Choosing the right wedding date is of utmost importance. The right date and season, even days of the week can set the tone for the whole wedding. The date you choose will determine when you start your wedding planning, the dress code, what your wedding photographs look like, who will be able to attend and what venues you will find available to you. So many details from the guest list to the wedding cake will be affected by your wedding date.
There are plenty of factors you need to consider before you pick a wedding date so today we are sharing a round-up of practical tips on how newly engaged couples can choose the perfect date to say “I do”.
Each season has its beauty and its benefits.
What is the most romantic (and practical) time of year for you, your fiancé(e), and your friends and family?
Summer is of course very popular, with the promise of sunny days and warm nights. A spring wedding offers fresh blossoms and a cool breeze. A fall wedding explodes with the colors of autumn’s glow, and winter’s majesty provides an unforgettable backdrop for wedding photographs. There is no wrong season to choose, only what suits your needs and aesthetic the best. And also, what season is best for your work or school schedule.
Check with essential family and friends.
Is there a better season for your family or wedding party to be available? Some long weekends can be great for weddings but send out your save the dates early to make sure your loved ones are available on your specific date. And keep in mind, specific dates like Memorial Day and Labor Day are popular wedding weekends always book out well in advance! (Also remember hotel availability during major holidays will be harder to come by and more expensive).
If you have a specific vision for your wedding, talk with your wedding planner or wedding photographer. Their years of experience will come in handy here and they will be happy to advise you. Your photographer will make sure your venue is captured perfectly on your big day. They have great insight into how things look during different times of the year.
When considering design and florals, do you have a specific look in mind?
Different blossoms are available at different times of the year. Floral styling varies as well from season to season in both ceremony spaces and the reception area. Hyacinth and tulip are beautiful in the springtime and every variety of rose and dahlia and sunflower are available in late summer.
Some things to consider:
Summer is a busy season everywhere for weddings and for traveling. Tourist areas will be bustling, and hotels will fill up quickly. If you decide to choose a popular tourist area for your summer beach wedding, make accommodations for you and your guests early. This includes hotels of course, but everything down to dinner reservations and transportation becomes important in a crowded vacation spot. Also, keep in mind that travel times on specific days can be a lot longer than you might expect.
A winter wedding is magical but be aware that during the holidays many of your guests might have plans they cannot change. January and February are good months for a winter wedding as holiday travel has died down and there are a couple of long weekends to choose from. Also, keep in mind in most places, daylight is significantly less than in the summer months. So if outdoor photos are important, you’ll want to watch out for when it gets dark. It is important your wedding day timeline be made precisely to manage the day and photos.
Check your local events calendar.
You do not want your guests traveling to your wedding in Phoenix the same weekend as the Super Bowl! Big sporting events, conventions (think Comicon, San Diegans!), and more can affect travel prices and hotel availability in your city. Make it easy on you and your friends and family by selecting a date that does not coincide with a huge local event.
Reach out to wedding venues and vendors.
Get in touch with your venue and ask for their advice. Some may be closed for one season or another and if you have your heart set on that venue, that will require you to narrow down your dates. Most venues have a consultant that will have all the information you need to determine if that venue is the right one for you. Once you have chosen, they will help guide you with all the tips and tricks to showcase their space in that season. Wedding planners also are a wealth of information and offer invalueable help. For outdoor weddings, ensure the venue has appropriate coverings or plans for rain.
If you plan to send out save-the-date announcements, you can do it as soon as you’ve paid the deposit for the venue and you know your date is set. This will give your guests the time they need to block off their calendars. You can send out conventional paper announcements or distribute them in email form, linked with your wedding website. Wedding websites are a very popular way for couples to keep their guests informed and create an itinerary for all the wedding events.
There are many elements to consider during the wedding planning process.
You have to make arrangements for everything from the engagement party to the honeymoon and each event in between, but the most determining factor in all of this process is to choose your wedding date so it works for you. Choose a date that works for you. Your friends and family will be happy to assemble at your dream venue on your big day. Simply decide how you want your photos to look and the kind of party you want to have. The date you choose will be a special date for you no matter what, and every year carry with it the memories of your wedding day and the love you share.
