Just engaged? Congrats! A tenner on the first two questions you’ll be asked being: “Can I see the ring?” and “When’s the big day, then?”.
Well, before you even settle on the month you fancy, I’d love to share the insights I’ve gleaned from the hundreds of couples I’ve worked with. Here are the seven things you need consider before choosing a wedding date:
Tip 1.Check your dream venue is available
Naturally, the venue is a major part of your wedding and if you already have your heart set on somewhere, you’ve probably already begun to visualise whether it’s to be an indoor or outdoor event (therefore, you’ve probably subliminally considered the time of year, too). You’ll probably know to some extent how you want the space to look (thanks, Pinterest!), maybe the layout for dinner, where the band will be situated etc, so you’ll want to check out your options with the venue early on in the whole setting a wedding date process. NB. you might even need to work around the venue if it gets booked up well in advance.
Tip 2.Know your budget
With the average wedding apparently costing upwards of £25k, you might be you need a good few years, despite maybe initially wanting to set a date for earlier – but the waiting will be worth it! Bonus tip: you can get a good budget planning tool (and other brilliant wedding planning resources) from my recent Ultimate Wedding Planning Resources blog!
Tip 4.The Season
Have you imagined a gloriously sunny, warm day, with an outdoors ceremony? Maybe you have visualised your wedding held indoors, with everyone sipping their fizz beside roaring fires? Yes, the ideal big day in your mind’s eye will help to determine what time of year you want to marry. Another bonus tip from me: some venues offer discounts during the winter months (and for midweek dates).
Tip 5.Honeymoon Location
If you have your heart set on honeymooning in a particular country and you want to go straight there after your wedding, as per tradition, you will need to find out the best times to visit that country. Not quite such fun if you jet off into the eye of a storm (oh, the turbulence!) or get drenched for the full fortnight during monsoon season!
Tip 7.Commitments: You, Your Partner, Friends and Family
When you are trying to set a date for a big group of adults to get together, it can be tricky! The good news is that if you are setting a date for a few years’ time, it does make it more likely that people will be available – and you can send a save the date invite out to give yourself some peace of mind.
You’ll want to check your work schedules to make sure the date you’re choosing doesn’t interfere with major work projects – and consider any other potential clashes; just imagine for example committing your best man to his duties the day after he’s run a marathon! Nope! Also, imagine the stress of organising your wedding, only to find another friend’s wedding clashes with yours! Do your homework first, people.
Date Clashes With Other Events
This is a belt and braces approach but worth it with so much at stake: other than the major event that is your wedding day, check Google for festivals and local event date clashes, too.
I do hope these tips help you to choose the perfect wedding date. Already have one in mind now after all things considered and looking for a wedding venue in Loch Lomond? Check my blog for the best of the bunch!
