4 things to consider when deciding on a wedding date

Choosing a wedding date is one of the hardest decisions couples have to make when planning their big day, and it's often one of the first decisions to make after getting engaged. To help you get it right, here are four important factors to consider.

1. Is there enough time to plan?

Although it's possible to plan an entire wedding within just a few weeks, doing so isn't easy. If you leave everything until the last minute you won't have a fair pick of venues and vendors which get booked up well in advance. To make sure you get the wedding of your dreams you should start planning around 18 months out. If there's a meaningful date you have in mind, you should focus on finding your venue as soon as possible to secure it. Be aware that it could be years in the future if your venue and date are very popular.

2. What's your budget?

The time of year and even the day of the week can have a huge impact on the overall cost of your wedding. Most people want to get married in spring or summer when the weather is fine, with January being the least popular month to get married. 

The majority also want weekend weddings when most of their guests will be off work. A Saturday wedding in August could be up to four times more expensive than a Tuesday wedding in February. If you're working with a tight budget, you can save a great deal of money by opting for a winter wedding on a midweek day.

Photo credit: Nick Karvounis, Unsplash

3. Is it the right season?

The season you get married in not only influences the cost of your wedding, but also the weather. If you want an outdoor wedding, a spring or summer date is essential. If you're flexible on the weather, you should still consider the practicalities of the season. For example, a winter wedding runs the risk of snow or heavy rain that could make it difficult for guests to attend, particularly if your venue is in a remote location. A late July wedding could be uncomfortably hot if a heat wave takes place. There are pros and cons to every season, so choose carefully.

Photo credit: Micheile Henderson, Unsplash

4. Is the date practical for your guests?

It's all well and good choosing a midweek wedding day to save money, but if this means many of your guests will struggle to attend, it might not be worth the savings. You can't predict the circumstances of every guest, but definitely consider the most important ones and particularly those in your wedding party. For example, people who work in schools won't be able to attend midweek weddings during term time. Those who live far away from your venue may need to book extra days off work for travelling. You may also have to check whether anyone has holidays booked for your preferred date. Chat with your nearest and dearest before choosing a date to make sure they can be there.

Choose the right date for you

There are many factors to consider but keep in mind that the happy couple are the key people to please. Every couple has different priorities when it comes to choosing a date, so consider which factors are most important to you and let this guide your decision.