Auspicious Wedding Dates: What To Do If Yours Isn't

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. While some people may not be concerned about whether their wedding date is auspicious or not, others may feel that it is important to ensure a happy and harmonious marriage. If you have chosen an inauspicious date for your wedding, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, consider the importance of an auspicious date to you and your partner. If you are both not particularly superstitious, then it may not be an issue. However, if one or both of you are concerned about the potential impact on your marriage, you could try consulting a fortune-teller or geomancer to suggest lucky times and dates for your wedding. Alternatively, you could choose to have a separate wedding and marriage date, with the legal marriage taking place on an auspicious date and the wedding celebration on a date that suits you and your guests. Ultimately, the decision is yours, and it is important to remember that a happy marriage is built on a solid foundation of love and mutual respect, rather than solely on an auspicious date.

Consider your and your partner's zodiac signs

If you're into the zodiac, consider identifying the best month to get married according to astrology and build your timeline around your sign. Astrologist Ambi Statham says that, as a general rule, it's "nice" to get married in your zodiac month. "This is when the cosmic spotlight is shining firmly on you with the sun blazing in your section of the zodiac," she says.

Here's what your zodiac sign might mean for your wedding:

Aries (March 21—April 19)

If you tie the knot during this time, you'll thrive as individuals and won't risk losing sight of yourselves in the relationship. Your marriage will be filled with lots of spontaneity. Think last-minute getaways, exciting dinner dates, and unexpected romantic surprises. But be careful not to get too competitive with each other, as Aries couples tend to do.

Taurus (April 20—May 20)

Taurus is an extremely sensual, decadent sign. You and your partner enjoy the finer things in life and are definitely not afraid to indulge your taste for luxury. The good news is that you're destined to have a very grounded marriage. However, because you can both get stuck in your ways, it's important to mix things up more and try new stuff—in the bedroom and out of it.

Gemini (May 21—June 20)

For Gemini couples, communication is key. You'll have a very talkative marriage, and there will be a constant dialogue going on between you and your other half. Since you crave variety, keep things interesting by taking part in new activities together. Sign up for an exotic cooking class, learn how to surf, or even go skydiving. Just remember to prioritise your time together.

Cancer (June 21—July 22)

Home is where the heart is for Cancers. You like to pamper your partner (and vice versa). Cooking together is another shared interest. And don't be surprised if you have a lot of cutesy nicknames for each other. The danger is that you might get too wrapped up as a couple and become homebodies. Make sure to get out, be interactive, and stay connected to friends and family.

Leo (July 23—August 22)

Leo couples are likely to have a very dramatic, theatrical, and passionate marriage. You both have strong opinions and are certainly not shy about sharing them. While it's nice that there's a lot of romance and passion, you do have a habit of getting too dramatic sometimes. This could result in a power struggle, so be careful not to boss each other around.

Virgo (August 23—September 22)

Virgo is an extremely organised, refined, and healthy sign. You and your spouse pay attention to the little things and are all about the details. They're your cheerleader and you're theirs, which is why helping each other out comes so naturally. Though you may get stuck focusing on your problems and lose sight of the bigger picture since you can be a bit nit-picky.

Libra (September 23—October 22)

Libra is the sign that rules marriage. This is probably why October is one of the biggest wedding months. Libra marriages are, not surprisingly, very much about balance and give and take from both partners. The relationship is a real priority for both of you. However, the danger lies in losing your individuality. Remember to break out of the couple bubble and do things on your own, too.

Scorpio (October 23—November 21)

Scorpio is an extremely intense sign. There's bound to be a ton of intimacy and passion in your marriage, and you should have no problem keeping the romance alive over the years. Scorpio is also a sign of power and control, so jealousy issues can crop up down the line. Be careful and make sure that if you're feeling hurt, you talk about it. You don't want to let a power struggle ruin your marriage.

Sagittarius (November 22—December 21)

The Sagittarius couple is very outgoing, adventurous, and worldly. There will most likely be a lot of travel in your future. You're constantly learning and taking classes together, and you're both incredibly open-minded as well. Nevertheless, you tend to take too many risks sometimes, particularly financially. Try not to live so much on the edge and hold down the fort at home.

Capricorn (December 22—January 19)

Capricorn is the sign of tradition, which is why this winter wedding typically happens around Christmastime or the New Year. You and your partner are all about legacy and honouring your heritage. You love celebrating the holidays and carrying on traditions from your childhood. One thing you both need to work on, though, is learning to enjoy the present instead of always planning for your future.

Aquarius (January 20—February 18)

The Aquarius marriage can best be described as unconventional, quirky, and modern. You're each other's best friend, but you're also a very social couple that hosts a ton of parties. You enjoy going out and being among a big crowd. To keep your marriage strong, it's important to make sure you set aside enough one-on-one time together.

Pisces (February 19—March 20)

Pisces is the sign of fantasy, imagination, romance, and creativity. You and your spouse are no doubt an incredibly dreamy match. Expect vow renewals and anniversary getaways in your future. Beware of getting too much out of touch with reality, however. You don't want to let your emotions take over to the point where you aren't grounded as a couple and begin to overspend to accommodate your creative endeavours.

Avoid birthdays and death anniversaries of family members

When it comes to weddings, many people believe that the date can determine the fate of the marriage. This is why some couples consult a geomancer to obtain an auspicious date for their wedding. However, if you find yourself in a situation where your wedding date clashes with the birthday or death anniversary of a family member, here are some things to consider:

• Discuss with your partner: It is important to have an open conversation with your partner about the significance of the date and how it may impact your family members. Consider their thoughts and feelings on the matter, and decide together if you want to proceed with the wedding date as planned or make adjustments.
• Consider the impact: Evaluate the potential impact of having your wedding on a family member's birthday or death anniversary. While some family members may not mind, others may find it disrespectful or emotionally difficult. Consider the relationships involved and the potential consequences for your decision.
• Communicate with family members: Talk to the family members who would be affected by the wedding date. Express your concerns and ask for their input. They may be understanding of your situation and willing to find an alternative way to commemorate the birthday or death anniversary.
• Explore alternative dates: If possible, consider changing your wedding date to avoid any conflict with the birthday or death anniversary. This may involve some adjustments to your plans, but it could help alleviate any potential tension or discomfort.
• Create a compromise: If changing the wedding date is not feasible, try to find a compromise that respects both your wedding plans and the family member's special day. For example, you could have a small, private ceremony on the original date and a larger celebration at a different time.
• Offer an alternative commemoration: Suggest an alternative way to honour the family member's birthday or death anniversary. This could be a private celebration before or after your wedding, or a special tribute included in your wedding ceremony. Involve the affected family members in the planning to ensure their needs are met.
• Seek support: Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when dealing with conflicting dates. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or a professional for support. They can provide valuable perspective and help you navigate any challenges that arise.

Remember, the decision is ultimately up to you and your partner. While it is important to consider the feelings of family members, you also need to do what is right for your wedding and your relationship. Open communication and empathy will help you navigate this challenging situation.

Avoid Chinese ghost months

If your wedding date falls within the Chinese Ghost Month, you may want to consider rescheduling. The Chinese Ghost Month is the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, usually falling in July, August, or September. During this month, ghosts and spirits are believed to be released from the lower realm and roam the earth.

• It is considered a very unlucky time of the year, and traditional belief states that the souls of dead ancestors and vengeful spirits roam the earth during this period.
• Many people avoid making important decisions or life changes during this month, such as getting married, getting engaged, moving to a new home, or starting a new business.
• There are certain taboos and precautions associated with this month, such as refraining from going out after dark, swimming, or making noise or whistling at night.
• It is believed that ghosts attack their enemies and may be angry or malicious in general. People perform special ceremonies and make offerings to avoid the wrath of these ghosts.
• The Hungry Ghost Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the seventh month, is the most important festival of the Hungry Ghost Month. It is a time when people worship their ancestors and make offerings to wandering souls.
• The last day of the seventh lunar month is also marked with a special festival when the gates of hell are closed again. People burn paper money and clothing so that the ghosts can use them in their hell society.

If you choose to proceed with your wedding during the Chinese Ghost Month, be mindful of the beliefs and taboos associated with this period. You may also want to consider incorporating some of the traditional rituals, such as making offerings or performing ceremonies, to respect the cultural significance of this time.

Avoid two weddings in one year

If you're looking to avoid having two weddings in the same year, here are some tips to help you navigate this tricky situation:

Be Considerate of Family and Finances

It is important to be considerate of your family and your fiancé(e)'s family when planning your wedding date. In some cultures, it is considered bad luck for siblings to marry in the same year. If this is not a concern for you, it is still advisable to space the weddings out by a few months to give everyone a break from the festivities and to avoid overwhelming your loved ones. This is especially important if there is a large overlap of guests, as they will need to consider the financial implications of attending multiple weddings in a short span of time.

Involve Parents in the Planning Process

If your parents or your fiancé(e)'s parents are contributing financially to both weddings, be sure to involve them in the planning process and ask for their opinion on potential dates. They may have preferences or constraints that you should take into account to ease any financial stress. For example, you could suggest having one wedding in late spring and the other in early autumn.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Having two weddings in the family close together can be stressful for everyone involved, especially if you are part of the bridal party for both. Remember to take care of yourself and manage your stress levels during this busy time.

Be Mindful of the Other Couple

While it is important to consider your family and friends, don't forget about the other couple. They are also excited to plan their special day, so be careful not to offend them and check in with them throughout the planning process.

Communicate and Compromise

If you are from different cultural or religious backgrounds, having two weddings may be a good option to honour both traditions. Try to find a venue that can accommodate both ceremonies, or have them on different days, with a few months in between to give yourselves a break. Involve both families in the planning and be transparent about your intentions to avoid any hurt feelings.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Ultimately, finding a wedding date that works for everyone may be challenging. Be prepared to adapt and consider alternative options, such as having a sequel wedding, where you have an intimate ceremony followed by a larger-scale celebration at a later date. This can give you more flexibility and allow you to honour your traditions without cramming everything into one day.

Remember, communication and consideration for all parties involved are key to navigating this situation successfully. Good luck with your wedding plans!

Choose a date that aligns with your beliefs

Choosing a wedding date that aligns with your beliefs is a personal decision that depends on several factors, including cultural traditions, family expectations, and individual convictions. Here are some considerations to help you choose a date that aligns with your beliefs:

• Cultural and Religious Traditions: Different cultures and religions have their own auspicious dates and traditions for weddings. For example, in Chinese culture, numerological analysis, zodiac signs, and specific months are considered when choosing an auspicious date. Hindu weddings often involve astrological calculations and the consideration of zodiac signs. Meanwhile, Catholics might avoid certain feast days and penitentiary periods. Respecting and incorporating these traditions can be a meaningful way to honour your heritage and beliefs.
• Family Expectations: It's not uncommon for family members, especially older generations, to have strong opinions about wedding dates. In some cases, they may expect you to follow specific cultural or religious traditions. If your family has particular beliefs about auspicious dates, it's essential to communicate with them and understand their perspectives.
• Individual Convictions: Ultimately, the decision to choose an auspicious date depends on your personal beliefs. Some people strongly believe that wedding dates can influence the success of their marriage, while others consider it mere superstition. Reflect on your own convictions and discuss them with your partner. If you don't fully subscribe to the idea of auspicious dates, you may opt for a date that is convenient, easy to remember, or holds special meaning for you as a couple.
• Compromise and Flexibility: In some cases, you might need to find a compromise between different beliefs and expectations. For example, you could have a small ceremony on an auspicious date to honour cultural traditions and a larger celebration on a different date to accommodate family and friends. Alternatively, you could incorporate symbolic elements from your culture into your wedding, even if it falls on a date that is not traditionally considered auspicious.
• Research and Planning: If you decide to follow cultural or religious traditions, take the time to research and plan accordingly. Consult cultural or religious experts, such as geomancers, astrologers, or fortune-tellers, who can guide you in choosing an auspicious date based on your specific circumstances. Start planning early, as auspicious dates are often in high demand, and you may need to compete with other couples for venues and vendors.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a wedding date. The most important thing is to make a decision that aligns with your beliefs, values, and priorities as a couple. Open communication with your partner, family, and cultural or religious advisors can help you navigate this important decision and ensure that your wedding date reflects your unique journey together.

Frequently asked questions