Planning your wedding is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. One of the most important decisions you'll make for your wedding is.... [drumroll please] picking the date! This will be the foundation of your wedding planning process, and everything else will fall into place once you have a date set. We have teamed up with Ashley Porter of Posh Occasions in Nashville, TN to share some tips to help you pick the perfect wedding date, and some considerations to keep in mind before you get to that point.
SEASON
When you first begin the wedding planning process and are trying to decide on a date, start by choosing the ideal season based on your preferences as a couple and your work/life schedule. The season you choose will affect everything - from the weather to the décor, and if you're a seasonal worker (or your job has "seasons" of busy/not as busy), that's an important consideration as well. If you're dreaming of an outdoor wedding, consider a date in the spring or fall when the weather is mild. If you want a winter wedding, plan for colder temperatures and festive holiday décor. Summer weddings can be fun too depending on where you are located geographically, but be prepared for potentially hot weather and higher costs.
FAMILY
Your wedding day is about sharing your love as a couple with those closest to you, so consider their schedules/obligations when deciding on a date. Be sure to confirm with your family and/or other people close to you that there aren’t any conflicts on the date and/or season you are considering. Furthermore, if you have family members or friends who have to travel, give them plenty of notice to make arrangements to be there on your wedding day. Also, make sure to consider any major events or holidays (or SEC Football games) that may conflict with your guests' availability.
VENDORS
Cultivating the perfect wedding day hinges on the availability of your favorite vendors. Decide what ONE vendor is most important to you (usually it’s the venue, photographer, hair & makeup artist, etc) and find out what available dates they have in your ideal season & year. The venue is one of the most important parts of your wedding, so start your search early and factor in availability. Popular venues book up quickly in transitional seasons when the weather is best, so if you have your heart set on a specific location, be prepared to be flexible with your date.
BUDGET
Your wedding date can also impact your budget and how soon you can have your "dream" wedding. Consider how much time you’ll personally need to gather the funds to pay for your wedding from the date of your engagement, and go from there. Also, some days of the week are more expensive than others, particularly when it comes to the venue. Saturdays are typically priced the highest (after all, there are only 52 of them in a year!), while some weekday venue rentals are offered at a lower cost. Also, consider holidays or peak vacation times, as these may also come with a higher price tag, depending on your location.
PERSONAL PREFERENCES
Ultimately, your wedding day should reflect who you are as a couple. If you have a special date that holds meaning for you both, like the anniversary of your first date or the date you got engaged, consider using that as your wedding day. Or, if there's a specific theme or style you want to incorporate, pick a date that aligns with that vision. For example if you both enjoy being outdoors, consider a time of year when an outdoor wedding would be comfortable for you & your guests.
Settling on a date for your wedding can be a daunting task, but with these tips, you'll be on your way to finding the perfect day to say "I do." Remember, it's your big day, so don't be afraid to make it uniquely yours. Happy wedding planning!
Comments