So you just got engaged? Congratulations! You know the question that’s coming next. When’s the big day? Typically, couples plan on a year long engagement to ensure all of the logistics are in place (some wedding venues need to be booked a year in advance!). The timeline is really up to you as it depends on the scale of your wedding. Consider the following when choosing your wedding date:
Symbolism
How romantic would it be to get married on the day that you had your first date? Or the day that he accidentally spilled his popcorn on you and after profuse apologies he asked you out and of course, the rest is history? There are plenty of dates that are symbolic to a couple. Consider these important moments in your relationship as you choose your wedding date. You can even include a note about it in the wedding program so your guests know how much the day means to you.
Season
What kind of weather do you want during your wedding? Have you always dreamed of an outdoor wedding, the light bouncing off your veil as you walk down the aisle? Weather is an extremely important factor when deciding on your big day. Want there to be beautiful flowers freshly in bloom? Opt for a spring wedding. Thinking of being on the beach and dancing late into the night? Stick with a summer wedding. Snowfall and holiday cheer equal a beautiful winter wedding. Changing leaves, spiced apple cider, and pumpkin pie mean a fall wedding is perfect for you.
Cost
An off season date can definitely save you money. It can help cut your rental venue fee down and help you book a place faster. Be sure to consider all of your other factors. Are the flowers you want going to be in bloom? Is the weather optimal for your wedding? If you choose a date mid week you may save a ton on your vendors but be sure it won’t affect your attendance. If you consider all of the important factors, you can have a fantastic wedding at a lower cost!
Days to Avoid
There are definitely dates that should be avoided. Consider religious or cultural holidays, not just your own but those of your guests as well. If there is a time of the year that’s extremely busy at work then it’s best not to pile on the stress and choose a different day. If you have some die hard sports fans, then Super Bowl Sunday, the Final Four or the Masters weekends are not the days to get married. Be sure that there are no conflicts with other weddings, important dates such as your parents anniversary, or maybe even a college reunion. Avoiding these dates will ensure that your guests aren’t torn.
Here’s a great list from THEKNOT.com of specific dates to consider / avoid in 2016, 2017 and 2018:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of January 16-18, 2016
Weekend of January 14-16, 2017
Weekend of January 13-15, 2018
Presidents’ Day (always a Monday)
Weekend of February 13-15, 2016
Weekend of February 18-20, 2017
Weekend of February 17-19, 2018
Mother’s Day (always a Sunday) Ask yourself: Do you want your anniversary to fall on the same weekend as Mother’s Day when (or if) you become a mom?
Weekend of May 7-8, 2016
Weekend of May 13-14, 2017
Weekend of May 12-13, 2018
Memorial Weekend
Weekend of May 28-30, 2016
Weekend of May 27-29, 2017
Weekend of May 26-28, 2018
Father’s Day (always a Sunday)
Like you would with your moms, check with your dads about doubling up on this day. And grooms, make sure you’re okay with celebrating your anniversary the same weekend as Father’s Day if you decide to have kids.
Weekend of June 18-19, 2016
Weekend of June 17-18, 2017
Weekend of June 16-17, 2018
Labor Day Weekend
Weekend of September 3-5, 2016
Weekend of September 2-4, 2017
Weekend of September 1-3, 2018
Columbus Day Weekend
Weekend of October 8-10, 2016
Weekend of October 7-9, 2017
Weekend of October 6-8, 2018
Thanksgiving Weekend
November 24, 2016
November 23, 2017
November 22, 2018
New Year’s Eve
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Monday, December 31, 2018
Palm Sunday
March 20, 2016
April 9, 2017
March 25, 2018
Easter Sunday
March 27, 2016
April 16, 2017
April 1, 2018
Passover (begins at sunset)
Friday, April 22, 2016
Monday, April 10, 2017
Friday, March 30, 2018
Tisha B’Av (begins at sunset)
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Monday, July 31, 2017
Saturday, July 21, 2018
Rosh Hashanah (begins at sunset)
Sunday, October 2, 2016, until nightfall on Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 until nightfall on Friday September 22, 2017
Sunday, September 9, 2018 until nightfall on Tuesday September 11, 2018
Yom Kippur (begins at sunset)
Tuesday, October 11, 2016 until nightfall on Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Friday, September 29, 2017 until nightfall on Saturday, September 30, 2017
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 until nightfall on Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Hanukkah (begins at sunset)
Saturday, December 24, 2016 until nightfall on Sunday, January 1, 2017
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 until nightfall on Wednesday, December 20, 2017
Sunday December 2, 2018 until nightfall on Monday, December 10, 2018
Christmas
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Monday, December 25, 2017
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Kwanzaa
Monday, December 26, 2016 until Sunday, January 1, 2017
Tuesday, December 26, 2017, until Monday, January 1, 2018
Wednesday, December 26, 2018, until Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Eid al-Fitr (dates may vary based on the lunar calendar)
Tuesday, July 5, until Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Saturday, June 24, until Sunday, June 25, 2017
Thursday, June 14, until Friday June 15, 2018
Eid al-Adha (dates may vary based on how each family observes; the holiday lasts for about four days)
Monday, September 12 , 2016
Friday, September 1, 2017
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Ram Navami
Friday, April 15, 2016
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Monday, March 26, 2018
Krishna Janmashtami
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Monday, September 3, 2018
Super Bowl Sunday
February 7, 2016, in Santa Clara, CA
February 5, 2017, in Houston, TX
February 4, 2018, in Minneapolis, MN
Final Four During March Madness
Saturday, April 2, 2016, and Monday, April 4, 2016, in Houston, TX
Saturday, April 1, 2017 and Monday, April 3, 2017, in Glendale, AZ
Saturday, March 31, 2018 and Monday, April 2, 2018, in San Antonio, TX
If you keep these factors in mind you will be sure to pick the perfect date. Happy planning!
