How to Choose a Wedding Date

After getting engaged, one of the first things that you will need to do is to choose a wedding date. While the ultimate decision is a personal one that only you and your soon-to-be-spouse can make, there are also certain factors that need to be taken into consideration.

• Decide on a time of year for your wedding.


• Determine where you want your wedding to take place and check the availability date. Regardless of when you want to have your wedding, the venue needs to be available to accommodate you.


• If you have a specific location for your reception in mind, call them to determine what the available dates are.


• Look at your work schedule. Take into consideration when you can reasonably take time off for your wedding and honeymoon.


• Consider your school schedule if you are still in college. Just like work, you will want to plan your wedding at a time that won't conflict with your education.


• If you have family or friends who are getting married around that time, take their wedding dates into consideration and schedule your wedding at a time that does not clash with theirs.


• Avoid planning your wedding around major holidays. Most people spend time with families at this time and may find it difficult to attend. Alternately, holidays that fall on three day weekends, such as Labor Day, may be suitable for guests.


• Pick a day of the week. Saturdays are a popular day for weddings, but because of that popularity it is also expensive and it may be difficult to book a venue unless it is well in advance. Weekdays are often difficult because of work schedules, however, Friday nights and Sunday afternoons may charge less for these days and guests may find it easier to attend.


• Pick the right time of day. When determining this, take into consideration how much money you want to spend on feeding your guests. For example if you pick a late afternoon or evening, you will also need to feed your guests dinner during the reception, which will increase your expenses.