It’s happened. The question has been popped and you’ve said yes! One of the first things newly-engaged couples decide is the date of their wedding. Deciding your date as soon as possible provides a number of advantages: venue and vendor availability, for one.

If you have your heart set on a particular venue, choosing your date may depend upon their availability. Here are a few ideas on how to choose a wedding date:

Popular Dates: 11/11/11 and 12/12/12 are booked far in advance – if you’re set on one of these dates, begin talking to vendors as soon as possible. Venues and photographers especially book up to two years in advance, as their services are usually limited to one couple. Some more popular bakeries or caterers may take on more clients. Understand if you love the idea of one of these dates, you may need to compromise on your venue or other vendors.

Sentimental Value: Getting married on a date that holds sentimental value is a great idea. Many couples tie the knot on their same dating anniversary. One of our invitation consultants, Stephanie, got married on 6/26/10 – seven years to the day her and her now-husband, began dating. If “your” date falls on a weekend, even better! An added bonus: it’s easier to remember.

Holidays: Getting married during a holiday weekend has its advantages and disadvantages. While the date is memorable, your guest list may be a bit smaller, due to increased travel costs including airfare and accommodations and holiday plans. If you’re set on a Christmas wedding, consider getting married the week before, rather than Christmas Eve.

Destination Weddings and Seasons: If you’re in love with the idea of getting married in a faraway land, consider off-season. While Spain is gorgeous in May, it’s on average $200 more in airfare than March. Italy sees an even bigger jump between March and July - $860 in March versus $1400 in July! Hosting your wedding in the off season may allow for more to attend a destination wedding.

Budget-friendly dates: Domestically, weddings in the off-season are less cost-prohibitive. Weekday weddings, or Sunday weddings, are becoming increasingly popular with vendors usually offering a small discount. Saving on those costs allows you to plug more funds into your wedding stationery, caterer, photographer, or honeymoon!

If your wedding is far in advance, during a holiday weekend, or is a destination wedding, sending out Save the Dates is the best way for friends and family to begin planning. If you’re planning a summer wedding, sending out Save the Dates allows families to plan vacations around your special day, ensuring Aunt Margo and the kids will be able to come.

Here are a few of our favorite save the date ideas that are sure to set the tone for your wedding...

These simple save the dates can be mailed in envelopes or as a postcard!


Talk about setting the tone for your wedding...


These Save the Date Magnets are a functional and affordable option for just about anyone!


What factors will come into play when you set your wedding date? Are you planning on sending out save the date? Let us know below!