When Do Couples Tie The Knot?

When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of factors to consider, from the venue to the guest list, and of course, the date. While some couples choose a date that is convenient or holds special meaning, others opt for popular wedding dates, which can vary from year to year. Peak wedding season generally spans from May to October, with Saturdays being the most popular day of the week to tie the knot. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards autumn weddings, with September and October being favoured due to cooler temperatures and the allure of fall foliage. While summer used to be the season of choice, autumn has taken the lead since 2015. In this ever-changing landscape of nuptial trends, it's interesting to delve into the most popular wedding dates and see if they align with your plans or if you're opting for a less traditional route.

Peak wedding season

The popularity of certain months varies with geographical location. For instance, in the UK, May, August, and September have all been the most popular wedding dates in the last three years.

In 2024, the top five wedding dates based on real couples are:

• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Saturday, June 22, 2024
• Saturday, May 18, 2024
• Saturday, October 12, 2024

The popularity of autumn weddings may be attributed to cooler, less humid weather, making outdoor venues more comfortable, as well as the appeal of fall foliage as a backdrop for wedding photos. Autumn also tends to have fewer vacations, holidays, and events, reducing the chances of scheduling conflicts for loved ones.

Additionally, spring and summer are often considered peak travel and event seasons, so couples may find lower pricing for venues and vendors in the later months of October.

Choosing a Wedding Date

When choosing a wedding date, it's essential to consider various factors, such as the availability of your desired venue and vendors, the convenience for your guests, and the potential impact on your budget.

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's crucial to give guests ample notice (around nine months to a year) to allow for travel arrangements and savings.

While Saturdays are the most popular, considering a weekday or Sunday wedding can offer cost savings and more availability.

Astrological Influence

For those seeking cosmic guidance, astrologer Tracey L. Rogers offers the following insights:

• A New Moon during Libra season (September to October) is ideal as Libra is associated with relationships and companionship.
• A New Moon during Capricorn season in winter symbolises longevity, endurance, and determination.
• A Solar Eclipse, though rare, is also considered auspicious as it represents a supercharged new moon.
• A Jupiter Transit brings abundance, meaning, fulfilment, and prosperity.
• A Saturn Transit is connected to hard work and discipline and can signify longevity in a marriage.

On the other hand, Rogers advises avoiding the following dates:

• Venus Retrograde, which occurs once every 18 months for six weeks, as it is associated with misunderstandings and reassessment in relationships.
• Void of Course Moon Transits, where the moon is not making any connections to another planet.
• Mercury in Retrograde can cause minor disruptions and frustrations, but it won't ruin the wedding, and advance knowledge can help you adapt and adjust.

Saving Money with Wedding Dates

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, consider the following tips:

• Choose a date during the off-season, typically from January to March, when venues tend to charge less due to lower demand.
• Opt for a weekday wedding, as venues usually offer lower rates on these days compared to weekends.
• Palindrome dates, such as 04/04/2024 or 05/05/2025, are easy for spouses and guests to remember as your anniversary.
• Dates with numerical patterns, such as 06/06/2023 or 05/18/2023, can be fun and memorable.

Most popular wedding months

When it comes to the most popular wedding months, it's all about the season. In the US, the peak wedding season runs from May to October, with 73% of weddings taking place during this period. Within these months, June, September, and October are the most popular, with October taking the crown for the most popular wedding month in recent years. However, early November is also gaining traction.

In the UK, the wedding season falls within a similar timeframe, spanning from May to September. Interestingly, the most popular wedding date in the UK for 2024 is Monday, 23rd September, marking the first time a Monday has taken the top spot. This shift towards a weekday wedding could be a strategic move to save on costs, as venues tend to charge less on weekdays.

While the most popular wedding months vary geographically, some months are consistently less popular for weddings. Colder months like late November, December, January, and February typically see fewer weddings. However, that doesn't mean these off-season celebrations are any less magical.

Choosing a wedding date

Congratulations on your engagement! Now it's time to start planning your wedding, and one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing a date for the big day. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your wedding date:

Seasonality and Weather

The time of year can impact the ease of securing your desired date, with October, September, June, May, and August being the most popular months for weddings. These months tend to fill up faster due to their favourable weather conditions. If you're aiming for an outdoor wedding and want to avoid high heat, consider avoiding late July and August. On the other hand, if you're looking to save on your budget, consider an off-season wedding in the colder months like January, February, or March, when venues and vendors typically offer lower rates.

Day of the Week

Traditionally, Saturdays are the most popular day of the week to get married, followed by Fridays and Sundays. However, if you're looking to save costs or have more availability options, consider a weekday wedding. Weekday weddings can be more affordable, and your guests will appreciate the extra time to travel and take off work.

Holidays and Special Dates

When choosing a wedding date, it's essential to consider holidays and special dates. While some holidays like New Year's Eve and the July 4th weekend can add a festive touch to your celebration, it's best to avoid family-oriented holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, as guests may have prior commitments. Additionally, consider the convenience of long weekends, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends, which provide extra time for travel and recovery from celebrations.

Astrological and Auspicious Dates

For those who are astrologically inclined, certain dates are considered more auspicious for weddings. A new moon, especially during Libra season (September-October) or Capricorn season, symbolises fresh starts and relationships. A solar eclipse or Jupiter transit is also considered lucky. On the other hand, it's best to avoid Venus retrograde periods, which can bring misunderstandings, and Mercury retrograde, which may cause minor disruptions.

Personal Preferences and Availability

Ultimately, the choice of your wedding date should align with your personal preferences and the availability of your must-have vendors and venues. Consider the convenience of your guests, especially if they need to travel, and try to avoid dates that overlap with other weddings with similar guest lists. If you have a dream photographer or band in mind, ensure they are available on your chosen date before finalising it.

Popular Wedding Dates in Recent Years

To give you an idea of the trends, here are some of the most popular wedding dates in recent years:

• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Saturday, June 22, 2024
• Saturday, May 18, 2024
• Saturday, October 12, 2024
• Saturday, September 23, 2023
• Saturday, October 7, 2023
• Saturday, May 20, 2023

Now that you have some insights, it's time to start planning and choosing the date that feels right for you and your partner. Remember to enjoy the process, and don't stress too much about the date—any day is the perfect time to celebrate your love!

Wedding dates to avoid

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, it's important to do your research to avoid any potential conflicts. While the decision is ultimately a matter of personal preference, there are some dates that are generally considered less favourable. Here are some wedding dates that you may want to avoid:

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day Weekend or Labor Day Weekend, can be great for weddings as guests will have an extra day for travel and festivities. However, they can also be more expensive, with higher costs for travel and accommodations. Additionally, some guests may have standing plans or traditions they prefer not to miss.

Religious and Cultural Holidays

It is best to avoid religious and cultural holidays, such as Easter Sunday, Passover, Ramadan, and Christmas, as they are sacred days for many people. There may also be restrictions on marrying in places of worship during these times.

Days of Remembrance

Days of remembrance, such as Patriot Day on September 11th and National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day on December 7th, are somber occasions that deserve to be honoured without the distraction of wedding festivities.

Major Sporting Events

If you or your guests are sports enthusiasts, avoid dates that conflict with popular sporting events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, or the Olympics. These events may distract from your wedding celebrations.

Unlucky Dates

Superstition plays a role in wedding date selection for some. In Roman culture, the "Ides of March" on March 15th is considered unlucky due to the assassination of Julius Caesar. Friday the 13th is also widely considered an unlucky day, with origins in the early 1900s.

Dates When Vendors Are Booked

One practical consideration is the availability of your dream wedding vendors. Before finalising your date, check with your must-have vendors to ensure they are available to avoid disappointment.

International Holidays for Destination Weddings

If you're planning a destination wedding, be mindful of the holidays in your chosen location. For example, Día de la Independencia in Mexico on September 16th or Bastille Day in France on July 14th.

Personally Significant Days

Check your calendar for any personally significant events, such as college reunions, family weddings, or local festivals, that may clash with your chosen wedding date.

Remember, while these dates may be considered less favourable, the choice is ultimately yours. If you don't think hosting your wedding on a particular holiday or significant date will affect your plans, then go for it!

Wedding dates and numerology

Wedding dates are a tricky business. There are so many factors to consider, from the season to the availability of venues and vendors, and of course, the numerology.

Numerology is the belief that numbers play an important role in our lives and can influence our life paths and events. When it comes to weddings, numerology is often used to choose a date that will bring good luck and positive energy to the couple's marriage.

To calculate your wedding date numerology, you can use your birthdate and your partner's birthdate to find your life path numbers. This is done by adding up the numbers of your birth date and reducing them to a single digit. For example, if your birth date is 5th February 1990 (5/2/1990), you would add the numbers: 5 + 2 + 1 + 9 + 9 + 0 = 26, and then reduce that to a single digit: 2 + 6 = 8. So, your life path number is 8.

Once you have both of your life path numbers, you can add them together to get your "marriage number". For example, if one partner's life path number is 9 and the other's is 7, their marriage number would be 16, which reduces to 7 (1 + 6 = 7).

Now that you have your life path numbers and marriage number, you can choose a wedding date that is complementary to these numbers. Generally, dates that equal 1 or 9 are considered fortuitous, but you can also choose a date that matches your marriage number or one of your life path numbers. It is also believed that the numbers 4 and 6 are the best numbers to support a successful marriage, as they represent foundation, home, and family.

However, it is important to avoid certain numbers that may bring negative energy. According to numerology, the numbers 7, 9, and sometimes 5 are considered unfriendly for weddings. The number 7 can be isolating, while 9 represents endings rather than beginnings, and 5 can indicate instability.

In addition to the numerology, there are other factors to consider when choosing a wedding date. You may want to choose a date that is significant to you and your partner, such as the date of your engagement or your first meeting. The season and availability of venues and vendors will also play a role in your decision.

• Saturday, September 21, 2024
• Saturday, September 14, 2024
• Saturday, June 22, 2024
• Saturday, May 18, 2024
• Saturday, October 12, 2024

So, if you're planning your big day, consider the numerology, the season, and the availability of your dream venue and vendors. With a little bit of planning and flexibility, you can find the perfect date to say "I do".

Frequently asked questions