Planning a wedding is so exciting! But before you go crazy choosing the flowers and cake flavours, you have to set the date. But hold on a sec, because choosing that date is not as easy as you think it is. You would not believe how many couples make the same common mistakes when deciding on a wedding date. Most of these slips can result in a lot of stress or even regret at a later time. But don’t worry. We will help you avoid those slip-ups and make sure your big day is perfect from start to finish!
Not Giving Enough Time to Plan
Why is giving yourself enough time so important?
First off, there’s the venue. Popular venues are booked for months or even years in advance. If you don’t plan ahead, you may not find good options for your wedding date and end up settling for something you don’t really want.
And then there’s the vendors. You are going to need a photographer, a caterer, a florist, and possibly a band or DJ. Good ones are booked well in advance. If you leave it to the last minute, you might not get the ones you want.
Also, how about your guests? They have plans to make too! They might need to book flights or hotels, take time off work, or find a pet sitter. The sooner you let them know, the better.
And, I don’t even want to go into details about DIY projects. There’s no way you’ll be able to craft your own decorations or favours if you don’t have enough time. Take it from me, you don’t want to stay up until 3 am the morning of your wedding, glueing sequins onto your place cards.
Finally, there’s the stress factor. Planning a wedding is already stressful with enough time on your hands. So leaving it all to the last minute can make things worse. You will be running around trying to get things done, and that’s not fun for anyone.
So, what’s the solution?
Start planning early! The sooner the better! Seriously, the more time you have the smoother it will go. Why not create a schedule together that works for both of you? But, how much time do you need in reality? Find out right here! And if you are thinking on a destination wedding, you can check it here too.
Forgetting to Check all Vendor’s Availability
Imagine this. You finally have set the date for your dream wedding. You are excited and you can’t wait to lock it down. But have you confirmed that your photographer, caterer, venue, and other key vendors are free on that day?
It’s easy to get carried away with the love and forget the practical stuff. Perhaps you assume that since it’s your wedding, everyone will be available. But unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.
So, how to avoid this mistake?
Even before setting a date, make a list of all the vendors you would like to work with. Then start by contacting your top choices and ask about their availability on the date you have in mind. If some of them aren’t available, don’t worry! You probably should be flexible on your date or consider another vendor. It’s better to do something now about this than regret it later.
Ignoring Important Dates
What’s the meaning of important dates? I’m talking about things such as anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. It’s easy to get so excited that and you forget that your wedding date might clash with something already planned. For example, if you pick a date that coincides with a major holiday or a family member’s birthday, it might cause conflicts or make it difficult for people to attend.
Ignoring important dates can be quite stressful indeed. If you choose a date that is already special to someone else, then they may feel hurt or left out. Also, you may find that you must split your time between celebrating your wedding on one hand and participating in some other meaningful activity on the other.
So, what’s the solution?
Sit down with your partner and make a list of all the important dates you do not want to use. Then, use that list as a guideline when choosing a wedding date. Believe me, it’ll save you a lot of headaches and heartaches in the long run.
Picking a Date Just Because It’s Special
Picking a date just because it is special is not always the most practical idea. Don’t get me wrong. Having a special date is so much more romantic and touching. Maybe it is the day you got engaged or when you first met. But sometimes, these special dates might not be the best choice for your wedding.
For example, say your anniversary falls on a Tuesday in the middle of winter. It’s special, for sure. But, it is not quite convenient for the guests to take time off work and travel during the week. Another example would be wanting to get married on Valentine’s Day. That’s so sweet. But keep in mind that many venues and vendors raise prices for weddings on Valentine’s Day.
So, what’s the right way to pick a wedding date?
Think about practical things, such as the weather, the day of the week, and the availability of your favourite venue and vendors. And don’t forget your budget! Prices can vary a lot from season to season. Sometimes, the best date for your wedding is one that works well logistically and fits your vision for your big day, whether or not that has any special significance.
Forgetting Cultural or Religious Holidays
Cultural and religious holidays are important to many people. They might have celebrations, traditions, or even days of fasting. You may face some challenges if you plan to have your wedding on any of these dates.
Moreover, venues sometimes become booked up over holiday periods. You might find it hard to get a free venue on the date you want. In the same way, vendors like photographers, florists, and caterers might also not be available.
So, how do you avoid this mistake?
Spend some time researching the most significant cultural and religious holidays for you and your partner. Also, you can ask your families and best friends about important holidays for them. They can add some other holidays or give advice. Then, write down the dates you should avoid. Don’t forget, try to be flexible in choosing the wedding date. It will help you avoid conflicts with holidays.
Ignoring the Day of the Week
You might think that any day would be perfect for the wedding. However, you should also take into account the day of the week for some reasons.
Firstly, think about your guests. If the wedding is on a working day, it might be difficult for them to take leave. In this case, it can happen that someone might not come. In turn, weekends will be more convenient for everyone. The next day is a day off, so people can relax and not think about work.
Another thing worth thinking about is the cost. Many venues and vendors charge more for weddings on weekends because they’re in high demand. If you have a limited budget, choosing a weekday for your wedding could save you some money. Thus, you should balance. While weekdays might be cheaper, you might have fewer guests able to attend.
So, what can you do to avoid this mistake?
Think about who you really want at your wedding and what day would make it easier for them to attend. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your venue. Check availability for weekends first, and if that’s not possible, look for a weekday that works for you and your closest family and friends. If you do choose a weekday, make sure to communicate the date well in advance so guests can plan accordingly.
Not Checking if Important Guests Can Come
Imagine this. You have decided on a day that is ideal for both you and your partner. You are very happy and can’t wait to start sending out invitations. But before you do, have you thought about whether your closest friends and family are free on that day? What if they already have plans?
When it comes to planning your special day it is easy to get carried away with the excitement. Don’t forget that your wedding is about expressing love to your loved ones. If you don’t check with them first, you could end up with empty seats and disappointed loved ones.
So, how do you prevent this from happening?
It’s simple. Make a list of the people you absolutely want at your wedding. Think about your immediate family, your closest friends, and anyone else who you can’t imagine tying the knot without. Once you have your list, reach out to them and ask about any potential plans or commitments on your proposed wedding date.
Ignoring Work or School Schedules
Your wedding day is of course important, but so are your jobs and education. Ignoring work or school schedules can create a big pile of stress and problems later on.
For example, you might choose a date when both you and your partner are extremely busy with work or school. Then, you will end up feeling stressed and overwhelmed trying to handle everything. Imagine trying to plan your wedding while also dealing with a big project at work or exams at school. It’s no fun at all!
What about your guests? Do they have work or school as well? If you choose a day when none of them can get a day off, you might end up getting married without the people who care about you.
And what about your honeymoon? If you’re both tied up with work or school, you might not be able to take a proper honeymoon right after the wedding. You’ll miss out on that romantic getaway you’ve been dreaming of.
So, what’s the solution?
In short, plan ahead! Take a look at the calendars together with your partner. Find a date that will be free for both of you, your families, and your most important guests. That way, you will be able to relax and enjoy your special day without having to worry about other commitments. I assure you that you will be grateful to yourself for this!
Ignoring the Weather
It’s no secret that choosing a wedding date is a big deal for all couples. Some people consider the availability of the best venues, while others focus on their relatives’ schedules or even on lucky numbers. Many factors must be considered, but the one that is often ignored and very important is the weather. You can feel stress and frustration during your big day if you ignore the weather. Who wants to sweat like crazy in a fancy suit or freeze in a beautiful dress on their big day?
So, what can you do to avoid this mistake?
Each season has its ups and downs. Summer has long sunny days, but sometimes it is way too hot. Winter is cosy due to snow but too icy and cold. Autumn is the time for colourful foliage but often too chilly. Spring brings blooming flowers but also unpredictable rain showers.
Where you tie the knot matters, different places have different weather patterns. If you’re planning a destination wedding, make sure to research the weather for that location during the time of year you want to get married. Explore our suggestion to choose the best time to get married.
Weather can always surprise you. Ensure you have a backup plan. Whether you need a tent in case of rain, or heaters on a chill evening, being prepared can save your day.
Forgetting About Time Change
Sometimes, couples are so busy planning their wedding that they can forget about something as simple as the time change. And it is more common than you think! That one-hour shift either back or forward can make a big difference!
It makes your schedule all messed up, especially the timing of your photos. You may have to rush or wait for a long time, stressing over the fact that something is going wrong on that important day.
So, how can you avoid this mistake?
Double-check the time change date. If the time change is happening around your wedding date, ensure that this is taken on board when planning the start time for your ceremony and reception. You may need to adjust things slightly because of the time difference.
Also, tell your guests about the time change. Send out reminders closer to the wedding date so that everyone is informed ahead of time and can plan accordingly. This way, you can avoid any confusion on the day of your wedding.
Ignoring Seasonal Costs
Every season has its price. The peak wedding season is the most expensive time to get married, typically in spring or summer. That’s when everyone wants to tie the knot. On the other hand, getting married in the low season, like fall or winter, can save you some cash. Because fewer people get married during these times, you might find better deals and more choices.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Decide on a wedding date with seasonal costs in mind. Think about it for a while and find a balance between your dreams, your budget and how different seasons may affect things.
Forgetting Seasonal Allergies
If you, your partner or any guest suffer from allergies, you’ll want to avoid choosing a wedding date during peak allergy season. This is usually in the spring and fall when pollen levels are high.
Imagine saying your vows while you’re sneezing and rubbing your eyes. That’s not really what most people have in mind for “their day”. Plus, your guests who suffer from allergies will be uncomfortable too.
So, how can you avoid allergy trouble on your wedding day?
Get an idea when the peak allergy season usually hits your area. Then, look for days when pollen levels are lower than usual. Alternatively, an indoor wedding is another option which can minimise exposure to pollen.
Either way, you should be prepared. Have some allergy-friendly options such as tissues, medication for allergy relief and flowers that are also allergy-friendly.
Remember to tell your guests if you are going to have an outdoor wedding when the pollen is high. So they can prepare and take protective measures.
In conclusion, choosing the date for a wedding seems very easy. However, in reality, it requires a lot of thought and preparation. It is natural to make these mistakes because most people don’t realise them at the time. Thus, think a step ahead and consider every essential factor. Remember to prioritise what’s most important to you and your partner. However, do not forget about the feelings and needs of your loved ones. When you avoid these problems, your day becomes perfect.
I’m so grateful that you came on this journey with me. If you liked what you read and want to see more of my work, please check out my portfolio here. I’d love to hear what you think. Thank you so much for your support!
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