In my series, Beginning Planning Tips, to date, we have covered your budget and the guest list. Today, I will help you determine the perfect date for your wedding.
Many factors are involved when trying to choose a date; the month, the actual day of the week and whether your guests can or cannot attend.
As you are determining the date that will work best for you, think about the following points:
Holidays. Holiday weekends, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, could work fantastic because people usually have extra vacation days which would make it easier for families to come together. However, keep in mind, holidays could also mean higher costs at your chosen site because of being a busy time of year.
Speaking of vacation days, think about your and your fiancé’s schedule. Can you both take off a week or longer at the time you would like to have your wedding? Special projects you may be involved in may not allow you to take a full week or two off. If that’s the case, consider delaying your honeymoon for a later date. Plan ahead if you are considering going during peak months. Hotels and flights get booked up well in advance for the more popular months and locations.
Location. When choosing a date, you must consider where you would like to have your wedding and reception. If you have your heart set on the museum you have admired and dreamed about for your reception, you need to call and verify whether the date you have in mind is available. Places like that get booked well in advance – sometimes two years out. Therefore, you need to have other venues in mind as an alternative.
Day of the week. We all know Saturdays are the most popular and the most customary day of the week for weddings. However, there are only 52 Saturdays in a year. Therefore, consider a Friday evening or a Sunday as an alternative. Especially, if you want that museum. You may still be able to have your location you’ve always wanted, but just have to have it on another day of the week. Another benefit of having your wedding on a day other than Saturday, is most sites and vendors will give discounts for the “non-popular” days in order to get the business they may not have had otherwise.
In relation to choosing a location, it is best to have your wedding and reception held in the same place. However, this is not always feasible. If your wedding and reception do need to be held at two different locations, you must ensure your date is available at both places before making any deposits, which are usually non-refundable.
Weather. This is always a concern for choosing a date if your dream is to have a beach wedding or outdoors on the lawn of a beautiful estate. You must have a “Plan B” in place. Weather is the one thing that is uncontrollable and, therefore, having an alternative plan will allow you to relax and be stress-free.
Family. When you are thinking of a date, consider other milestone events happening within your family, such as other members of the family getting married, a golden anniversary or significant birthday. If you are really set on your date and it happens to be on or near the same date as one of these milestone events, ask those family members if they would mind having your wedding on or around their event. You could even acknowledge them at your wedding with a special toast or dance.
Considering the above points, you will find the perfect date. Once that’s set, now the fun begins with planning out all the details.
For next week, look for ways in finding the perfect site for you.
photo credit: marthastewartweddings.com
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