So much goes into choosing a wedding date. Some people desire a trendy date (such as 7-7-07, the “most popular wedding day ever” according to TIME), while others simply care that they are able to book all of their preferred vendors. The season of spring typically marks the beginning of “wedding season,” with June known to be the most popular month for weddings out of the whole year. If you have narrowed your decision down to having a spring wedding, there are several factors that could sway your choice of exact wedding date.
Religious observances
Catholic weddings during the season of Lent are generally frowned upon, as the season is meant to be solemn and reflective rather than celebratory. Couples planning Lenten wedding ceremonies may be advised to keep a somber tone, which is probably contrary to the mood you were hoping for (catholicweddinghelp.com). Of course you will want to avoid the dates surrounding Passover and Easter when guests likely have religious and family obligations to tend to. On the other hand, setting a wedding date shortly after Easter will help you save money on ceremony decorations. Churches are usually exquisitely adorned with flowers during the weeks following Easter Sunday.
Honeymoon
Spring marks the beginning of the prime season for many vacation hot spots, so rates are not likely to be discounted. You may want to avoid popular spring break destinations during March and April if you were looking for a more relaxing honeymoon. Taking a small trip after your wedding and postponing your big trip until the fall or winter could really help you save on your honeymoon. Of course, you will also want to keep the typical weather patterns for your destination in mind when choosing your honeymoon date.
Families with school-aged children and people who work in education may have trouble traveling for your spring wedding, unless it coincides with their schools’ spring breaks. If you have a lot of out-of-town guests who need to turn their trip for your wedding into a longer vacation, you may be better off waiting until late May or June when schools are beginning to let out. However, May and June will be prime graduation party months, so get your save-the-date cards out well in advance.
Other brides
If you are planning a spring wedding, you are in good company. Vendors will be highly sought after during prime wedding season, so prices will be competitive. Be prepared to book early in order to beat other brides to the punch. Your guests might also get several other invitations for the same day as your wedding. Choosing a Friday evening wedding can help you to avoid these conflicts. Vendors will often offer a Friday night discount, and having a non-Saturday wedding is still non-traditional enough that your guests will not be as likely to have conflicting invitations.
While all of these aspects can guide your decision, you will likely have to make one sacrifice or another. What ultimately matters is that you and your fiancé choose a day to join your lives together, and the rest will fall into place. What makes your wedding date perfect is just that-it is your wedding date!
More wedding advice from this author: Choosing Your Wedding Location: His Town, Your Town, or Elsewhere The Top 3 Wedding Day Regrets Six Guidelines for Cutting Your Wedding Guest List
