Discover the Secret to Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Date!
Choosing the perfect wedding date involves more than just picking a day on the calendar. Consider factors like the time of year, sentimental dates, local events, and venue availability to ensure a smooth planning process. Follow our tips to find a date that suits your needs and creates a memorable experience for your special day.
Before you start venue shopping, pump the brakes — you may want to think about your wedding date (or at least the season) first. There’s more that goes into choosing the perfect date than most couples realize. From weather and meaningful milestones to local events and venue availability, a little planning upfront can save you a lot of stress later.
Whether you already have a date in mind or have no idea where to start, these tips will help you narrow it down.
Decide on the Time of Year
How long you want your engagement to be — and where you’re getting married — can help determine the best time of year. Location matters, especially when seasons come into play.
For example, October weddings have become incredibly popular, but in New England, fall weather can be unpredictable. It’s beautiful, but it’s always smart to have a backup plan just in case.
Summer Wedding on Block Island (Hilary B Photography)
Go Old School
You might roll your eyes, but checking the Farmer’s Almanac for general weather trends isn’t the worst idea. Some couples swear by it, others prefer to roll the dice — either way, it can give you a general sense of what to expect.
Are You Sentimental?
We’ve seen couples choose dates tied to meaningful moments, like:
Their parents’ or future in-laws’ wedding anniversary
The day they met or started dating
Just keep in mind: locking in a specific date (especially a Saturday) can limit your venue options. If your heart is set on a meaningful day but availability becomes an issue, you can always honor that date in another way — like a private anniversary celebration.
Fall Wedding in Mystic, CT
Consider Local Events
Once you’ve narrowed down a location, look into local events happening around that time. In Newport, Rhode Island, for example, the Jazz Festival and Folk Festival in August bring huge crowds.
Planning your wedding during a major local event could mean:
Higher hotel prices
More traffic
Limited vendor availability
A little research here can go a long way.
Venue First, Date Second
If you’re flexible and don’t have a sentimental date locked in, this approach can make planning much easier. Venue availability is often the biggest factor in choosing a wedding date. Once you find a venue you love, you can work with them to select the best available date.