Congratulations you're engaged! Once you've had a chance to celebrate with your partner, friends and family, it's time to start planning the big day! The first thing you'll need to do is search for your wedding venue and in order to start your search, you'll need to know when you want to tie the knot. So, what are the things you need to consider when you are choosing your wedding date?
Venue
There are a number of factors to take into account when choosing your wedding date, and a big one is the venue. Will you be heartbroken if that lovely countryside barn isn't free on your date? Or are you prepared to choose your date according to your venue's availability? It's important to establish early on whether your date or venue is more important. To search for your dream venue, click here.
Meaningful dates
Think about meaningful dates for you and your partner, you might want to get married on the same date that you met, or even your parents' anniversary. Don't forget those dates that you might want to avoid, too.
Family and Friends
There are some people who you simply can't imagine getting married without. Make a list of the people who you desperately want to be there on your big day without and ask them whether they're available on the date you're considering before you make any final decisions.
Consider the Season
The season you pick for your big day can have a big impact on price, availability and the theme of your day. Think about peak times, and decide whether you want to get married during the wedding season. For the UK, this is during the warmer months with summer Saturdays being the most sought-after wedding dates.
Venues and suppliers are much more likely to be available outside the summer months, meaning you'd be facing less competition to book your chosen date. Your wedding theme will also affect which season you choose to get married, so make sure you've considered the type of day you would like to have before deciding on a wedding date.
Consider Your Honeymoon
Have you got a dream honeymoon location in mind? If you're set on a particular destination and want to go immediately after your big day, you might prefer to choose a wedding date which places your honeymoon within the best time to visit that country.
School Holidays
If you're thinking about having a weekday wedding, remember that some guests may be tied down with work or childcare commitments, so it might be better to choose a wedding date during the school holidays. This is especially relevant for those friends and family members who are teachers too!
Suppliers
We've mentioned the venue, but make sure you take the suppliers into account, too. If you've already chosen your perfect photographer, avoid disappointment by choosing a date that you know they're available. Make sure you find wedding suppliers that are local to you.
Budget
If you want to get a good deal on your venue or suppliers, consider getting married outside the summer months. Venues often offer out of season deals, so you're more likely to come in under budget if you choose an out of season wedding date. Search Guides for Brides to find special offers for your wedding.
Important Dates
Check that your wedding date doesn't clash with any important sporting or political dates to avoid travel and accommodation issues (as well as guests getting distracted by the football!). Look out for events like the Olympics, World Cup, Wimbledon, elections, jubilees and royal weddings in advance, and pick a date which doesn't clash if possible.
Ready to plan the day? Start planning your wedding with our FREE Guides for Brides Wedding Planner.