When Should I Get Married? How to Choose Your Wedding Date
Congratulations on your engagement! If you've recently gotten engaged and are beginning the wedding planning process, you're probably wondering how to choose a wedding date. Every couple has a different strategy for approaching this critical decision. Here are a few of our tips to get you started!
Create a wedding planning timeline
Whether you aim to have a long engagement or speedy nuptials, setting a realistic wedding planning timeline is the first step to selecting a wedding date. When creating your plan, be sure to account for the following:
- Venue Availability (more on this later)
- Accommodating Traveling Guests
- Shipping and Ordering (for wedding gowns, suits, décor, etc.)
- Preferred Vendor Availability
Some couples dream of having a quick engagement but must consider these time-sensitive aspects of wedding planning. A fast turnaround can work, especially for smaller weddings and intimate elopements, but large weddings require more planning time.
Wedding Season
Do you have a favorite time of year? A least favorite? Maybe everyone you know has a birthday in a particular month, and you don't want to add another event during that time. Your wedding date is not just the day you get married - it will also be your anniversary for the rest of your life. If you hate the snow, would you be comfortable celebrating your wedding anniversary amid winter every year?
Additionally, the time of year you get married often affects the cost of your venue and vendors. Peak wedding season is from April 1st through November 30th. Spring, summer, and early fall weddings are popular because the weather is often nicest during those months. Because of increased demand, finding room in your venue's and vendor's schedules can be challenging.
On the other hand, couples that get married in the off-season, from December 1st through March 31st, can expect to see lower rates for venues and vendors. Many venues have more open availability in the off-season, which is ideal for couples who would like a short engagement or have a particular wedding venue already picked out.
Your Wedding Venue
No matter what season you plan your wedding for, your venue will only have specific dates available. This is especially true if you want to host your rehearsal dinner the night before your nuptials or have both the ceremony and reception at the same venue. When you tour wedding venues, go in with a general idea of when you'd like to get married but use the venue's availability to help select a specific date.
Your Wedding date
Lastly, remember that the date you choose will be significant to you and your partner for the rest of your lives. More than any of the advice above, select a wedding date that feels right. Whether a particular day or number has sentimental value, spiritual significance, or feels nice, choose a wedding date that resonates with you and your spouse-to-be.
Wedding Planning with the barn at belle hills
We make wedding planning easy at The Barn at Belle Hills. Our wedding barn is in Crittenden, Kentucky's picturesque, rolling hills. Schedule a tour of our wedding & event space today!
