Congratulations! You’ve found the love of your life and are ready to take the plunge into wedded bliss. But before you can dance down the aisle and tuck into that wedding cake, there’s a big decision you have to tackle first: picking your wedding date. It might seem like an innocent task at first, but choosing certain dates can not only limit your options now, but could also set you up for dramas for the rest of your married life. Here are the things to consider when choosing your date so you and your partner aren’t left begging for a do-over.
Enter Valentine’s Day: the day all about love and heart-shaped everything. And sure, a wedding on Valentine’s Day might seem romantic in theory, but think about what you’re setting yourself up for. Want to go to dinner at your favourite restaurant to celebrate your anniversary? Make sure you’re organised and book well in advance if you want to get in. And even if you do get a table, you might be lugged with increased prices, or stuck with a mandatory five course set menu that you didn’t really want. And do you also want to send your spouse flowers? Congratulations, you’ve just chosen the most expensive day of the year!
And then of course there’s New Year’s Eve, the ultimate celebration of fresh beginnings. It’s a great way to start your marriage with a bang, and you may be able to make the most of free fireworks as your backdrop, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a venue that isn’t fully booked by couples who had the same idea, not to mention the vendors you wanted. Same again when it comes to celebrating your anniversary in the following years, as you’re lugged with premium prices for the occasion.
For some people, choosing a date might start with considering when they think friends and family are most able to make it. Often that means choosing a long weekend or a date around holidays, but keep in mind, these dates will be in hot demand, so you may be limited in venues and vendors. Just remember, it’s your day, and it’s impossible to keep everyone happy. As long as you give people enough notice, you’re doing your bit, and your nearest and dearest can figure out the rest.
Then there’s also the allure of auspicious dates, and depending on your culture or beliefs, there are a range of numerical options that potentially promise a lifetime of good luck and happiness. If it means something to you and you can manage to secure a venue and vendors on that day, then go for it. The stars really are aligning! But remember that plenty of others may also have the same idea, so you may need to plan well in advance.
At the end of the day, your wedding date is just a tiny pixel in the mosaic of your love story. Rather than choosing a date that suits everyone else or is notable to the masses, why not choose a date that’s relevant to you? Whether it’s the day you met, your first date, the date you got engaged or some other moment in your journey, choosing a date that resonates with you and your partner will make your wedding date memorable for all the right reasons.
Go with what works for you, because what truly matters is the person you’re choosing to spend your life with—and of course ensuring you can nab a table at the restaurant you choose on your anniversary forevermore.
