese, Hindu, Catholic, Scottish, Irish, Old English, Ancient Roman, and Moroccan cultures.

Chinese Culture

In Chinese culture, the selection of an auspicious wedding date is of great importance, as it is believed that the wedding date can determine the fate of the marriage. Couples typically consult a geomancer or Feng Shui master to obtain an auspicious date based on their 'ba-zi' or zodiac signs. The chosen date is believed to bring good luck, harmony, and prosperity to the couple, ensuring a smooth and successful marriage.

To determine an auspicious date, the Feng Shui master considers the couple's birth dates, time of birth, and zodiac signs. Some masters also take into account the zodiac signs of the couple's parents to ensure compatibility and avoid any clashes. The Chinese Almanac (Tong Shu) is often referenced, but it is considered a generic guide, and personalisation according to the couple's birth information is recommended.

Hindu Culture

In Hindu culture, Akshaya Tritiya is considered one of the most auspicious wedding dates. To determine other auspicious dates, a couple's zodiac signs, in relation to the moon and sun, are considered. In Hindu Vedic astrology, certain dates are considered inauspicious, such as court weddings or birthdays, which are seen as times of trial.

Catholic Culture

Although the Catholic Church does not have specific auspicious dates, feast days and penitentiary periods influenced the timing of weddings. April was traditionally favoured due to the prohibition of marriages during Lent, followed by the promise of Easter celebrations. May was also considered auspicious as it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Scottish Culture

In Scottish culture, May is considered an unlucky month for weddings, with 3 May being particularly unfortunate. In contrast, 1 January is deemed the luckiest day for any new experience due to the start of the New Year.

Irish Culture

The Irish believe that the year's final day is auspicious for weddings, while 28 December, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, is considered unlucky for any occasion.

Ancient Roman Culture

The Ancient Romans considered June to be an auspicious month for weddings due to its association with Juno, the queen of the gods. A full or new moon during this month was considered especially lucky. In contrast, May was seen as an illegal month for marriages due to the festival of Bona Dea, the goddess of charity.

Moroccan Culture

Moroccans favour autumn as the lucky season for weddings, as the bride's baraka (wedding blessing) can bless the abundant crops. Thursdays and Sundays are considered the luckiest days of the week, while a ban on marriage is observed during the seven days of hesoum (24 February to 4 March).

Frequently asked questions