Whether you dream of sunny, summer nuptials in the park, or an evening ceremony in a cozy winter lodge, the wedding date you select will be key. We’re not talking about the type of wedding dates Mike and Dave needed – we’re talking about considering the pros and cons of the 365 days from which you have to choose, as there are a few that spell trouble.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the perfect date. Such as your availability, the schedules of those most important to you, as well as the style and season you’ve set your heart on.
Although you can choose any day you like, there are a few dates that can become a nightmare for both planning and orchestrating your big day. Take a look at the following wedding dates to avoid, and save yourself some frustration along your journey to the perfect nuptials.
1. National Holidays
If everyone’s off work for Independence Day, you might be thinking – what a great day to get married! Saving the date for a national holiday, however, can be problematic, as you risk positioning your event in direct competition with guest’s plans for personal getaways.
If you love the theme of a particular national holiday, like the Fourth of July, consider planning your your big day for the weekend prior to or after – you can get all the glory of sparklers, with colors in red, white, and blue, and still hope for a robust turnout. If a Fourth-of-July-theme suits your tastes, there are a number of Independence Day wedding ideas to choose from.
2. Long Weekends
National holidays spanning long weekends, such as Memorial Day and New Year’s Eve, might seem like equally tempting wedding dates. Guests could travel more freely, you might imagine, and wouldn’t everyone enjoy the extra day of celebration or recovery from the fun at your reception? In addition, your anniversary would land on a long weekend every year, which would make for great couple getaways.
On the other hand, if you book your nuptials on a national holiday, you again risk interfering with the prior plans of your guests. Also, because higher volumes of travel tend to occur on national holidays, those who must fly or drive a distance to attend could face spiking plane fares and gasoline costs.
If you need more inspiration for planning your day, you might enjoy exploring these current wedding trends.
3. Religious Holidays
Though most people shy away from organizing events that conflict with the religious holidays they celebrate, a couple mired in the details of planning might overlook the importance of considering other religious holidays celebrated by their guests.
If you want to maximize your positive RSVPs, it’s important to avoid dates that conflict with Ramadan, Christmas, Nowruz, Hanukkah, and other religious holidays. It would also be worthwhile to check into what religious observances might be recognized by the friends and family on your guest list. Make sure you’re aware of these important religious holidays before you ask people to save the date.
4. Major Sporting Events
For some zealous sports fans, major sporting events can be just as important as religious holidays. Even Prince Harry and his bride-to-be are facing issues due to foolishly having their wedding date on the same day as the FA cup finals.
It’s best to avoid these dates altogether by consulting a list of this years major sporting events ahead of time. The last thing you want is a huge crowd of people hunched around a tiny iPhone screen watching the Super Bowl on your big day.
Need help envisioning the perfect look for various seasons? Check out our selection of wedding dresses to find the best styles for any time of year.
5. Personally Significant Days
Before you settle on a date, confirm that there’s no overlap with the birthdays and anniversaries of those in your immediate circle. Not only can this crossover put a kink in the personal plans of those you’d like to invite, but you’d have to share the significance of that day with them for all eternity.
6. Questionable Weather Days
If you’ve chosen an outdoor venue or are planning a delightful garden wedding, then the weather will play a large role in the date you choose. Of course, it’s difficult to know exactly what kind of weather you’re going to get so far ahead of time.
Fortunately, the farmers almanac has surprisingly accurate weather predictions up to two years in advance. It even includes a section listing the best wedding dates of the year.
Exceptions to these Rules
Regardless of your specific vision, the timing of your big day can be the key to a successful, fulfilling event. When should you get married, then? It’s your day, and ultimately, it should reflect your wishes.
If a Halloween or Christmas wedding is what you’ve dreamed of all your life, go for it. Although you’re risking the attendance of friends and family who may be already predisposed (with trick-or-treat duty or candlelight mass), it’s up to you in the end.
On the other hand, if you have your sights set on a large-scale ceremony with an epic turnout, then you should avoid dates that will lose you RSVPs at all costs.
To maximize your turnout, take a look at our wording guide for some great ideas on how to boost the impact of your invitations.
Are there any other days of the year you think should be avoided for wedding ceremonies? Explain for our readers in the comments below if you’d like! Also, don’t forget to check out our Facebook and Pinterest daily dose of wedding pictures and ideas.
