Congratulations on your engagement! People will already be asking you when the wedding is. However, don’t rush into decisions. There is no set rule for how long you should wait after getting engaged to set a date. The average engagement in the US is 12-18 months, so you can give yourself at least a year to plan your wedding.
But when you easily get stressed over big assignments, a wedding far into the future may create anxiety for you. Just secure a date about four weeks after getting engaged if you prefer to get married within a year. The most important thing is to give your guests enough time between when you send out save-the-dates and the actual wedding to make travel arrangements and request time off work.
Make sure you have enough time to find and order your wedding dress, bridesmaid robes, and other wedding essentials, and book your venue, which can be booked up to a year in advance. While some couples choose a date that’s special to them first and then look for available venues, others find their dream venue first and then choose a date based on availability.
There are many other factors to consider when choosing the perfect day for your big day. From significant moments in your relationship to honeymoon plans, there are many different ways to choose. If you decide to plan a wedding in six months, it may be challenging, but it’s possible to get everything done with enough time and some pressure.
You should do what feels right for you as a couple. However, it’s better not to rush so you can make the best decisions and prepare enough to make the whole event flawless. Here are some factors to look into when choosing your wedding date:
Sentimental Date
Think about any dates that hold special significance to you and your partner. For example, you could choose to tie the knot on the anniversary of your first date, the day you officially became a couple, or even on the same day as your grandparents’ wedding and share the meaning behind your chosen date with your guests during your ceremony programs.
In some cultures, couples use traditional methods to select their wedding date, such as referring to an ancient astrological calendar like the Japanese koyomi. With this, your desired date may not always be feasible due to venue availability or other factors, but you can typically get close. If you are set on a particular date, your venue options may be limited.
Season
Some venues and vendors have seasonal pricing, which means that costs can be significantly lower in months that see less demand. October, the fall season, is the most popular month for weddings, which means higher demand and prices.
When choosing a wedding date when your favorite flowers are in season, keep in mind that floral availability and cost can be influenced by holidays such as Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Basing your wedding date on the peak season of the flowers that you love not only increases the chances of having them included in your arrangements but also makes your wedding decor and date unique.
Your desired wedding lace robes attire, theme, and personality can also guide your choice of season, especially if you want an indoor or outdoor wedding. Think about the location of your wedding and the climate you can expect. A summer wedding is perfect for a free-spirited, fun, tropical-inspired vibe—perfect for an outdoor wedding, as the weather is usually mild and clear.
While a winter wedding creates an opulent, snowy, and holiday atmosphere. Fall weddings are ideal for rich colors, nostalgia, and mulled apple cider, while spring weddings bring freshness, pastels, and the joy of daffodil bouquets.
Peak and Off-Peak Days
Your wedding budget should be a top consideration when choosing a wedding date. Peak wedding season usually falls between May and October, when demand is high and prices are inflated. During this time, you may find it challenging to secure your preferred venue and vendors as many other couples are competing for them.
If you’re looking to save money, consider an off-peak date instead. While winter is typically the low season for weddings, December and February are busier and more expensive due to the holidays. January, March, April, and November are typically better months for off-peak savings.
The day of the week can also impact wedding costs, with Saturday nights being the most expensive. However, don’t dismiss weekday weddings. With more people working remotely, guests may have more flexibility to attend weddings during the week. Plus, weekday weddings offer a wider selection of venues and vendors at lower prices.
Peak wedding dates may vary depending on your location, but typically Saturdays from May to October are the busiest. Late July and August may be avoided for outdoor weddings due to the high heat.
October is usually the most popular wedding month in the US, but early November is gaining popularity. While the colder months of late November to January see fewer weddings, they can still be magical. Friday and Sunday weddings and weekday weddings are usually less expensive than Saturday weddings.
Holidays
If you’re a fan of Christmas decorations and heart-shaped desserts, a holiday wedding might be perfect for you. Giving out wedding favors and monogrammed robes gifts to your bridesmaids will also seem to embody the spirit of Christmas—giving—making the wedding more jovial and festive.
You can even honor your cultural heritage by choosing a holiday that celebrates it, such as St. Patrick’s Day in March. You can embrace the festive spirit by having an Easter egg hunt or a Fourth of July barbecue with fireworks. Plus, some holidays fall on long weekends, making it easier for guests to attend. But, keep in mind that some guests may already have holiday plans or traditions, so it’s important to consider their availability and preferences as well.
New Year’s Eve is a popular holiday to tie the knot, as it already sets a celebratory tone. July 4th is another popular choice, with fun options like confetti cannons and fireworks. However, if you’re inviting a large number of guests, especially those who live far away, it’s best to avoid holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving as guests may already have plans with their families.
VIPs
When it comes to your most important guests, it’s important to consider their availability before setting a wedding date. Start by asking your immediate family, closest friends, and honored attendants if they have any scheduling conflicts. But be cautious about expanding this circle too much, as it could lead to endless input and indecision. Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, make a decision and stick to it. These are the people you can’t imagine celebrating without, so it’s important to take their preferences into account.
Vendors
If you have your heart set on a specific photographer or band, it’s important to confirm their availability for your wedding date before finalizing any plans. Ensure that your preferred venue or vendor is available by remaining open to adjusting your wedding date if necessary.
Your chosen wedding date speaks much about you and your partner, so don’t fall into the trap of making rush decisions. Sit with your partner and discuss about it first.
