Once you've celebrated your engagement with your partner, friends, and family, it's time to get into planning mode. Your first big decision is choosing a wedding venue, and to do that properly, you need a rough idea of when you want to tie the knot.
Your wedding date directly affects availability and cost, so having a preferred date, month or season helps venues give you accurate quotes and budget effectively from the start. If you’re wondering how to choose your wedding date, this guide breaks down everything you need to think about before you lock it in.
Consider Your Wedding Venue
Your venue will play a huge role in choosing your wedding date. Popular wedding venues, especially countryside barns and outdoor spaces, can book up years in advance, particularly for peak season dates.
Ask yourself what matters more, your ideal date or your dream venue. If you have your heart set on a specific location, you may need to be flexible and choose from the dates they have available. If the date itself is non-negotiable, your venue options may be more limited.
Choosing a Meaningful Wedding Date
Many couples like to choose a wedding date with personal meaning. This could be the anniversary of when you met, got engaged, or another special moment in your relationship. Some couples also consider family anniversaries, while others prefer to avoid dates with emotional weight altogether. It’s also worth thinking about dates you’d rather avoid, such as busy work periods, family commitments, or anniversaries that may be difficult for loved ones.
Think About Family and Friends
There are often a few people you simply cannot imagine getting married without. Before you confirm your wedding date, it’s worth checking availability with close family members and key friends, especially if you’re considering a weekday wedding or a date outside of peak season.
While you can’t please everyone, making sure your must-have guests can attend will help you avoid regrets later on.
Consider the Season
The season you choose can have a big impact on your wedding’s cost, availability, and overall atmosphere. In the UK, the peak wedding season runs through the warmer months, with summer Saturdays being the most in demand and often the most expensive.
If you’re open to an autumn, winter, or early spring wedding, you’ll often find better availability, lower prices, and more flexibility from venues and suppliers. Your chosen season will also influence your styling, colour palette, and wedding theme, so think about the type of day you want to create.
Consider Your Honeymoon Plans
If you’re planning to go on honeymoon straight after your wedding, your destination may influence your wedding date. Some locations have very specific best-travel seasons, so choosing a date that aligns with ideal weather and local conditions can make a big difference to your experience.
If you’re flexible with travel timing, you may choose to separate your wedding and honeymoon dates to get the best of both.
Factor in School Holidays
If you’re considering a weekday wedding or getting married outside the summer months, school holidays are worth thinking about. Guests with children, as well as teachers, may find it easier to attend during school breaks.
Keep in mind that school holidays can also affect travel and accommodation prices, particularly in popular destinations.
Check Supplier Availability
Your venue isn’t the only thing that needs to be available on your chosen date. Wedding photographers, florists, celebrants, and bands often book up just as far in advance as venues.
If you already have particular wedding suppliers in mind, check their availability before confirming your wedding date to avoid disappointment.
Set Your Budget Early
Your wedding date can have a significant impact on your budget. Peak season dates usually come with higher venue hire costs and supplier fees. Choosing an off-peak or midweek date can unlock better deals and give you more flexibility.
Many venues and suppliers offer reduced rates or seasonal packages outside the summer months, which can help you stay on budget without compromising on quality.
Avoid Clashing with Major Events
Before finalising your wedding date, check for major sporting, political, or national events that could affect travel, accommodation, or guest attention. Events such as the World Cup, Olympics, Wimbledon, elections, or royal celebrations can sometimes drive up prices for accommodation and distract guests.
A quick check of the calendar of upcoming events or our can save you stress later on.
