Timing Is Everything: Choosing The Perfect Date For Your Wedding

Choosing the right date for your wedding is a big decision. It's the first step in the planning process and will impact everything from your budget to your styling, guest list, and even your dress. While it's important to give your family and friends plenty of notice, it's recommended that your date is not your first decision. Instead, focus first on what's most important – the wedding itself! Then, choose a date based on style and season.

There are many factors to consider when selecting your wedding date, from meaningful moments in your relationship to honeymoon plans and family availability. You might want to get married on an anniversary, or during your favourite season. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, you'll want to choose a season with pleasant weather. Your budget may also guide you towards the right date – peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices will be higher.

Remember, your wedding date will become special because it's the day you get married!

Sentimental value: Choose a date that holds significance for you as a couple, such as your grandparents' wedding date or the date you first met

Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, but picking a day that holds sentimental value for you and your partner is a great way to go about it. Here are some tips and ideas to help you choose the perfect date:

• Anniversary Dates: Celebrating your wedding on the anniversary of a special occasion, such as your first date, the day you became exclusive, or your grandparents' wedding date, can add a layer of sentimentality and significance to your big day. It's a way to honour your relationship's milestones and create a new meaningful memory on a date that already holds a special place in your hearts.
• Narrow Down the Options: If you're feeling overwhelmed by the endless date possibilities, start by selecting a season or month that holds sentimental value. Perhaps you have fond memories of a particular season from your dating life, or there's a time of year that aligns with your desired wedding theme and mood. For example, if you envision a fun, tropical-themed wedding, summer might be the ideal season for you. On the other hand, if you dream of a winter wonderland wedding, complete with snowfall and holiday cheer, winter would be the perfect choice.
• Symbolic Dates: In addition to anniversaries, you can explore other symbolic dates that hold personal significance. For instance, you might want to get married on a date that holds cultural or religious importance to you and your family. Some cultures have traditional methods for choosing an auspicious wedding date, such as consulting an ancient astrological calendar. Numerology can also play a role in selecting a date—for instance, the number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture as it sounds similar to the word for "wealth."
• Flexibility: While it's wonderful to choose a date with sentimental value, it's also important to remain flexible. Your dream venue might not be available on your desired date, or there could be conflicts with the schedules of your must-have guests. Being open to considering weekdays or off-peak dates can increase your options and even save you money. Ultimately, the sentimental value of your wedding date will shine through regardless of the specific day you choose.

Practical considerations: Think about budget, guest lists, and supplier availability

When choosing a wedding date, there are several practical considerations to keep in mind, including budget, guest list, and supplier availability. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

• Be mindful of your budget: Peak wedding season, typically between May and October, tends to be more expensive due to high demand. Consider off-peak dates or opt for a weekday wedding to save costs. The day of the week also matters, with Saturday nights carrying the highest price tag.
• Consider your guest list: If you're planning a large wedding with distant relatives and friends, avoid family-oriented holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving. This will ensure that your guests are available and won't be caught up in other commitments.
• Check supplier availability: If you have specific vendors in mind, such as a photographer or a band, confirm their availability before finalising your wedding date. This is especially important if you're set on having a particular vendor.
• Be mindful of other events: Avoid major city-wide events like marathons, big-name concerts, or festivals that may impact accommodation options and travel plans for your guests, especially if they are travelling from out of town.
• Space it out: If there are other weddings in the same year with a similar guest list, try to space them out by a few weeks to give your guests a break and avoid back-to-back celebrations.
• Plan ahead: While it's not necessary to rush, giving yourself enough time to plan is essential. Sending out save-the-dates about six to twelve months in advance is considerate, and it will also help your guests make travel arrangements if needed.

Remember, flexibility is key when choosing a wedding date. By considering your budget, guest list, and supplier availability, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs and ensures a memorable celebration.

Supplier availability: Research and reach out to your dream suppliers to see when they're available

Once you've set your date, venue, and budget, it's time to start thinking about your wedding suppliers. The first step is to prioritise your key suppliers and create a timeline for booking them. The most in-demand suppliers that generally book out first include photographers, celebrants, and wedding planners, so consider researching these suppliers first.

If you have your heart set on a particular supplier, it's a good idea to reach out to them as early as possible to see when they're available. Many popular dates are booked around 15 months in advance, and some suppliers may be booked solid for the entire year.

When contacting your dream suppliers, be upfront and open about your wants and needs, including your style, priorities, and budget. Ask them about their process and contract, and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you'll be spending a lot of one-on-one time with them (like your photographer, planner, or celebrant), consider scheduling an initial consultation to ensure you feel comfortable and relaxed around them.

• Photographer: According to one source, 90% of couples hire a professional wedding photographer to creatively capture their special day.
• Wedding Planner: A wedding planner can help you stay organised, on budget, and on schedule. They can also handle any last-minute issues that may arise.
• Hair and Makeup Artists: You'll want to look and feel your best on your big day, so hiring professionals to take care of your hair and makeup is essential.
• Florist: Flowers are an essential part of your wedding's décor, and a good florist can help bring your theme and colour scheme to life.
• Entertainment: If you have a particular band, DJ, or live musician in mind, it's a good idea to book them early, as the best artists can be booked far in advance.
• Caterer and Drink Supplier: If your venue doesn't organise food and drinks, you'll need to book a caterer and drink supplier early on to ensure you stay within your budget.
• Wedding Cake Designer: Finding the right wedding cake designer is about more than just taste; they can create a dessert that's almost too pretty to eat!

Remember, it's important to trust your wedding suppliers and give them the space to work their magic. They are the experts and will help make your big day everything you've envisioned and more.

Weather: Consider the season and typical weather patterns to ensure your wedding is pleasant for you and your guests

Weather is a crucial factor when choosing a date for your wedding. The season and typical weather patterns will impact the style and location of your wedding, as well as the comfort of you and your guests.

If you're planning an outdoor wedding, it's important to choose a season with mild weather and clear skies. For example, if you want to avoid high heat, you may want to skip late July and August. On the other hand, a strapless dress may not be ideal for a winter wedding, and a thick lace gown might be too warm for summer. So, consider the type of attire you envision yourself and your wedding party wearing, and choose a season with weather that complements your style.

The weather can also help set the mood and influence the theme of your wedding. For instance, a summer wedding can evoke a fun, tropical-inspired vibe, while a winter wedding can be opulent and snowy. If you're aiming for a particular atmosphere or theme, be sure to select a season that aligns with it.

In addition to the season, consider the typical weather patterns in your chosen location. Research the historical weather data for your desired months to get an idea of what to expect. While you can't predict the exact weather on your wedding day, being aware of the likelihood of rain, snow, or extreme temperatures will help you plan effectively.

By taking into account the season, typical weather patterns, and your desired wedding style, you can ensure that your wedding date provides a pleasant and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Lucky dates: If you're feeling superstitious, look into numerology or astrology to choose a date that brings good fortune

If you're feeling superstitious, it might be worth looking into numerology or astrology to choose a wedding date that brings good fortune.

Numerology

If you're interested in numerology, you might want to consider the symbolic significance of certain numbers. For instance, in numerology, the number one symbolises unity and new beginnings, so the first of any month could be a lucky date. The number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture, as its pronunciation sounds like 'wealth'.

Astrology

Astrologically, there are several factors to consider when choosing a wedding date. Firstly, it's important to check the position of Venus, the planet of love. Astrologer Leisa Schaim recommends looking for a date when "Venus is in Taurus, Libra, or Pisces". It's also worth checking the position of the moon, as this sets the "emotional backdrop" for the day. A new moon is considered especially auspicious, representing hope, potential, and new beginnings.

It's also advisable to avoid certain planetary positions. For instance, Mercury retrograde can cause issues with communication and technology, while Venus retrograde may dredge up old feelings.

If you're looking for a date that's extra lucky, consider the following astrological events:

• A solar eclipse: considered a supercharged new moon
• Jupiter transit: Jupiter is the planet of abundance
• Saturn transit: Saturn represents hard work and discipline, and can bring good luck in the longevity department

Frequently asked questions