You recently got engaged, shared the news with family, and now the only question that keeps coming up is, “When’s the big day?”. Society, friends, family, and your “internal clocks” lead you to believe that there’s some sudden race to the alter after accepting a wedding proposal. Of course, you have no plans of being engaged for the next decade, but choosing the best date to get hitched isn’t easy. 

There are several factors in wedding planning that are directly or indirectly impacted by the date. Failure to consider these aspects first will only add to your stress later on. Seeing as how you’re ready to send out your save the dates, and start planning, check out these suggestions on how to choose the perfect wedding date. 

Couple Readiness

Couples often make the mistake of getting so wrapped up in planning a wedding, that they fail to realize what it takes to stay married. Have the two of you talking about your life and career goals, where you want to live, or how many children you want to have? Are your finances in order? More importantly, are you at a point in your life where you’re ready to balance marriage responsibilities? Going to premarital counseling can help the two of you to get on the same page and ensure that you’re prepared for a wedding and marriage. 

Budget

The next question of concern is, can you afford it? The average wedding can cost more than $25,000. Though there are ways to reduce these costs, it is vital that engaged couples review their finances before setting a date. How much do you have set aside for a wedding? How much do you need to save to afford the wedding? Lastly, how long will it take you to acquire these funds? You don’t want to get the ball rolling to have to take a pause or sacrifice things you really wish to due to your finances. If you’ve determined it’s going to take you at least a year or two to save for the wedding of your dreams, then look for a date in the future instead of rushing yourself. 

Holidays and Special Occasions

When deciding on a wedding date, don’t forget to consider holidays and special occasions. Getting married on certain holidays presents more stress than it’s worth. Venues, service providers, and vendors may not be available, making travel and hotel accommodations may be more expensive, and if your guests have their own plans, they may not show for your wedding. 

Planning your wedding for a day that someone else is hosting an event may cause conflict. For example, if your sister is getting married in September, having a wedding in late August or September causes you and your family issues. 

Outside Circumstances

As the world continues, it’s battle with the novel coronavirus pandemic, the need to assess outside circumstances into your wedding plans is apparent. Shelter in place orders, social distancing practices, travel restrictions, and state lockdowns can result in the need to push your wedding date back. Before selecting a time, watch current news or review pandemic-related updates from credible sources to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being on your big day.

Personal Preferences

It’s your wedding day, which means the choice is really up to you. After you’ve considered the factors listed above, think about your personal preferences. Is there a specific date that is special to you and your fiance? Have you always dreamed of getting married in a particular season? Maybe you’re unusually stern on a venue choice for the wedding that’s only available during specific dates? 

Picking a wedding date is essential to the rest of the wedding planning process. However, this doesn’t mean you should make a rushed decision. This will only end up causing you several complications as you plan. From marriage readiness to personal preferences, couples must consider every aspect listed above to narrow down their options and select the most effective date for their big day.