The first step to planning your wedding is usually choosing your wedding date. It may seem easy at first, until you realise you have to accommodate more than just the two of you. Caitriona Foley of True Romance Wedding has some top tips on how to choose the right date for your wedding.
You’re engaged! First things first, take some time to enjoy it – you will undoubtedly be celebrating with friends and family at first, but then the questions will begin. You’ll start hearing “When are you getting married?” in your sleep! It can be overwhelming, but it will get you thinking about your first big job – choosing a date. There a number of considerations that you can take on board when making the decision.
- Meaningful Dates – It could be the anniversary of when you first met, your first date, a birthday or the anniversary of when you got engaged. Alternatively, the birthday or anniversary of a loved one. Bear in mind it may not fall on your preferred day of the week, so you must be willing to be flexible here.
- Seasons – What time of year do you envisage getting married? Would you mind if it was snowing? Are soaring temperatures and glaring sunshine cause for concern? Think also about the colours associated with each season and whether it would work with your preferred palette.
- Holidays – A Christmas wedding could be an ideal time if you have family and friends living abroad who will have the opportunity to come home over the holidays; however choosing prime dates such as New Year’s, St Patrick’s Day and bank holidays could mean more expensive flights and accommodation for your guests.
- Work – If you are both teachers and have many friends in the same line of work, getting married during school holidays might be the best option for you; especially if you have many friends at work who you’d like at the wedding – choosing a date during school time could mean many of them can’t attend. Likewise, couples who work in the hospitality industry may struggle to get time off during peak season, especially for honeymoon time.
- Price – Finally, if you are budget-conscious and flexible with your date, you could avail of some great discounts with both venue and suppliers by choosing an off-peak or mid-week date. Many venues offer a 10-20% discount on their packages during quieter months such as November and January; and if your wedding has a shorter lead-in time (9 months or less), again you may be able to avail of some fantastic offers.
Don’t allow yourself to be dictated to by family and friends over when you can get married, but do bear in mind important dates for them – if your maid of honour is due a baby, perhaps wait til after she’s had the baby! If your brother lives in Australia, find out what time of year is most suitable for him to come home. Don’t go overboard – just keep in mind the people that you absolutely have to have at your wedding.
Image via Etsy
Thank you Caitriona for fab tips. Check out Caitriona’s wedding blog for more amazing ideas and tips here.
