If you’re asking yourself, “How do I pick a wedding date that works for everyone and is still special to my fiance and I?” or “Where do we even start?” then this blog is for you! Choosing a wedding date is one of the most important planning decisions you’ll have to make as a couple and also the FIRST! You can’t start planning your day until you nail down the date and trust me when I say, that question will start coming up as soon as you are announce you’re engaged 😉

For every couple, the process is completely unique and part of what makes your wedding date so special to you. So, below are some tips that I hope will make this part of the process easier for you!

1. Determine your budget. I am sure this is the first step with all things wedding planning related, but just in case, here is a reminder. You should start with your budget because there is no point in going on venue tours that aren’t within your budget. There’s extra tips below of how to save more money by choosing our date wisely! Keep on reading 🙂
2. Consider your favorite season, a significant month or date in your relationship, or the best time for your schedule. Choosing our wedding date was the easiest decision in Brian and I’s wedding planning process. As soon as we got engaged, we knew we wanted to say “I do” on our five year dating anniversary. Most of our couples, however, choose their wedding date based on their favorite season and colors. For example, quite a few of my brides love the colors fall brings so they choose an October date. Other times my couples choose a date based on when they are graduating college. It’s totally up to you and what works best for you and your fiance!  An extra tip – typically, if you book in the wedding “off-season” (November – March) in Michigan you can get an off the-season rate (depending on the venue). Week day’s are sometimes discounted as well. Be sure to ask every venue you visit! Your venue rental cost may be one of the biggest expenditures during wedding planning, so budget your money and make your decisions accordingly!
3.  Give yourself plenty of time and don’t rush it! Do your research, ask questions, and visit multiple venues. Also, don’t let anyone rush you into booking something. Trust your gut, if it fits your vision for the day AND is within your budget – then book it! YAY, now go ahead and celebrate!! WOO HOO!
4. Contact your favorite vendors… ASAP! This one is super important! Most likely, your venue will be the quickest to fill up (especially Saturday’s), but if you have a favorite venue or photographer be sure to contact them ASAP. Often, couples that know they want me as their photographer will contact me first and book their venue based on my availability. One of the worst feelings is having to tell a bride I am already booked on her wedding day. It makes me so sad! So, my last piece of advice is – as soon as you have a general idea of when you’d like to get married, reach out to venues and photographers and start chatting!!

xo,