If you intend on getting married, choosing the wedding date is one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make. Not every month is going to be ideal. Depending on the type of wedding you’ll want to have, you might have to plan months in advance in order to get the perfect date. The date will set the stage for everything else. That is why it is important that you’re giving it maximum attention. If you live in the UK, you’re probably wondering when the best time to tie the knot is. The perfect time will be different for every couple but there are some guidelines that will apply for most situations.
Budget
Take into account your spending limit and budget for the big day. A weekday wedding or an off-peak season may be more inexpensive if money is limited. Consider this when making your choice because weekends and weddings during the busy season typically cost extra.
Deciding when to get married is a big decision that has to be carefully thought out, especially if you are on a tight budget. If you reside in the UK, the following is a budget-friendly wedding planning guide:
- Take into account the season – When you decide to get married can affect your finances. In the UK, the wedding season traditionally lasts from May to September, and costs for venues and other suppliers are frequently higher during this time. You can save money by picking a date outside of this time frame, like in the off-season.
- Check for discounts – For weddings occurring during the week or on a Sunday, many wedding vendors provide discounts. These reductions, which might be considerable, will enable you to reduce your overall spending.
- Time of Day – Because it may be less expensive, think about having a daytime wedding rather than an evening ceremony. In order to save money on food and drink, you might prefer to host a brunch or lunch reception rather than a dinner reception.
- Public Holidays – Avoid getting married on public holidays because wedding venues and vendors typically charge more during these times.
- Pick a weekday – Getting married on a weekday can be cheaper than getting married on a weekend. This is due to the possibility that venues and suppliers may be more accessible and willing to provide discounts for weddings occurring during the workweek.
- Select a less popular month – The most popular months for weddings in the UK are May, June, July, and August. You can cut costs on your wedding by picking a less popular month, such as January, February, or March.
- Be flexible – If your wedding date is somewhat nebulous, it may be worthwhile to check with venues and suppliers to see if there are any last-minute openings or availability. To make up for the void in their timetable, they might be prepared to provide a discount.
Take The Weather into Account
According to statistics, the best months to get married in the UK are June, September, and October. September in particular tends to be popular because there is no rush that is usually associated with the summer months. The rule of thumb is to plan by looking at the past weather records, especially for the months that you intend to get married. You also want the weather to be conducive for the London wedding photographer that will be taking photos on your wedding day.
There is no season that isn’t appropriate. To some people, the summer heat is just not ideal. You can opt for the spring season when the weather is chilled and still makes it possible for an outdoor wedding.
Factors of an Off-season Date
Getting married during the off-season could significantly cut down the costs of the wedding but you’ll want to think over the decision before making it. There could be shortages sometimes and this will mean making some sacrifices. There are some flowers that are available at a given time of the year. Your florists could have a hard time getting the exact flowers you’d want to be incorporated into your wedding. This will also apply when choosing between a Friday and Saturday wedding as a day could make a big difference.
Have a List
You’ll need to have a list of things you’ve envisioned for the wedding. This makes it easy to have a clear picture of the perfect date. If you’d want a flower-themed wedding, you might have to set the dates when flowers are available. You also don’t want to go somewhere that will be inconvenient for your guests as much as it might be the perfect location and timing for you.
Family and Guests
While choosing a date, take your family’s and guests’ availability into account. To make sure they can attend, check with significant family members and close friends. You might also want to steer clear of significant holidays or occasions that might interfere with your guests’ schedules.
Legal Requirements
In the UK, you must notify the government of your plans to wed at least 29 days before the ceremony. Be sure to make plans for the future because this notification is only valid for a year.
Avoid Major Holidays
As much as people will have time to attend your wedding during major holidays, you’ll also be competing with other events for venues. Your guests might also not want to spend major holidays away from their families as much as they love you. It is understandable that the wedding is about two people but it will not be as memorable when your close friends and family can’t attend.
Portraying Your Wedding Day on a Date
You should have already narrowed down the wedding month at this point. You can look up if there are any specific dates that mean anything to you or your partner. You might find that they coincide with a weekend or when it is convenient for your friends and family to attend. You can’t lack a date that is memorable to either one of you.
Don’t Rush
You’ll need to start planning early to avoid the last-minute rush. There are costs involved with every wedding and you might have to pay more when it is hurriedly done. It is still possible to have the wedding done in a few weeks but there are sacrifices that will have to be made. You can’t expect to have a custom wedding gown to be made when it is two weeks to the wedding. To avoid costly expenses, give yourself time to plan the wedding. Reach out to an experienced wedding planner so as to take the burden of planning off your shoulder.
You’ll also need to think about the different aspects of the wedding and how you intend them to play out from a grand scheme of things. What if you can’t get your dream venue on the specific date that you’ve set? You should be willing to be flexible as not everything will go as planned. Your immediate family needs to be aware of the plan too as they can have a say on date. Deciding on the wedding date doesn’t have to feel like that much of a hassle provided there is proper planning.