From the Wedding Pros: How to Choose Your Wedding Date
Selecting the perfect date to say "I do" is akin to finding your soulmate: it takes a little bit of fate and a lot of love for the details. Whether you're dreaming of a spring fling or a winter wonderland wedding, each season brings its own flavor to your celebration. Let's embark on a journey through the calendar and uncover the magic behind each season, special dates, and the celestial charm of moon phases, ensuring your big day is as unique as your love story.
How far out should I book?
Whether you opt for a swift engagement or a longer planning period, the key is to find what suits you best. If you secure your venue too quickly, you might face limited vendor options and risk your preferred vendors being unavailable. On the other hand, booking too far ahead can lead to changes in your initial decisions. Factors like personal circumstances, financial considerations, vendor availability, and deposit schedules should all be taken into account.
Having organized weddings with both quick and lengthy engagements, we often find that couples tend to book a year to a year and a half in advance.
Photo by Tori Kelner
Consider the seasons — there are pros & cons to each one.
A spring wedding boasts blooming flowers and milder weather, painting a perfect backdrop for your vows. Summer is the quintessential wedding season, offering long days and star-filled evenings. Autumn brings a palette of warm colors and cooler temperatures. Winter weddings are magical, offering the allure of twinkling lights and the possibility of snowflakes as natural confetti. We have held beautiful weddings during each season at our venue, and they all come with pros & cons. Consider weighing the options with your partner to decide what would fit you best.
Photo by Tori Kelner
Don’t get caught up in weather (well, try your best!)
Easier said than done, right? While we can't control the weather despite our best efforts, it's important not to dismiss certain dates due to weather uncertainties. Weather can be unpredictable, as seen with expensive mid-October weddings being rained out while budget-friendly late December ceremonies enjoy perfect outdoor conditions. It's natural to envision your wedding day, but staying positive and not getting overly anxious about the weather is key since it remains uncertain.
Related: How to Prepare for Rain on Your Wedding Day
Moon phases
Aligning your wedding with significant moon phases—such as a Full Moon for completion and celebration or a New Moon for new beginnings—can add a mystical touch to your special day. Just imagine exchanging vows under the glow of a Supermoon!
The phases of the moon can symbolize different aspects of a wedding:
New Moon represents new beginnings and setting intentions
Full Moon signifies culmination and celebration
Waxing Moon symbolizes growth and anticipation
Waning Moon encourages reflection and gratitude, each offering unique charm for couples
Fun & lucky dates
Choosing a fun and lucky date for a wedding can add an extra touch of magic to the special day. Here are some ideas:
Palindrome Dates: Palindrome dates are dates that read the same backward as forward. For example, 02/02/2020 or 12/02/2021. These dates are considered particularly lucky because of their symmetry.
Sequential Dates: Sequential dates are dates where the numbers are in sequence, like 01/02/03 or 12/13/14. They're rare and can be seen as auspicious.
Double Numbers: Dates with repeated numbers, such as 07/07/07 or 11/11/11, are believed to bring good fortune.
Lunar New Year: In cultures that follow the lunar calendar, the Lunar New Year is considered a lucky time for weddings. The date varies each year according to the lunar calendar.
Symbolic Dates: Choose a date that holds personal significance to you and your partner, such as the anniversary of your first meeting or another important milestone in your relationship.
Special Holidays: Getting married on/around holidays like Valentine's Day, New Year's Eve, or Memorial Day Weekend can make your wedding even more memorable and festive.
Lucky Number Date: If you have a lucky number, you can choose a date that includes that number, such as 07/17/2024 if 7 is your lucky number.
Feng Shui Dates: In Feng Shui, certain dates are considered more auspicious for weddings based on the Chinese almanac. Consulting a Feng Shui expert can help you find these dates.
A special benefit to holiday weddings
Weddings close to holidays are sometimes discouraged, but they can be super fun and even beneficial, depending on your family dynamics.
For instance, if your family is scattered across different locations, having your New Jersey wedding the day before Thanksgiving when the holiday is in New Jersey can save your family from an additional trip.
Marking key celebratory dates
Picking a date that commemorates when you met, had your first date, or any other milestone in your relationship can infuse your wedding with sentimental value. It's like your love story coming full circle.