Choosing a wedding date can present its own difficulties. You want favorable weather conditions. But there's also pricing and guest availability to consider. You may also compete with other couples for popular dates. Now, toss in a global pandemic and things get a little dicier. How do you select a time and date and still keep your sanity? By following some useful pointers, accomplishing this may be easier than you think.
Select Several Potential Dates
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many couples to postpone their 2020 weddings. Some chose new dates in 2021. This can make securing your choice more challenging – you and others could be vying for the same dates. That’s why Wedding Wire’s Kim Forrest suggests picking three or four good options for your event. You can choose these dates in the same season or month, or try spreading them out. Your venue and vendors can give you some guidance.
You can approach this however you like, but Forrest recommends asking for a “soft hold” on backup dates. The site can temporarily hold a second choice and let you know if another couple wants that same slot. You typically have 24 to 72 hours to determine if you want the alternate day and time. Some venues may include soft holds in your contract. No matter how you proceed, Forrest advises that you settle on your final date as early as possible.
Don’t Rule Out Weekdays
Friday and Saturday have been popular days for tying the knot. Once couples started shifting their early 2020 weddings to later in the year, venue reservations quickly filled up. Those struggling to schedule their events found weekdays as great alternatives. And they can still be excellent options for your 2021 or 2022 nuptials.
Writing for the New York Times, Danielle Braff reveals that many couples are scheduling Sunday and Thursday weddings. Mondays are also a top choice. Wednesday is the least popular day, but this can work to your advantage. If your crowd doesn’t mind a midweek celebrant, you could score lower rates from your vendors. Be sure to talk to them about pricing before you pick your day.
Check With Your VIPs
One piece of advice hasn’t changed from pre-pandemic weddings – checking your dates with your VIPs. The Knot recommends talking to your wedding party and immediate family before booking anything. This ensures that they're available and gives them enough notice to avoid double-booking. But there’s one caveat – don’t go asking your cousins, aunts, uncles, and so forth. They’ll all want to weigh in, and you cannot accommodate everyone. If you’re planning to livestream your event, remind them that they can attend remotely if they can't make it in person.
Don’t Forget the Format
If you’re planning weekday nuptials, you should keep in mind a few things. Brides points out that a laidback celebration could be perfect for guests after a hectic workday. Starting earlier is also wise. This lets you wrap up earlier, which is convenient for guests with work or school the following day.
Meanwhile, you may want to veer from the traditional format. Consider holding your cocktail hour before the ceremony instead of after. Your guests can relax before the ceremony, but they’re also less likely to drive while intoxicated. Depending on COVID precautions, you can also work in a short dance. The New York Times lists public health measures for each state.
Stay Flexible About Your Options
Planning a wedding in 2021 brings unique challenges, so a flexible approach is helpful when selecting a date. Consider several alternatives, keep your closest allies informed, and think outside the box when planning your event’s format. With this advice, you can design a safe and memorable celebration.
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