The date you select for your wedding may hold some sentimental significance or may be a random pick, but whatever the choice, make sure you think through the variables of the date. In fact, you may want to select a season or month rather than a particular date to make your venue search a little easier. Along with selecting a date, you must decide on a time of day. These elements greatly influence the overall style, tone, and even budget for the wedding.

The Date

We really need to pick a wedding date. Where do we start? In the preliminary search for a wedding date, select a season. Then look at your schedules and surroundings. Is a particular time of the year busy at work? Do your families always summer in Europe? Is summertime in your city just too hot to have an outdoor wedding? Is the winter weather simply too unpredictable in your area? These are all very real circumstances that can affect your decision. Finally, the venues you are looking at may already be booked for a particular date, so you may need to be flexible if the venue choice is more important than the actual date. Once you examine the pros and cons of these factors, a date will fall into place.

What are some factors we should consider when selecting a wedding date? You should consider variables like holidays, religious celebrations, and community events. On a holiday weekend, your guests may encounter crowds and more expensive travel accommodations. During religious holidays, the house of worship may not be available, and some guests may be unable to attend. Finally, annual events that draw large crowds or require streets to be temporarily closed will also impact your plans.

I just got engaged and really want to marry in the fall, but my sister is already getting married in the fall. Worse yet, the venue is only available two weeks before my sister's wedding. Should I go forward with my plans? Is this fall wedding and venue so important you are willing to risk igniting a family feud? Chances are that unless your sister is the most understanding, unselfish woman in the world, she will be less than pleased if you plan your wedding two weeks before hers. You really need to look at additional venue options that are available later in the fall, after your sister's wedding and honeymoon.

Good Timing

I want a formal wedding and would really love for it to be black tie, but my family church holds its last ceremony at 3:30 P.M. Is this too early for a black-tie event? It is definitely too early for a black-tie designation. While you can still have a formal wedding, black tie should be reserved for weddings taking place in the evening.

Exploring Your Options

I have always dreamed of an evening wedding, but are there any advantages to a daytime wedding? There are advantages and disadvantages to all time slots. Daytime weddings can be just as magical as evening events; just select a style or theme that compliments the daytime hours, like a brunch or a tea. Daytime weddings can also have a positive impact on the budget; brunch and lunch usually cost less than dinner.