George Boyle
With wedding season in full swing, many couples are celebrating their big day. However, there are several key dates to avoid for your nuptials in 2025 and 2026. While some public holidays, sporting events, and national celebrations may enhance your special day, others may cause difficulties for your guests or increase costs. Superstitions also play a role, with many couples avoiding dates like Friday the 13th and the Ides of March. On the other hand, certain dates are considered lucky, such as those with the number 2 or 8, or the summer solstice. Regardless of the date, the average cost of weddings in 2025 is expected to be around $33,000, with variations depending on location and other factors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lucky dates | Dates with the number 2 or 8; April and May 2028; August 2028 |
| Unlucky dates | Friday the 13th; Ides of March (March 15); Leap Day; Valentine's Day |
| Seasonal solstices | Summer solstice; Winter solstice; Spring equinox; Autumn equinox |
| Dates to avoid | Holidays, sporting events, and national celebrations; Valentine's Day; Women's Euro Cup Final |
| Wedding season | May to October; September and October (2023); June (2022); April and November (tied for third in 2023) |
| Wedding costs | $33,000 on average; $12,200 for the venue in 2024; $80 per plate for catering; $2,700 for flowers; $1,700 for a DJ; $2,900 for photography; $18,000 in Utah in 2024; $19,000 in Iowa in 2024 |
| Wedding trends | More games and activities for guests; non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails and non-alcoholic martinis; multiple outfits for the bride; serving oysters in a wooden canoe |
Explore related products
![The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner [Revised Edition]: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Timelines, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lx2xHeJdL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Lucky and unlucky dates
In Chinese culture, the number eight symbolises success and prosperity, so the ideal date for a wedding according to this philosophy is August 8, 2023. This date is considered extremely lucky for couples beginning their life-long partnership. In general, May, August and October are considered the luckiest months to get married in Chinese culture, while March, July and September are deemed unlucky as they relate to death.
According to celebrity psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman, the luckiest dates to get married in 2023 are October 14, February 5, and July 17.
In Japanese culture, the Koyomi astrological calendar is consulted to determine lucky dates to get married. Couples look out for Tomobiki and Taian dates, with Sensho also being considered lucky until noon. Senbu is believed to bring good luck in the afternoon, Butsemetsu is the unluckiest day as it is the day Buddha died, and Shakko is only favourable between 11 am and 1 pm.
In Hindu culture, couples may consult an astrologer to look at their birth dates and the panchangram (astrological almanac) to select a lucky date according to Vedic astrology.
For those who are superstitious, Friday the 13th is known as an unlucky date, as is the Ides of March (15th of March).
The most popular months for weddings are October, September, June, May, and August, while January, February, and March are considered "off-season" months.
Ultimately, the best date to get married is one that is convenient and available, and there is no "good" or "bad" wedding date—any day is perfect to celebrate love!
Hetty's Attendance Mystery: Will She Be at the Wedding?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Costs and budgeting
Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, with the average wedding in the US costing around $30,000 to $33,000, and the cost per guest averaging $284. However, the amount spent on a wedding can vary greatly depending on location, guest count, and personal priorities. For example, a wedding in an expensive, densely populated city like New York or San Francisco will cost more than a wedding in a smaller town in Idaho or West Virginia.
To ensure that your wedding planning stays within your financial capacity, it's important to create a budget and stick to it. Here are some tips for budgeting and saving costs:
- Determine your budget early on in the planning process. Be honest and open with your partner and any financial contributors about what you can afford, to avoid conflicts later on.
- Examine your monthly income, expenses, and potential savings to gauge how much you can comfortably contribute to the wedding budget.
- To boost your savings, cut back on non-essential expenses like takeout, gifts, and subscriptions during your engagement.
- Use a budget tool or spreadsheet to keep track of your spending. The Knot Budget Tool, for instance, provides information on average spending in your area per wedding category and suggests vendors that suit your budget.
- When choosing vendors, consider hidden costs and extras. Choose vendors that are less expensive than your allocated budget to allow for tips and additional costs that may arise.
- Work overtime costs into your budget if you think your wedding may run longer than the times specified in your vendor contracts.
- Consider hiring a wedding planner to help you allocate your funds and make realistic decisions within your budget.
- Prioritize what's important to you and your partner. For instance, you might spend more on a venue and less on flowers.
By following these steps and being thoughtful in your budgeting process, you can create a memorable and financially responsible celebration.
Wedding March: Will There Be a Fourth Installment?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Wedding trends
Interactive Experiences
Couples are incorporating interactive elements to create memorable experiences for their guests. This includes photo booths, live painters or illustrators, DIY cocktail stations, and interactive food stations such as taco bars and custom salad stations. These interactive stations not only provide entertainment but also offer Insta-worthy moments for guests to capture and share.
Bold Colours and Personalisation
This year, weddings are embracing bold and vibrant colour schemes. From jewel tones to neon hues, couples are creating exciting atmospheres with unexpected colour combinations. On the other hand, monochrome palettes are also making a statement, with bridesmaids dressed in black or all-white ensembles. Personalised touches are also prevalent, from unique wedding logos to couple-centred traditions that reflect their personalities and values.
Guest Comfort and Experience
There is a growing trend towards prioritising guest comfort and experience. Couples are focusing on making their weddings fun, accessible, and guest-centric. This includes hosting activities before the wedding, such as golf tournaments or wine tastings, and offering later start times for post-wedding events to allow guests to rest and relax.
Wedding Dresses and Bridal Style
When it comes to bridal fashion, 2023 is all about making a statement. Brides are embracing dramatic styles, including off-the-shoulder dresses, big bows, voluminous sleeves, and transparent details. 70s and 80s silhouettes are also making a comeback with a modern twist. Additionally, brides are stepping away from the traditional white dress, opting for colourful gowns or black-and-white ensembles.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Sustainability is a key consideration for many couples planning their weddings. From digital invites to locally sourced menus, couples are incorporating eco-friendly practices into their celebrations. Disposable cameras are also making a comeback, but with eco-friendly materials, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability in the wedding industry.
Harry and Meghan: Will They Receive Wedding Gifts?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner and Organizer, Revised and Updated [binder]: Worksheets, Checklists, Inspiration, Calendars, and Pockets](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xbZ7lcxbL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Avoiding sporting events
It seems that weddings will continue to take place this year, with May marking the start of wedding season in the US.
If you are planning a wedding, you may want to incorporate your interests and passions into the ceremony and reception. Sports enthusiasts, for instance, might be tempted to include sports-related elements in their celebrations. However, if you are a guest at a wedding, you will want to avoid certain behaviours associated with sports events.
Firstly, do not propose at a sporting event. While it may seem like a good idea to declare your love at a stadium or arena, the crowd does not know you or your partner and is not interested in your relationship. They are there to watch the game, not to witness your personal milestone.
Secondly, if you are attending a wedding, avoid behaving as if you are at a sports event. While it is fine to incorporate sports into your own wedding, guests should refrain from treating the wedding as if it were a game. This includes shouting, cheering, or booing during the ceremony or reception. Remember that a wedding is a formal occasion, and it is important to respect the couple's special day.
Finally, avoid competing with the newlyweds for attention. This includes dressing up in a way that draws all the attention to yourself, such as wearing a costume or an outfit that is not appropriate for the formality of the event. It is the couple's day, and your behaviour should not detract from their celebration.
By following these guidelines, you can avoid behaving inappropriately at a wedding and ensure that the happy couple and their guests all have a wonderful time.
Royal Wedding: Will and Kate's Menu Choices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Astrological dates
Astrology, Chinese astrology, and numerology use birth dates to determine if certain days, months, or years are lucky or unlucky for individuals or couples. To select a lucky astrological wedding date, one suggestion is to ensure the planet Venus (the planet of marriage) is in good shape, the sun and moon are in harmony, and the potential of the date is maximized while any troublesome aspects are minimized. Another suggestion is to get married during a waxing moon or on the "upswing" of the clock, for instance, between 4:30 and 4:59 instead of between 5:00 and 5:29. Lore has it that your happiness will continue to swing upward if you do so.
- April: Aries' month. Aries are known for their independence, so this is one of the best wedding dates in 2023 for couples who want to maintain their sense of individuality.
- May: Considered one of the most auspicious and fortuitous months in Chinese astrology. In this month, Venus will enter Leo and stay for an extended visit. This time will be full of magnificence, grandness, and expressiveness, making it a lucky wedding date for those who want to have a big ceremony.
- July: Be wary of this month as it has more unlucky dates than lucky dates!
- August: August is considered one of the most auspicious months of 2023. There will be a full moon this month, and on the 31st, there will be a blue moon, which is extra lucky! This date is energetically strong. Because of the waxing moon, it is a good time to be overt, outward, and expanding.
- September: The beginning of the month is very unlucky for weddings. It is better to have your wedding at the end of the month.
- November: November is full of lucky wedding dates. In fact, it has the most lucky wedding dates out of every month in 2023! According to astrology, this month is for those who want to emulate tradition and class. This is also one of the best wedding dates in 2023 for those who are future-oriented.
When is Your Lucky Wedding Day?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dates with the number 2 or 8 are considered lucky. Dates in April, May and August are also said to be auspicious. The summer solstice is considered lucky in many cultures, and Druids consider it the wedding of heaven and earth.
Friday the 13th in June 2025 might be best to avoid, as well as public holidays, sporting events and national celebrations.
May marks the start of wedding season in the US.
The average cost of a wedding in 2025 is \$33,000, a \$2,000 decline from the previous year.
