Today is a special day. Not only are we on the brink of a fresh start as it’s the last day of 2023, but several happy couples will get engaged in the next 24 hours between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

I strongly urge newly engaged couples to enjoy some time to themselves after getting engaged before jumping into wedding planning because once everyone knows about the engagement, the endless questions begin and that may result in unintentional but added stress. 

However, once you have thoroughly and properly enjoyed your engagement and are ready to dive into wedding planning, one of the first decisions to tackle is a wedding date. For some couples, getting married on a specific date (dating anniversary, first day they met, proposal date, etc.), in a specific season (warm weather like summer), or even on a specific number (lucky #7) is a must. There’s nothing wrong with any of these examples, but it’s important to avoid making certain mistakes when choosing a wedding date and they are below.

Mistake #1: Choose a date before checking in with loved ones.

It’s important to discuss potential wedding dates with any guests you absolutely want to attend your wedding (immediate family, wedding party members, etc.). The last thing you want is for another wedding or planned trip to overlap with the date you had in mind causing a loved one to have to choose between the two. If a loved one is getting married the same year as you, consider spacing out your events to be considerate of your shared guests. Also, don’t forget to consult you and your partner’s own schedules. Between work, social and religious commitments, it’s important for you and your partner to identify what weekends you are available first. 

Mistake #2: Choose a date before referencing the calendar of local events in the area.

Location is a major factor to any wedding, so it’s important to consider what else may be occurring in the area for the wedding date you have in mind. Major planned events (marathons, sporting events, concerts, festivals) can cause price increases, lower guest accommodations and travel woes into the area over the wedding weekend and on the wedding day itself, so make sure to check your city’s calendar before committing to a wedding date.

Mistake #3: Choose a highly popular date and expect it to be like regular dates.

Holiday dates like Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day Weekend, Labor Day Weekend, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve as well as dates with patterns or repeating numbers (like 2/24/24 for example) are some of the most popular days to have a wedding. Popular dates will have higher prices, less venue & vendor availability and more competition from other engaged couples. It’s okay if you have decided to have your wedding on one of these popular dates, but don’t be surprised if one (or all) of these things occur.     

Mistake #4: Choose a date before hiring a wedding planner.

If hiring a wedding planner is on your agenda, it is strongly recommended to hire a planner first before selecting a wedding date. Why? 1. Availability – whether you have a specific planner in mind or not, a planner may not be available for your wedding date if it’s already set. 2. Wedding planners are not so surprisingly experts in weddings, specifically guidance on wedding dates. Planners know the busiest dates for every year, the best times to get married in a specific location, what to expect in terms of venue and vendor availability & pricing depending on the season and more. Having a planner by your side before choosing a wedding date can only benefit you.

Happy New Year and cheers to 2024!

Sunday, December 31, 2023