How to Pick the Perfect Wedding Date: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step one: Get engaged. Step two: Plan a wedding. Step 3: Live happily ever after. If only it were that simple! From “yes” to “I do,” one of the most important decisions a couple can make is selecting a wedding date in the whirlwind of wedding planning. So much of your wedding depends on this decision, so it’s important that you take the time to think about it.

It can be overwhelming but finding your perfect date doesn’t have to be a headache. A little bit of reflection and some expert insight can make it all a little more manageable. Here's how to get started.

When to Pick Your Wedding Date

The earlier, the better. And then there’s the pressure to choose a date: After all, as the idea of a long engagement becomes increasingly unfashionable, many planners suggest selecting a date fairly quickly into the engagement, be it weeks or months. Why the urgency? Early planning allows you to:

• Secure your dream venue
• Where notable guest correspondence has been exchanged
• Align with preferred vendors

“Setting a date out of the gate also allows couples to better define their vision, test their budget, and make decisions on what they want their wedding to look and feel like, all while an engagement is still fresh and exciting,” event planner Megan Royce says.

7 Steps to Picking the Perfect Wedding Date

Consider Special Dates

Reflect on anniversaries, family traditions, or any other special day that already has a significant meaning for you. Whether it’s the day you two first met, your parents’ anniversary, or simply your favorite season, adding meaningful dates to your wedding will enhance the sentiment of your wedding day.

Touch Base With Key Guests

You want your closest loved ones to attend. Check in with your wedding VIPs — parents, siblings, best friends — for availability before anything is final. Since hotel prices are influenced by supply and demand, avoid major holidays and weekends in which people are more likely to travel, as you may end up with a stadium to call your own.

Pick the Season That Suits Your Ideal

Do you want flowers in bloom or leaves falling? A tight and cozy winter wedding, or a breezy summer soirée? Season not only determines the mood but also drives availability and pricing. Just one thing to keep in mind: the best seasons (fall in New England or spring in California, for instance) tend to book up quickly.

Consider the Big Holidays and Events

Don’t plan too close to holidays, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, that may hinder guests’ ability to both travel and budget. You will also want to search for any local events, sports games, or festivals that could impact venue availability and logistics.

Research Venue Availability

Create a list of dream venues and reach out to them to determine what’s available. In-demand popular places book out 12 to 24 months in advance. The solution: Be flexible on either your date or your venue.

Match Your Budget

Your wedding day can make or break your budget. Weddings that take place during the off-season or on a weekday are often more affordable. If keeping costs low is a consideration in your planning, you might want to think about having a winter wedding or a party on a Friday.

Look to the Stars

Astrology lovers might consult horoscopes or select a date that corresponds with their astrological signs. And whether a moon phase or an auspicious cosmic alignment, the stars might bring inspiration.

Most Popular vs. Least Popular Wedding Months

Most Popular Months:

June-September are the busiest months for outdoor weddings, because the weather is almost guaranteed to be beautiful. But it also depends, of course, on where you are. In a lot of southern states, winter is peak season, for instance.

Least Popular Months:

Colder areas have less favorable months during January to February since of the snow and hazards of travel. July and August in the South or Southwest can be pretty toasty. Booking during these months can save you money, but you have to plan around the weather.

Destination Weddings:

If you’re getting married in a tropical location, steer clear of August and September, the height of hurricane season. Travel and weather tend to be more pleasant October through July.

Final Thoughts

Round a date on the calendar, and you are not only choosing the day on which to get married, you are also picking the first step toward to the entire celebration. Just be considerate and flexible and see what feels best for you both. Armed with these tips, you’re on the right path to scheduling the date that starts the next thing.