How to choose your wedding date, a real question. For some couples the date is everything – maybe an anniversary, maybe a birthday, or some other date that has fond memories. For others, the date is flexible, depending on the availability of the dream venue, or maybe the availability of close friends and family. In this article, we give you some advice on the questions to ask yourself when choosing your wedding date.

 

Choosing the date for your wedding – thinking about the essentials

  • A symbolic date

 

You may choose a date that has special meaning for both of you – perhaps the date you met, or your engagement date. This can be a key factor in choosing your wedding date.

  • Your professional commitments can have an impact on the decision to choose the date of your wedding.

 

For some people, their job will dictate the wedding date – it isn’t easy for teachers to take time off during term time, however much they’d love to! So be realistic about what you can and can’t do. As I am also a winemaker, my colleagues would not be impressed if I had decided to get married in August or September because of the grape harvest!

  • The personal, professional or educational commitments of key friends and family

 

Let’s be honest, your wedding just wouldn’t be the same if your bestie couldn’t be there to share your happiness, and so if there are people who you can’t imagine celebrating your big day without, you will want to check their commitments and availability.

  • Give advance notice

 

Don’t stress too much about the idea of getting married on a weekday. Every now and then, for one reason or another, this can actually provide you with some real opportunities. Service providers often offer discounts during the week, plus there is less chance your preferred venue or photographer will already be booked. Remember, your guests will be the people who care about you the most, and if you tell them you want to be at your wedding a few months in advance, they will usually make the effort to take the necessary days off work to be at your wedding.

  • Don’t worry too much about the weather

 

The dates that generally benefit from the best weather are often the first to be booked for a wedding. Couples generally hope for good weather so they can make the most of the day and take beautiful photos with a perfect sunset. However, this is not the case for everyone. What’s more, you have to accept that Mother Nature will do as she pleases on the big day. So even a midsummer day in Provence can be a rainy day (although not very often, if we’re honest!). If you want to know more about this, you can read the story of our couple from a few years ago here or in this other article.

  • Seasonal charm

 

Those sunny summer days are also the period when the days are longest. However, unless you absolutely want to dine outdoors, you might consider celebrating your wedding at a different time of year. With the shorter days, your reception venue lit up at night can add even more charm to your special day (not to mention your photos!). What’s more, the charm of autumnal colours can also be a real wow factor! And then, of course, there are those who love winter decorations, which add yet another special touch to a warm, intimate wedding.