Ready to Choose a Wedding Date? Don't Make These Mistakes

Photographer: Moonstone Photo

What’s the first thing most couples do after getting engaged? Choose a wedding date! It’s an integral part of the wedding planning process. While it’s traditional to choose a date about a year in advance, there are additional factors that can affect the planning process of your wedding day. Keep reading for the nine mistakes couples make when picking a wedding date. 

Not Hiring a Wedding Before Choosing a Date

While it may seem counterintuitive to hire a wedding planner before having a date in mind, wedding planners are experienced in the best times of year to get married in your area. A wedding planner will help create a seamless and effective decision - especially since they know the busiest dates of each year. They’ll also help with choosing a date and venue that fits your budget. 

Not Checking with Your Vendor Team Before Choosing a Date

A step many couples skip when considering a date is chatting with your vendor team. For example, if you’re set on a specific photographer, DJ, band, or caterer, you’ll want to check with them to ensure they’re available on your preferred date. Having a couple dates in mind will help streamline this process, too. 

Not Checking the Local Events Calendar 

One aspect of choosing a wedding date most couples ignore is checking the local events during that time frame. This is especially important in more metropolitan areas where there are larger events such as football games, festivals, etc. A major event near your preferred wedding venue can cause travel delays and interfere with hotel accommodations for traveling guests. 

Not Reviewing Your Own Schedule 

While it may seem obvious, sitting down with your partner-to-be about any previous obligations will prevent any issues down the road. Take note of any work trips, family events, etc. that could interfere with your wedding weekend. This also helps narrow down your wedding date search by eliminating those weekends. 

Not Taking Into Account Important Relationship Dates 

In addition to taking note of you and your partner's availability for a wedding, don’t forget to take into account any sentimental dates. Getting married on the anniversary of the date you met, for example, is a romantic way to say “I do” - especially if it falls on a weekend. However, try not to get hung up on only getting married on an important date as that could lead to disappointment if that date isn’t available. 

Not Being Flexible with Sought-After Dates 

Did you know that wedding dates with repeating numbers (2/24/24 for example) are some of the most popular dates to say “I do?” Dates that contain patterns or sequences are a popular choice, which means you’ll be competing with other couples for these dates. And a competition leads to less availability and higher prices for both venues and vendors. 

Not Consulting Loved Ones 

Imagine settling on a wedding date and booking everything only to find out someone in your immediate family can’t attend? Before choosing a wedding date, discuss with your immediate family, potential wedding party, and other important guests to see if they’re available. If a member of your inner circle is getting married the same year, try to space out the event (about a month or so) for a good buffer. 

Not Taking the Weather Into Account 

It’s probably safe to say that most couples don’t want to say “I do” in triple degree heat. On the flip side, saying “I do” in a blizzard doesn’t seem very fun, either. Weather is a major factor that can affect your wedding date. Florida, for example, has quite different conditions from May to October than Northern states. 

Not Prioritizing Important Details 

Some couples are extremely adamant about having their wedding on a particular date (think New Year’s Eve), but that comes with venue and vendor limitations - especially when it comes to budget. If budget is one of your concerns, stay flexible with your wedding date to ensure your essential details are covered. 

Choosing a wedding date is an exciting time in your wedding planning process. Just be sure to take into consideration these nine factors before locking in a date to say “I do!”