How to Decide on a Wedding Date

Discover what to keep in mind when picking the day to say I do.

Considering how often newly engaged couples are asked when their wedding date is, it would be understandable if you thought settling on a wedding date was the first thing you should do after saying yes to a proposal.

By Emily Lasnier

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Photo: Strand Photo

Considering how often newly engaged couples are asked when their wedding date is, it would be understandable if you thought settling on a wedding date was the first thing you should do after saying yes to a proposal. However, there are many factors you should consider before you decide when to say I do. If you and your beloved have a special date – such as your anniversary or even the wedding day of one set of your parents or grandparents – then that might be your first priority. For most others, some conversations and other decisions will be necessary before picking a date. Read below to learn what you should discuss or find out before you and your sweetheart choose a wedding date. 

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Photo by Karlisch Photography; Planning & Floral Design by HeatherLily Inc. 

- Family obligations. If there’s a graduation, milestone birthday, or another wedding coming up in your extended families or social circles, you will likely want to avoid those dates – perhaps even the immediate weeks surrounding the other occasions, if travel is involved. 

- Preferred vendors. Do you have a dream venue, photographer, or planner? Find out when their open dates are and use that as a guide of when you should get married. 

- A favorite season. Whether winter, spring, summer, or fall, you and your future spouse will need to agree on a time of year to tie the knot before you can narrow it down to a specific date. The location of your big day may be a factor as well. 

- Events at your location. Say you want to get married in Palm Springs – the weekends of the Coachella or Stagecoach music festivals would probably be an inconvenient time to host a wedding, especially if your guests were traveling. Similarly, while not an event per se, a location that experiences seasonal natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires should probably be avoided during those times.

For more advice and ideas, discover what mistakes to avoid with your wedding timeline and find out if a short engagement is right for you. 

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