Wedding Date

There are so many factors that can go into choosing a wedding date, but in the end you and your fiancé should choose the time of year and date that makes you happy. Perhaps it's the day you met, or another date that holds special meaning.

TIP: Consider having a Sunday afternoon or Friday evening wedding -- Saturday evenings during the busy season are generally the most popular and this often increases the price that many vendors charge. Also note that having a wedding over a long weekend (Labor Day or Memorial Day weekend, etc.) can drive up prices as well since you may have to pay waitstaff, hotel employees or other vendors more for working over a holiday.

Start narrowing down potential choices by answering the following questions:

First of all, which year do you plan to get married in - this year, two years from now?
Which season do you and your fiancé like best?
Is there a time of year that may be easier for a majority of your wedding guests to book travel and attend your wedding?
What day of the week do you envision your wedding taking place on? A daytime, or an evening wedding?

Here are some ideas to help narrow the choice of season:

Winter Wedding Ideas

Incorporate festive greens, ornaments or holiday lights into your wedding decor for a warm, romantic atmosphere
Use candles at your ceremony or reception

Spring Wedding Ideas

An early spring wedding when everything is just beginning to bloom is a wonderful symbolic start to your new life together
Add extra touches of fresh flowers or greens throughout the wedding location
Consider serving light, healthy food to your guests to mark the arrival of spring

Summer Wedding Ideas

Have a wedding in the mountains, by the beach or under a tent at a private estate
If you want to create a more casual (but still elegant) atmosphere, a shady, relaxed wedding can do just the trick
Offer abundant fresh fruit, grilled fish or other summertime treats to your guests

Fall Wedding Ideas

Incorporate rich, warm colors into the ceremony and reception
Use foliage, pumpkins or other autumn decorations
Look for a venue that has a wood-burning fireplace, or use candles to add even more warmth to the season