So, youโre engaged โ congratulations! It’s time to think about how you’ll respond to the most common question: “When is the wedding?” Choosing a wedding date is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make as a couple because it will affect every other aspect of your big day. There are a lot of things you have to take into consideration. This step has become a bit more challenging for couples starting to plan their weddings in 2021. Most weddings that were originally planned for 2020 were pushed back to 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19.
You may have an idea of where you want to walk down the aisle or what you want your cake to look like, but you can’t commit to anything until you decide when you want to get married. The process of setting your wedding date is a bit more involved than simply pointing to a day on the calendar. This important decision requires quite a bit of research and discussions with family and friends. While friends and family may put a lot of pressure on you to set a date, don’t rush this step.
You might be asking yourself, “How do I pick a date that works for everyone and is still special to me?” or “Where do I even start?” If youโre struggling to set a date for your wedding, check out our comprehensive guide in choosing the perfect wedding date.
Think of specific dates that are important to you and your partner
Your wedding is going to be one of the most special days of your entire life. Itโs a day that should be a true representation of you and your partner and a reflection of your unique personalities. With this in mind, taking your personal preferences into account should be a priority when it comes to choosing your wedding date! Before you start thinking about the practical side of things, itโs best to sit down with your partner. Consider the dates that are significant to both of you. This might be the day you both met, the day you officially began dating, or any other date that holds a special place in your heart. Determine what your heart and emotions are telling you about the date of your wedding. This includes your wedding vision, seasonal styling elements, and any dates with which you have strong emotional ties. Make a note of these dates and check your calendar to see which season and day of the week they correspond with.
Before deciding on a wedding date, think about the weather/season
Research what the weather is like in the location you are planning on getting married. You should think about your comfort levels โ as well as those of your guests โ in certain temperatures and weather. If youโre wanting an outdoor wedding, weather is a HUGE factor. Weather can also affect your photos, guest attendance, bridal party attire, and yes, even your cake (because certain types of cake icing can โmeltโ if too hot). Take a look at weather prediction websites, which amalgamate the average temperature and conditions from previous years on a particular date, to see whether your chosen date will be suitable. Weather not only influences the style and location of your wedding, but it can also help set the mood. Consider your wedding personality before deciding on a season.
Evaluate your budget
Your budget is one of the first things you should consider when setting your wedding date. Keep in mind that there are certain peak seasons in the wedding industry too, and there are some months that are more expensive to get married in (e.g. December) than others. So consider that too when deciding on your date. If you already have a budget in mind, check to see if your date is at a peak season (itโs always best to double check with your vendors)โif it is and you canโt work your budget around it, you can always opt to choose another date during another month. Furthermore, the length of your engagement will dictate how long you have to save up for your special day โ a long engagement will give you plenty of time, while a shorter engagement is only recommended if you already have money saved up in advance or if your wedding is being paid for by somebody else.
Holidays/Sports events/Family events
There are certain events and holidays that you should take into consideration when trying to pick the perfect date for your wedding. Birthdays and anniversaries for family members should be avoided unless you wish to share the spotlight with them, and busy holidays like Christmas may mean that some attendees are unable to attend owing to prior commitments. Local and national events, such as major athletic events, festivals, and other celebrations, should be removed from the list as well. As much as they love you, do they really want to spend a major holiday celebrating you instead of being able to celebrate them? Yes, your wedding is about the two of you, but you also want to make it an event that your guests are excited about and can afford to attend.
The cheapest month
Your budget may play a significant role in guiding you to the best wedding date. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can choose which month of the year to have your wedding. Because many couples plan their weddings from December to February, the demand for wedding vendors is much higher during this time period. As a result, during peak wedding season, vendors charge significantly more. If you want to save money on your wedding, plan it for a non-peak month when you’ll be more likely to find lower pricing and a wider selection of venues and vendors. March, April, and November are usually the cheapest months to be married.
Communicate with your VIP guests
Another thing you can do before you choose your wedding date is to share a few dates you had in mind with your VIP guests you absolutely must have at your wedding. Ask around to make sure the general dates youโre looking at arenโt a no-go for those people you canโt imagine saying โI Doโ without. Naturally, the date you choose won’t be perfect for everyone. At the very least, be sure that all of your immediate family and other important “VIPs” will be available to attend. Once youโve selected a date, stand your ground! Peopleโs plans change, but never let that guilt you into moving this important life event for someone else.
Venue and vendor availability
So now is the time that you start really narrowing down your dates. Have a few possible datesโฆ maybe a whole month- or even 2 months- that youโre open to. No wedding date is set in stone until you have a venue booked. The last big element to consider when choosing your wedding date is your dream venue or vendors. Knowing where you want to get married is almost always a top-level concern when you want to pick your wedding date. Get in touch with the venues youโre looking at to check their availability โ many venues are fully booked years in advance, so you may have to compromise on your selected date if theyโre unable to fulfill your request. Also, if your heart is set on certain vendors, then youโll have to check on their availability before choosing a date. One tip would be to choose only your top three priority vendors, and then look for a common date that they are all available on. Of course, you can always set your date before you book your vendors, but if you want your dream team, then itโs always best to double-check first!
And thatโs a wrap! Now, youโre ready to choose your wedding date with confidence, knowing that a little bit of thorough research and communication goes a long way. Always remember, whatever date you choose, it will be YOUR date and one to remember.
