Top Tips on How To Pick Your Wedding Date

START EARLY WHEN PLANNING YOUR WEDDING

Many couples feel tempted to rush. They set their hearts on a venue or photographer only six months before the big day. By then the calendar is packed and the options limited. As one of our planners often shares, those last-minute calls are the hardest—they mean letting couples down because dates are gone.

To protect your dream, try to choose your date at least 12–18 months in advance. This timeline allows space to book your venue, secure your vendor team, and move forward without panic. Good thing we have a free handy guide to creating your wedding timeline!

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VENUE & VENDOR FLEXIBILITY IS A MUST

A big factor in how to pick a wedding date is flexibility. If you’ve decided your venue is non-negotiable, your date may need to shift to match their calendar. The same goes for must-have vendors like photographers or planners. By staying open to options, you increase your chances of building the exact team you want.

If you already have a fixed day in mind, be prepared to adjust your expectations. Sometimes availability means exploring weekday weddings or Sunday celebrations to bring your vision to life.

^{Photos from: Loon Weddings}

GET PRO TIPS FOR HOW TO PICK A WEDDING DATE

If you’d love a step-by-step guide that expands on these ideas, watch our free YouTube video on Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wedding Date. It walks you through why early planning matters, how costs change by season, and even gives you a first task to move forward. Sometimes hearing the advice explained in real time makes all the difference.

EXTRA STRATEGIES FOR SMART PLANNING

If you missed the 12-month mark, don’t panic. There are still ways to be strategic about your date.

• Consider Fridays or Sundays. Many venues offer discounts for non-Saturday weddings.
• Stay open to off-peak months. Think January, March, or even late November—dates that often cost less.
• Secure vendors faster. Choosing less traditional dates gives you a better shot at booking your top team.

Flexibility doesn’t mean sacrificing your dream. It often means finding a creative path that gets you closer to it.

THINK ABOUT THE COST & SEASON WHEN PICKING YOUR WEDDING DATE

Your date doesn’t just affect availability—it impacts cost too. Saturdays in June, October, or November tend to come with premium pricing (depending on what area you’re looking to have your wedding in). Choose a Friday or Sunday instead and you might save up to 20% on your venue. That’s money you can redirect toward food, entertainment, or décor that makes your celebration stand out.

Being flexible also increases your odds of securing top vendors without paying extra. It’s a win-win: lower costs and a better fit for your wedding dream team.

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If you’re stuck wondering, “When should my wedding date be?” start with the season. Do you imagine cozy, candlelit vows in winter or a light breeze and music beneath freshly blooming trees? Seasons bring natural mood, décor, and even guest comfort into play. Once you narrow it down to a time of year, finding the exact day feels less overwhelming.

Your first planning task is to decide on the season that fits your love story best. From there, availability and budget considerations will help you land on the final date.

SAVE THE WEDDING DATE ASAP

Once you’ve chosen your wedding date, don’t keep it a secret. Sending save-the-dates early gives your guests time to plan travel, request time off, and sort out childcare — all the things that help them say “yes” to celebrating with you. The earlier you give them notice, the better your turnout will be. Plus, sharing the news makes everything feel real—you’re one day closer to your wedding day!

^{Photo from: Loon Weddings}

Choosing your wedding date sets the rhythm for everything else, from the venue to the budget. Here’s a quick recap to keep you grounded while planning:

• Start early. Aim to pick your date at least 12–18 months ahead to secure your dream venue and vendors.
• Stay flexible. Consider Fridays, Sundays, or off-peak months to save money and open up availability.

^{Photo from: Loon Weddings}

• Pick your season first. Visualize how each season feels and choose the one that matches your story best.

• Announce early. Send your save-the-date as soon as your date’s confirmed to help guests plan ahead.

• Plan smart. Watch our Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wedding Date on YouTube for expert advice and real examples.

^{Photos from: WedEverything – Tips For Choosing The Perfect Wedding Date | Lesson 3}