Your wedding date is one of the key decisions you'll make when planning your big day.

Getting the date right sets the stage for a seamless and special celebration with the people you love most.

Here are some tips and key factors to consider when considering possible wedding dates.

Seek Expert Advice:

Consider hiring a wedding planner in the early stages of planning.

A wedding planner is likely to have insider knowledge and vendor relationships can be invaluable when exploring venue availability, pricing, and coordinating all the moving parts for date selection.

Think About the Season

Each season has its pros and cons for weddings. Spring and fall are popular for their mild temperatures. Summer wedding dates can take advantage of warm weather but the heat, especially in Texas, could be uncomfortable for guests. Wintertime brings holiday cheer and cozy vibes. Consider the climate and your preferences when narrowing down the season.

Pitfalls to Avoid Before You Pick a Wedding Date

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of planning your wedding day and overlook some key considerations when cementing your wedding date. Steer clear of these common mistakes couples make when booking their big day:

-Forgetting to check school calendars: Your wedding day may need to take place when kids are out of school to make it easier for families to attend.

-Choosing a friend's birthday: Avoid taking over someone else's special day or forcing guests to choose between events.

-Neglecting travel factors: Ensure your date works logistically for guests, especially if most are flying in.

-Failing to send save-the-dates: Send these six to 12 months in advance so guests can plan around your wedding.

By avoiding these pitfalls as you select your all-important wedding date, you can prevent unnecessary headaches down the road.

Check Your Wedding Venue Availability

Before falling in love with a date, make sure your desired wedding venues are available.

Your dream venue may book up quickly, so check its calendars and be flexible with your date range if needed.

Once you've settled on a particular venue, secure it by putting down a deposit before nailing down the exact date.

Know Guests' Schedules

You want your nearest and dearest to be there on your wedding day, so factor in their schedules during your wedding planning.

Check for conflicts with major holidays, school breaks, or annual events your guests attend. Weekends tend to work best for guest travel plans.

If planning a destination wedding, save-the-date notices should go out extra early.

Ask for the Preferences of Your VIP Guest List

It's particularly wise to get input about wedding day scheduling from your VIPs: These are the people who absolutely must be there for your big day.

Once you’ve narrowed down your wedding date options, do an informal poll among parents, wedding party members, close relatives, and your dearest friends. Ask for their thoughts on the dates you’re considering and find out what works best for their schedules.

Make it clear you’re only asking for input about the optimum wedding date, not permission.

But getting insider info from your VIPs can reveal any red flags, like conflicts with school events, vacation plans, or annual commitments. Knowing if certain dates make it extra difficult for key guests to attend allows you to make an informed decision.

Watch the Calendar

Before you choose your wedding date, be sure to look at what else is happening on or around your potential wedding dates that could be an issue.

Check for church events, local festivals, or busy travel days that could affect hotel room availability for out-of-town guests.

Consider the Symbolic Meaning

Some couples choose a wedding date with a special meaning, like an engagement anniversary, birthday, or meaningful holiday.

Or maybe a certain date has significance within your faith. This adds a personalized touch and deeper meaning to your big day. Just be sure the date also works well for your situation.

Mind the Details

Weekday or weekend? Morning or evening? How your wedding day falls on the calendar can impact details like your schedule, vendor availability, and costs.

Saturdays often book up fast and come with premium pricing. Friday- and Sunday-wedding dates tend to be more affordable.

Watch Out for Three-Day Weekends

Long holiday weekends may look enticing for a wedding date but can actually limit guest attendance, as people take mini vacations out of town.

Venues are also likely to charge more for popular three-day weekends.

Consider Travel Costs

Look at average airfare and hotel costs on your potential wedding date. Flights and rooms often cost more around holidays and other peak times.

This allows you to avoid dates that may be budget-busters for guests' travel.

Extra Date Considerations for Destination Weddings

Having a destination wedding comes with its own unique factors when firming up your date. Give yourself plenty of time and flexibility if your wedding requires long-distance guest travel.

-Research destinations’ peak seasons: You may save on costs by avoiding the high tourist season, but the weather could be iffy.

-Know the area’s rainy season: Tropical locales often see more rain during certain months.

-Check national holidays: You want vendors and services to be available for your wedding needs.

-Allow extra travel time: Give guests ample notice and time to book flights and arrange time off work.

-Have a backup rain plan: You'll need indoor options for the ceremony and reception in case of inclement weather.

-Make room blocks well in advance: Reserve a section of hotel rooms for your guests to ensure availability.

By factoring in these destination wedding considerations, you can select the ideal date for your overseas nuptials.

Is a Holiday Wedding Right for You?

Some couples opt to get married on or near a major holiday like Christmas, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Fourth of July, etc. Holiday weddings can be beautiful and festive but also come with pros and cons to weigh.

Potential Perks of a holiday wedding date: Venues may already be decorated for the occasion. Guests are likely off work and in a celebratory spirit. The holiday symbolism can be meaningful to you.

Potential Pitfalls: Venues and vendors get booked up far in advance for popular dates. Prices are often higher. Guests may have competing holiday plans and getaways. Your anniversary could get overshadowed by the holiday each year.

Ask yourself what's most important—picking a special, meaningful wedding date or convenience and budget. Keep your must-have wedding vision and guest list in mind. A holiday adds fun flair but also limits flexibility. Make sure to give your VIP guests plenty of advance notice if you choose a holiday weekend wedding.

Don’t Compete with Sporting Events

If you or your future spouse are big sports fans, you’ll want to steer clear of major sporting events when picking a wedding date. Scheduling on a day when a huge game or championship is happening means you’ll likely have some no-shows from guests who can’t tear themselves away.

Do your research and check the schedules for professional sports leagues, major college athletics, annual sporting events like the Super Bowl or Kentucky Derby, and more. The last thing you want is guests sneaking away during your reception or anxiously checking scores on their phones.

If your wedding date happens to coincide with a can’t-miss game, consider setting up a viewing area where guests can discreetly keep up with the action. Or have fun with the overlap by incorporating sports themes into your decor, catering, and more.

With the right planning, you can accommodate both love and sports.

Set the Wedding Date ASAP

As soon as you settle on your wedding date, announce it to your VIP guests and wedding party. This gives them as much notice as possible to make arrangements. Then get ready to share the joyful news and your save-the-dates with all your guests!

Choosing your perfect wedding date requires factoring in many elements—the venue, weather, costs, schedules, and more. Start early, be flexible, and give yourself options.

With thoughtfulness and planning, you can find the ideal date to say your "I dos!"

The Bell Tower on 34th is one of the leading modern wedding venues in Houston and the surrounding area.

Contact us to learn how we can help you create an unforgettable event.