Picking a wedding date is one of the first (and arguably most important) decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning journey. I mean, it’s only something you and your partner will have to remember for the rest of your lives—lest one of you wants to sleep on the couch every night! The date you pick will set the tone for your entire celebration and impacts everything from dress selection to venue availability and even your overall budget. Whether you’re newly engaged or knee-deep in your vision boards, here are seven smart tips to help you pick the perfect wedding date!
1. Consider the Season You Love Most
Start by narrowing down the best season for your wedding. Sure, May through October is “wedding season,” but maybe you totally love the idea of a saying “I do” in a winter wonderland. There’s no hard and fast rule. Just know your preferred season can influence everything from dress style to flower choices and outdoor photo ops.
2. Check Your Personal Calendar
Think about significant dates that already matter to you as a couple: Your dating anniversary, the day you met, or even a favorite holiday! Choosing one of these meaningful dates can make your wedding day even more special. You’ll also want to check your calendar for any potential conflicts. Avoid dates that overlap with big family events, work commitments, or busy travel periods.
3. Budget-Conscious? Avoid Peak Season
If you’re feeling the weight of inflation and higher costs of living and want to find creative ways to save money on your wedding, steer clear of the most popular months and weekends (the aforementioned “wedding season”). Affordable wedding dates often fall during off-peak times like January, February, or even weekdays—yes, really!
Pro tip: Fridays and Sundays are becoming increasingly popular (and cost-effective) alternatives to the traditional Saturday wedding.
4. Think About Venue and Vendor Availability
The earlier you choose your date, the better your chances of locking in your dream venue and all your top vendors. Before you set anything in stone, reach out to potential venues to see which dates they have available. This is super crucial if you do want one of those in-demand wedding dates.
5. Be Mindful of Holidays and Major Events
While a long weekend might seem perfect at first glance, it can come with drawbacks of its own like higher travel costs, booked-up hotels, and unavailable guests! Check for major holidays, sporting events, or local festivals that could complicate your perfectly laid plans.
6. Look at Your Wedding Planning Timeline
Consider this quick Q: How long do you want to plan? Some people love a looong engagement with plenty of time to DIY and de-stress, while others want to run down the aisle as soon as possible! Your ideal wedding planning timeline affects how far out you’ll need to book—and how much flexibility you’ll have with your date.
7. Follow Your Intuition
In the end, the perfect wedding date isn’t only about logistics…it’s about what feels right. Whether it’s a lucky number, a sentimental time of year, or just a date that makes you smile, it’s your wedding and your rules. If you stay flexible and focused on what matters most, you’re sure to find a date that’s truly yours.
Choosing your wedding date can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering seasonal preferences, budget-friendly dates, venue availability, and personal meaning, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect day to say “I do.” Take your time, talk it over with your partner, and trust the process—your perfect date is out there waiting.
Looking for more tips? Check out Pearl by David’s for all the latest trends, advice, and more.
