Selecting a wedding date could be a daunting challenge because you are most likely entering this unknown space with little or no experience.
Hence you do not know what works and work may not work. A wise man once said: “An intelligent person solves problems, while a wise man avoids problems” How can you avoid the problems and worries associated with choosing a wedding date?
If you have read this far then you are in the right space, let us now give you expert guidance on how to pick a wedding date!
How Soon Should You Pick a Wedding Day?
Muslim Life Partner?
In a recent study, “The Knot” found that the average time between engagement and marriage is 15 months, we are not saying you should wait until 15 months before you choose your date, however seeing what others are doing can give you a relaxed mind to choose a convenient date for your marriage.
Hence depending on your circumstance, you can take your time to choose a wedding date within this time frame. However, we strongly advise against prolonging courtship and marriage dates.
Creative Ways to Pick a Wedding Date
Once you and your future spouse publicize your engagement one of the most possible questions relatives will ask you is when (that is the date) and where (venue) of the wedding.
Of all the happy events a couple goes through in their lifetime, planning and organizing the wedding is one of the most exciting, satisfying and yet also one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish – selecting the right date for the wedding is no easy task either. undefined
The day you choose will dictate everything about your wedding from the location to the number of people attending and even the mood of your reception. Here are some key aspects to bear in mind in order to enable you to select a date that may be suitable for you and the date.
Selecting Appropriate Dates
When choosing the date of the wedding, it is advisable to fix a date with a special meaning to the couple. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Identifying the preferred level of event involvement can aid in the elimination of some possibilities of a given wedding date. The normal engagement stage that most cultures allow is roughly 12 to 18 months, this however, may not be the end of it, hence enough time is provided to couples to do their planning.
Consider how long you will take to prepare a wedding and whether you wish to have a long engagement to plan or a short one to become a couple soon.
Referencing the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar), consider months or dates that are traditionally considered blessed or auspicious. This aligns with Islamic teachings and enhances the spiritual significance of your wedding day.
It is not unusual for couples to include a date or number that is of sentimental value in the couple’s relationship. This might be the date on which you first met, the date for presenting the marriage proposal.
The extra appeal of such a choice is that the selected date is likely to evoke certain positive emotions in both of you, which will only enhance your wedding’s memories.
Budget Considerations
The date of your wedding largely determines your financial plan. Here are some ways to manage costs:
It is noteworthy that the choice of the time of year can significantly affect expenditures. Normally, occasions that cater to weddings occur during the periods of May up to October and this is because the providers of the services may hike their prices.
Also, if you are a low-budget bride and groom, then plan your wedding during the early spring season, April or in November, which is considered the off-season or cheaper wedding season or you can also plan a wedding in the winter season that is from December to March.
Days with certain patterns or numerations like 10/10/10 are some of the favorites by many to be used as wedding dates. Nevertheless, there is a trend that such dates cost more, as the services of dating sites with such dates are in great demand among people.
If you are open-minded, you can avoid going for a popular date and this will save you a lot of money and may also avail you more opportunities for venues and caterers.
Guest and Schedule Factors
Your wedding date should be convenient for your guests as well as for you. Consider these points to ensure a good turnout:
While Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings, they are also typically the most expensive. Opting for a Wednesday or Sunday can help you save money on venues and vendors. Additionally, a midweek wedding might work for a more intimate gathering and can offer significant cost savings.
It’s generally best to avoid national or religious holidays when planning your wedding. Many guests may have prior commitments or higher travel costs during these times. Additionally, the holiday season can be more expensive due to increased demand for travel and accommodations.
Take into account the work and school schedules of your guests. Avoiding peak work seasons, such as the end of the fiscal year or major project deadlines, can help reduce stress for everyone involved. Similarly, consider the academic calendar if many of your guests are students or educators.
Before you finalize your wedding date, make sure to check the availability of close family and essential guests. You don’t want to choose a date that conflicts with important events in their lives, such as other weddings or significant celebrations.
Wedding Style and Preferences
Your personal style and the type of wedding you envision will also influence your date selection. Consider these aspects:
Some wedding venues have limited availability and may book up quickly, especially during peak seasons. It’s a good idea to check the availability of your preferred venue before setting your date to ensure you can secure the location that best fits your wedding vision.
The time of year can affect the atmosphere and style of your wedding. For instance, an outdoor garden wedding might be best in the spring or summer, while a cozy winter wedding would benefit from a date in the colder months. Choose a date that complements the theme and feel you want for your celebration.
Try to avoid scheduling your wedding on dates that coincide with the birthdays or anniversaries of close family and friends. This can help ensure that your wedding day is unique and not overshadowed by other celebrations.
Logistics and Vendor Availability
Practical considerations and vendor schedules can also impact your choice of wedding date
Refer to the local event dates so that you end up not booking your big day on a day that is considered an important event, say, a football match or a music concert or a carnival. Such occurrences can lead to traffic problems, high accommodation rates, or even a disruption of services that you might require.
If you have special service providers that you would like to hire like a photographer, caterer, etc., then it is recommended that you inquire first about their availability when organizing the wedding.
Some vendors are very frequently booked by other couples and this can be helped by communicating with them early enough so that they can be reserved for the intended date of the wedding.
Life Milestones
Consider your personal life and upcoming changes when choosing your wedding date.
Think about any significant life events you have coming up, such as moving to a new home, starting a new job, or planning to have children. Scheduling your wedding during a less hectic time can help reduce stress and allow you to fully enjoy the planning process and your big day.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose the date to get married that fits perfectly with your budget, preferences, and the availability of your guests and vendors. The most important thing is to select a day that holds special meaning for you and your partner, creating a foundation for a memorable and joyous celebration of your love.
While getting married can open doors to a rewarding life filled with Joy and happiness, planning and learning how to make the wedding day successful can be filled with anxiety and even stress.
Are There Restrictions to Choosing a Date?
There are no restrictions on the dates on which a wedding can occur in Islam as long as both families agree and the dates are realistic enough for both families to plan for the wedding.
Some people have certain Thursdays and Fridays they look forward to, but the principle is simply to select a day that would be special and which both of you would consider fortunate for the new married life ahead.
Final Thoughts
We want you to remember that a wedding lasts for just a day but marriage is for a lifetime, hence we will advise that you do not spend much energy trying to impress friends and relatives on your wedding day. Instead, focus on ensuring that you are getting married to the right partner and understand the sacredness of marriage.
In the meantime, you can use the following evaluation questions to thoughtfully examine your current partner:
- Does he/she have the qualities I am looking for in a marriage mate?
- What are his goals, do they align with mine?
- What is his religion, does it contradict mine? If yes, am I willing to tolerate that?
- Are we going to have kids? If yes, how many?
- What are his/her sources of income? Are they sustainable?
- What is his/her relationship towards other members of his family?
- What is his/her attitude towards money?
These questions can help you in making decisions that can go beyond your wedding date. In fact they can help you get a supportive partner that will not only help you plan a good wedding but will give you a memorable life.
You can bookmark this page so you can find it again, feel free to share it with your loved one who will be or who are currently planning for their wedding.
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