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The average American engagement lasts sixty months. Most of that time is spent planning the wedding. Couples spend between seven and twelve months getting ready for their big day. But choosing the date is not always easy. There are 365 calendar days (or more) to choose from. Where to start?
Special Date
Couples who have a certain date in mind do not have to bother with seasons or discounts. Tens of thousands of couples get married on Valentine's Day, Christmas or on a date that is personally important to them. It could be the day they first met, their first date or even their parents' wedding day. But for everyone else, the process requires some cerebration.
Season
The easiest way to choose a date is by using a simple process of elimination. Start with the season you want to be married in. At present, summer is the most popular time for weddings in America. Over a third of all ceremonies are scheduled during the summer months, about half of those in the month of June. Because of its equable weather and the many options it offers couples, June will probably always be the most popular month for nuptials.
Spring is the second most popular, followed by fall and winter. Only about thirteen percent of weddings are held in the winter, even with Valentine's Day! The reason for this is simple. As wedding costs continue to increase, more and more couples are planning casual, outdoor affairs. And you simply can not do that in the dead of winter. We must also consider that teachers and other trained professionals have vacation time in the summer.
Price
One obvious advantage of planning a wedding out of season is the price. Reception halls offer deep discounts to couples who get married when things are slow. After all, these establishments operate year-round, which means that they are forced to offer special deals to attract business during the slow season. It is also important to note that winter is a great time to visit the Caribbean. Not only are prices low, but special packages are offered to newlyweds. That may be why the region is the most popular honeymoon destination for Americans.
Month
As we mentioned earlier, June is the most popular month for weddings. But each season has a top month for nuptials. Once the season has been selected, couples are encouraged to shop around for the best deals at reception halls and from caterers. If you are considering an outdoor affair, weather is always the most pressing concern. The spring may be wetter than the summer, but since most couples rent tents, it should not be an issue.
Day of the Week
Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings. However, it is always a good idea to consider religious observances. For devout Jews and Christians, weekend ceremonies may not be an option. The good news is that weekday wedding are much cheaper for everyone. Not only are reception halls more affordable during the week, but hotel rates are also cheaper. Of course, we are only talking about small savings here. If you really have your heart set on a Saturday wedding, it does not make much sense to switch to another day just to save a few hundred dollars.
Dates to Avoid
No matter the amount or work and planning that they put into, a wedding is not just about two people. It is about religion, tradition and the joining of two families. Couples should be sensitive to tradition when they plan their nuptials.
Couples who are inviting mostly Jewish guests should avoid scheduling their wedding on the Sabbath, Friday Evening, and Saturday ceremonies should only be held after sundown. Marrying on holidays like Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur is definitely out of boundaries if most of your guests are practicing Jews. Consult a Jewish calendar before you choose your date.
Christians are a bit less strict, but there are still a few days that are all but verboten. Practicing Christians do not marry during the Holy Week, which is from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. In fact, any Sunday is a gamble. Some churches find Sunday ceremonies auspicious and joyful, while others eschew ceremonies on the day of rest. It really does depend upon your conviction and that of most of your guests. Whenever possible, it is best to err on the side of caution. If your soon-to-be-in-laws are devoutly religious, stay away from days they might perceive as sacred.
For America's Muslim population, there are specific rules that govern weddings. Couples are not to be wed during the holy months of Ramadan and Muharram. The Shawwal is viewed as a propitious time to tie the knot. If you have any questions regarding Muslim observation or traditions, it is best to consult your local mosque.Secular holidays that should be avoided include the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Super Bowl Sunday.
Be sure to consider these sensitive dates when picking out your wedding date so that every one of your guests can enjoy the special day to the fullest.
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Source by Kristen Dysart
