Singaporebrides | Weddings 101

September 2023

10 Important Considerations When Choosing Your Wedding Date



By Tansey Tang

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Don’t miss these important considerations when choosing your wedding date.

“When’s the wedding?” That will probably be the first question you get asked by everyone who spies your sparkly new engagement ring. Choosing a wedding date is one of the first tasks on your (massive) wedding to-do list, and you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just about selecting your favourite days or numbers. There are a number of crucial factors to consider when choosing the perfect wedding date. Here are some important things to consider before you send out save-the-dates!

1. Length of Engagement

When you start thinking about your wedding date, consider how much time you’ll need to plan your wedding. Most couples find that a year is a comfortable length of engagement, although it’s definitely different for each couple. Allowing yourself at least a year to plan will give you ample time to research your wedding vendors and book them early enough to ensure their availability. Depending on the popularity of your venue and other vendors, you might need to book a year in advance.

2. Significance to Your Story

Before you dive into the logistical aspects, take a moment to reflect on your relationship. Is there a date that holds special significance to both of you? It could be the anniversary of your first date, the day you got engaged, or any other meaningful milestone. Choosing a date that already has emotional significance can infuse your wedding day with even more love and romance, and can be a special story to tell your wedding guests.

On the other hand, a meaningful date may not fall on a practical day of the week, such as a Wednesday, or may clash with major events or holidays. Choosing a specific date first may also limit your venue options, as you will have to consider only those venues that are available on that date.

3. Availability of Your Wedding Venue

When vendors ask if you have a wedding date, what they really want to know is whether you’ve booked a venue. Once you’ve signed your wedding venue package, your wedding date is officially set, and then you can start checking the availability of other vendors.

Popular wedding venues often get booked a year in advance, so the more flexible you are with your wedding date, the more venues will be available to you. For example, you could decide on a month instead of a particular date, and ask shortlisted venues which dates are available during that month. This way, when you find your dream wedding venue, you can choose your final wedding date based on availability.

4. Your VIPs

There are some people you just can’t get married without–your parents, your siblings, or your closest friends. Before setting a wedding date, ask your VIP guests if they have any scheduling conflicts with your shortlisted dates. You wouldn’t want to pay the deposit on your venue before finding out that your sister will be on a graduation trip!

5. Hot Dates

There are some wedding dates that are much more popular than others. Repeating numbers have got to be some of the hottest wedding dates to get married on, and the availability of venues and vendors will be more limited on such dates. If you’ve got your heart set on such coveted dates, be prepared to encounter a higher price tag and level of difficulty in securing your vendors.

6. Your Budget

Your wedding date has an impact on your wedding budget. As the most popular day of the week to get married on, Saturdays typically command the highest prices, followed by Friday and Sunday weddings. Weekday weddings have lower rates, and lunch rates are usually lower than dinner rates too. Besides the cost of your wedding venue and reception, vendors such as florists and stylists face higher demand around Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day, and may have limited availability or higher rates if you set a wedding date close to these holidays.

7. Weather Worries

If you’re holding your wedding indoors, then you don’t need to worry about the weather. Couples hoping to tie the knot in an outdoor wedding should consider the seasons before locking down their wedding date. Avoid the December rains and the monsoon season from June to September for a better shot at tying the knot under a blue sky.

8. Avoid the Holidays

Unless kissing as newlyweds on New Year’s Eve or celebrating over a long weekend holds special significance to you, getting married on a holiday could pose certain issues. Price hikes on your venue and vendors, increased traffic, and a lower RSVP rate could all add unnecessary stress to your wedding planning.

9. Ditto Major Events

Similarly, check event calendars in your wedding city to avoid dates when you know major events are scheduled. Big name concerts, festivals, F1 races, or marathons can lead to price hikes in venues, limit the accommodation available for out-of-town guests, and result in huge traffic snarls. You don’t want to get stuck in a jam on your way to the ceremony!

10. Destination Wedding Concerns

If you’re holding a destination wedding, you’ll need to factor in the local weather during your selected season, as well as check the local holiday and event calendars to minimises any hassle from clashes. You’ll also want to select a date well in advance, to give yourself plenty of time to scope out destination vendors, arrange for accommodation, plan destination welcome activities, and give your guests ample time to sort out their travel plans.

Choosing a wedding date is a big decision that sets the tone for your entire wedding journey. By carefully considering the emotional significance, practical aspects, and personal preferences, you can select a date that resonates deeply with both of you and creates the perfect foundation for your marriage journey. Ultimately, your wedding day should reflect your style and preferences. Remember, no matter the date you choose, the love and commitment you share will shine through and make your wedding day truly unforgettable.

Credits: Feature image from Pei Xuan and Phing Zhou’s Romantic Modern Wedding at Entier French Dining by Manoj Photography

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