Choosing the Perfect Wedding Date!
One of the first and most crucial decisions you'll make in your wedding planning adventure is selecting the perfect date. And there’s probably more factors to consider than you might imagine!
Here’s our whistle-stop tour of some of the key things you might want to think about as you ‘save the date’!
Seasonal Celebrations!
The season in which you say "I do" can, of course, impact the atmosphere of your wedding. Each season brings its own charm … and considerations!
Spring: A season of new beginnings, blooming flowers, and vibrant colors. Ideal for couples who want a fresh and lively atmosphere … but with a chance of showers!
Summer: Warmth, sunshine, and longer days – perfect for outdoor celebrations, marquee’s, BBQ’s and dare we say it, a spot of sunshine!
Autumn: Cozy vibes, crisp air, wonderful colours and still the opportunity to have some outdoor activities.
Winter: Whilst the temperatures may put some people off, this is a great season to hold a wedding, with the magic of snow-filled wonderlands, intimate indoor ceremonies, and festive atmospheres.
Budgets, of course!
Your budget is, of course, a key consideration in every aspect of wedding planning, and date is no exception.
Peak vs. Off-Peak: Consider choosing an off-peak wedding date. These are typically during the less popular months, and venues and vendors may offer lower prices during these times.
Day of the Week: Weekday weddings are often more budget-friendly compared to weekends. Think about whether your vision aligns with a lively weekend celebration - the more the merrier - or a more intimate weekday event.
Venue Matters
Securing your dream venue is a top priority, and its availability heavily depends on your chosen date. Popular venues may be booked well in advance, so it's wise to check their availability early in the planning process.
Flexibility: If you have a specific venue in mind, then be prepared to adjust your dates to secure that perfect space.
Destination Weddings: If you're considering a destination wedding, take into account travel seasons and local events that might affect availability - and costs! Likewise, local events may also provide great themes and fantastic entertainment for your celebration.
Guest Considerations
OK, so yes, it’s your special day but you need to take into account the preferences of your guests to make sure they’re - or at least most of them - are able to attend.
Travel Time: If many of your guests will be traveling, choose a date that allows them enough time to plan and make arrangements.
Holiday Conflicts: Be mindful of major holidays and events that might clash with your chosen date, potentially affecting whether guests can come or not.
Weather Watch
Weather is a BIG factor, closely linked to seasons, but also the unpredictability of the good old British weather!
Local Climate: Think about the must-have, non-negotiable, aspects of your wedding and whether they are - or can be! - ‘all-weather’. And if you’re thinking about going abroad, then check out things like when rainy seasons are and humidity levels.
Seasonal Flavours!
Delight your guests' taste buds with seasonal flavours.
Spring: Fresh, light dishes featuring in-season vegetables and fruits. Asparagus salad, herb-crusted lamb chops and strawberry shortcake!
Summer: BBQs, refreshing salads, and a variety of vibrant, seasonal cocktails. Caprese skewers, BBQ’d corn-on-the-cob and lemon sorbet to finish things off!
Autumn: Rich and hearty menu options incorporating autumnal ingredients. A hearty butternut squash soup, followed by an apple-cranberry stuffed pork loin. And for dessert, a pumpkin cheesecake.
Winter: Comfort foods, cozy beverages, and festive treats. Roast chestnut soup, braised short ribs with a rich sauce and a chocolate peppermint tart.
Choosing your wedding date is not as straight-forward as people might think. There’s the practical aspects, as well as the sentimental! And let’s not forget the spanners that may get thrown in the works because of availability of your venue or your favourite band! So here’s to kicking things off right with your ‘Save a Date!’