The Perfect Wedding Date: Choosing The Best Day

Choosing a wedding date is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. While there is no wrong time to marry the love of your life, there are several factors to consider when selecting the best date for your nuptials. From weather conditions and venue availability to cultural and religious traditions, here is a comprehensive guide to help you pick the perfect date for your special day.

Lucky dates

General Lucky Dates

• Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings.
• May through October are the most popular months for weddings, with October being the most popular month in recent years.
• The months of January, March, April, and November tend to be better months to choose for savings, as they are in the off-season for weddings.
• The first day of spring, Summer Solstice, and New Year's Eve are considered lucky dates.

Numerology

Astrology

According to astrology, some lucky dates for weddings include:

• A new moon, which represents planting seeds and starting something fresh.
• A supermoon, which is great for outdoor weddings as the moon will provide extra light.
• A solar eclipse, which is considered a supercharged new moon.
• A Jupiter transit, as Jupiter is the planet of abundance.
• A Saturn transit, as Saturn is connected to longevity.

Culture and Religion

• In Jewish culture, Tuesdays are considered lucky as it is written in the book of Genesis that on the third day after creation (a Tuesday), God looked around and "saw that it was good."
• In Irish culture, New Year's Eve is considered the luckiest date for a wedding.
• In Chinese culture, dates with the number eight are considered lucky, as the word "eight" is close to the word for "wealth." Similarly, dates with the number nine are considered lucky as "nine" rhymes with "long-lasting."
• In Hindu culture, couples often consult an astrologer or use a 'muhurat calendar' to select an auspicious date for their wedding.

Holiday dates

However, there are some downsides to a holiday wedding. Holiday weekends are often more expensive, and some guests may have long-standing travel plans. Additionally, if your wedding falls on a religious holiday, some guests may not want to break their traditions to attend.

New Year's Eve/Day

New Year's Eve is a popular choice for weddings, as it is already a celebratory holiday. It is also a favourite time for proposals, so your guests will be in a romantic mood. A New Year's Day wedding is a great way to symbolise new beginnings, and you can take advantage of winter styling options, such as long-sleeved wedding gowns and three-piece tuxedos.

Valentine's Day

Although Valentine's Day is all about love, it is not a very popular choice for weddings, likely due to the cold weather. However, if you live in a warmer climate or are planning an indoor ceremony, Valentine's Day could be the perfect choice for a romantic wedding.

St. Patrick's Day

If you or your partner have Irish heritage, St. Patrick's Day could be the perfect choice for your wedding date. You can incorporate your Irish heritage into your wedding with a little creativity, such as using green and orange colours or serving traditional Irish food and drinks.

Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is known as the unofficial start to summer, so it's a great time to have a relaxed and happy wedding. The weather is usually warm, but not too hot, and your guests will appreciate having an extra day off work to celebrate.

Fourth of July

The Fourth of July is a great choice for a wedding if you want to incorporate some patriotic traditions into your celebration. However, keep in mind that this holiday doesn't always fall on a weekend, so you may need to be flexible with your date.

Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend is another popular choice for holiday weddings, as it falls between summer and fall. Your guests won't have to worry about work the next day, and you can take advantage of the warm weather and festive atmosphere.

Columbus Day Weekend

Columbus Day Weekend falls in the heart of fall, making it a beautiful and popular choice for weddings. October is already one of the most popular months to wed, and a three-day weekend gives you and your guests extra time to celebrate.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving Weekend may be a tricky choice for a wedding, as most people have long-standing family traditions for this holiday. However, if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving or have a non-traditional celebration, this could be a great choice, especially since your relatives will already be in town.

Christmas

Christmas is at the bottom of the list when it comes to popular holiday weddings. Many people have special Christmas traditions, and the winter weather can be a worry for travel plans. However, if you don't celebrate Christmas or live in a warm climate, a Christmas wedding could be a unique and festive choice.

When choosing a holiday wedding date, it's important to consider the pros and cons and decide what is best for you and your partner. Holiday dates can be a great choice, but they may not work for everyone.

Astrological dates

Astrology can be a fun way to choose your wedding date. Here are some astrological tips to help you pick the perfect date to tie the knot.

Zodiac Signs

Each zodiac sign has different characteristics that can influence your marriage. For example, Aries marriages are adventurous and bold, while Taurus marriages are sensual and decadent. Gemini couples prioritise communication, and Cancer couples enjoy pampering each other. Leo marriages are dramatic and passionate, and Virgo marriages are organised and refined. Libra is the sign that rules marriage, so it's no surprise that October is a popular month for weddings. Scorpio marriages are intense and passionate, while Sagittarius couples are outgoing and adventurous. Capricorn is the sign of tradition, so a winter wedding around Christmastime or the New Year is a good choice. Aquarius marriages are unconventional and quirky, and Pisces couples are a dreamy, romantic match.

Lucky Dates

Astrologer Susan Miller suggests choosing a wedding date within six weeks of your birthday, as this is when the sun's energy can translate into good fortune. You can also use an online birth chart generator to track the sun's position and find a lucky date.

Days of the Week

According to one source, the best days to get married are Fridays, Thursdays, and Sundays, which are ruled by Venus, Jupiter, and the Sun, respectively. Another source says that Tuesdays are considered a lucky day to wed in Jewish tradition.

Moon Phase

A waxing moon is considered a good moon phase for a wedding.

Other Astrological Factors

It's best to avoid Mercury retrograde, which happens three times a year, as this can cause foggy thinking and rushed decisions. You should also avoid a moon in Aries, Scorpio, or Capricorn, unless it is well-aspected. Additionally, avoid Venus in Aries, Virgo, or Scorpio, unless it is very well-aspected.

Cultural Traditions

Different cultures have their own auspicious dates for weddings. For example, in Chinese culture, August 8, 2024, is considered lucky because the number eight symbolizes success and prosperity. In Irish culture, New Year's Eve is considered the luckiest date for a wedding.

Remember, these are just suggestions, and you should ultimately choose a date that feels right for you and your partner. Happy planning!

Popular dates

The best wedding dates are highly subjective and depend on various factors, including personal preferences, cultural and religious beliefs, and venue availability. However, here is a list of popular wedding dates based on different criteria:

• Seasonal Preference: Fall is currently the most popular time of year for weddings, with October being the most favoured month. Rich colours, nostalgia, and mulled apple cider make autumn a romantic choice. September is also a wonderful month for a "cool" summer wedding, as the weather starts to cool down, and you can blend summer and fall styles and themes.
• Lucky Days: Lucky wedding dates vary across different cultures and beliefs. In the Jewish calendar, Tuesdays are considered lucky as it is written in the book of Genesis that "on the third day after Creation (a Tuesday) God looked around and 'saw that it was good.'" In Chinese culture, the number eight symbolises success and prosperity, making August 8th a popular choice. In numerology, life path numbers and angel numbers are considered auspicious. For instance, January 1st is said to be a "green light" from the universe, with the number one being a powerful manifestation digit.
• Astrological Dates: For astrologically inclined couples, new moons are considered an ideal time to start something fresh and grow together. A new moon during Libra season (September-October) is a popular choice as Libra is connected to relationships and companionship. A solar eclipse, though rare, is also considered auspicious as it is like a "supercharged new moon."
• Holidays: Holiday weddings can be a festive and convenient choice. Valentine's Day, President's Day, and Memorial Day are popular choices for long weekends. New Year's Eve is another favourite, symbolising the end of one season and the start of a new year.
• Day of the Week: Saturdays are the most common wedding day, especially during peak wedding season from May to October. However, weekdays tend to be more affordable, and with remote work, guests may have more flexibility to attend a weekday wedding.
• Budget-Friendly: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, consider the off-season, typically during the winter months. January, in particular, can be more affordable and unique, with potential savings on venues, vendors, and travel.

Ultimately, the best wedding date is one that holds personal significance for the couple and allows them to celebrate their love with their loved ones.

Budget-friendly dates

The best way to save money on your wedding is to choose an off-peak date. The peak wedding season is typically between May and October, so prices are higher due to the high demand.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly date, consider the following:

Seasons

January through March is considered the off-season for weddings in most locations. January is one of the least popular months to host a wedding, making it both more affordable and unique. You'll likely be able to save money on your venue, vendors, and travel. It's the perfect time to plan a destination wedding, especially if your home state is a chilly one.

September is also a great month for a budget-friendly wedding. It's an in-between month, so you can get away with calling it a summer or fall wedding, giving you double the options for attire and decor.

Days of the Week

Saturdays are the most popular day for weddings, so opting for a Sunday or weekday ceremony can save you money. Fridays and Sundays are typically more affordable, and choosing a mid-week wedding, like a Thursday, can be even less expensive.

Time of Day

Having an earlier wedding and reception will save you money on food and alcohol. You could have a small brunch meal or hors d'oeuvres instead of a full dinner.

Holiday Weekends

Holiday weekends are popular for weddings, but they can also be more expensive and competitive when it comes to booking venues and vendors. If you're looking to save money, it's best to avoid these dates.

Local Events

Check for any major local events, such as sporting events, graduations, or festivals, that may overlap with your wedding date. These can impact hotel accommodations and travel costs for your guests.

Venue Competition

If you have your heart set on a particular venue, be aware that certain months and dates will be more competitive and therefore more expensive.

Flowers and Food

Consider the availability and cost of certain flowers and foods during different times of the year. Some flower arrangements will be more expensive out of season, so try to shop local and seasonal if possible.

Planning Time

Give yourself enough time to plan your wedding to avoid last-minute prices. Short-notice weddings often come with inflated fees.

Competition with Guests

If you have a lot of guests with children, consider avoiding dates that overlap with school breaks to make it more likely that they will attend.

Venue Type

The venue is a significant chunk of any wedding's cost. Consider free venues, like a suitable backyard, or low-cost options like town halls or restaurants.

Guest List

A smaller guest list means lower costs for the venue, food, beverages, service, tables, table settings, linens, and invitations.

Vendors

In addition to venues, other vendors like photographers and caterers may also offer discounts for off-peak dates.

Accommodation

If you have out-of-town guests, choosing an off-peak date can save them money on their accommodations, as hotels often have off-seasons too.

Lucky Dates

If you're interested in lucky dates, some cultures consider certain numbers or days of the week to be auspicious for weddings. For example, in Chinese culture, the number eight symbolizes success and prosperity, so August 8th is considered an ideal wedding date.

By choosing a budget-friendly date and being strategic with your planning, you can have a beautiful wedding that doesn't break the bank!

Frequently asked questions