Finding a wedding date - 10 valuable tips for choosing the perfect wedding date
As your wedding photographer, it is my pleasure to support you in the preparations for your big day. Choosing the right wedding date is a crucial step in ensuring that your wedding is an unforgettable event. In this post, I'd like to give you ten important tips to consider when choosing your wedding date. From venue availability to personal preferences, this advice will help you find the perfect day for your wedding.
10 tips you should focus on at the beginning of your wedding planning:
How soon after the engagement should we set our wedding date?
What are the most popular months for weddings?
Which months are less popular for weddings?
Which public holidays should be avoided?
Which holidays might fit?
Can my wedding date affect the budget?
Close friends, family and your very own VIPs
Avoid large events and trade fairs
Consider other weddings in your circle of friends
Note the timing of planning and organization
Bonus tip: Dream wedding in the city of Vienna at a special location: How to reserve your date up to a year in advance ℹ️
Are you ready to embark on this exciting journey to choose your perfect wedding date? Then let's get started together and make sure your wedding is an unforgettable experience?
How soon after the engagement should we set our wedding date?
There is no hard and fast rule here. Some couples enjoy celebrating the time of their engagement and like to take a little more time for planning. Others, on the other hand, prefer to hit the ground running. In Austria, Germany and Switzerland, the average engagement lasts between 12 and 18 months. If you want to get married within a year, I recommend setting your wedding date about four weeks after the engagement. This gives you enough time to talk to your loved ones about the best date and any prior commitments.
If you decide on a longer engagement period of around 18 months, you can also set your date a little later. However, it is important that there is enough time between sending the save-the-date cards and the actual wedding date. This will give your guests enough time to plan vacation days and book trips if necessary.
What are the most popular months for weddings?
The most popular months for weddings can vary depending on geographical location, but generally Saturdays from May to October are in high demand. If you are planning an outdoor wedding and want to avoid hot temperatures, I recommend avoiding late July and August. The warm weather, longer days and the opportunity to celebrate outdoors make summer the ideal time of year for many couples. Most weddings take place during this time, and there is a wide range of venues, service providers and decor options to suit the summer.
You can create a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere with a summer wedding. Whether you opt for a romantic garden wedding, a beach wedding or a festive outdoor celebration, summer offers plenty of opportunities to make your big day just the way you want it. From bright floral arrangements and colorful decorations to refreshing cocktails and uplifting music, there are countless elements that can incorporate summer into your wedding.
Which months are less popular for weddings?
In German-speaking countries, the months from the end of November to January are generally considered less popular for weddings. However, this does not mean that weddings during this time are any less magical. On the contrary, a winter wedding can have a very special charm and inspire with a dreamlike atmosphere. The snowy landscape, twinkling lights and cozy atmosphere create a romantic backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. It's a time when brides and grooms can snuggle up in warm blankets and share the magic of the season with their loved ones.
Regardless of whether you choose a summer or winter wedding, it is important that you choose the date that best suits your preferences and plans. Each season has its own charm and offers unique opportunities to make the day an unforgettable experience.
Which public holidays should be avoided?
If you are planning a larger guest list that includes distant relatives and friends, I recommend avoiding family-oriented holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, Pentecost, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day and New Year's Day. On these days, most people spend time with their families or are on vacation themselves. It is advisable to take these holidays into account to ensure that your guests have the opportunity to attend your wedding and celebrate the special day with you.
In Germany, German Unity Day on October 3 and Labour Day on May 1 are also public holidays that many people use as days off work. In Austria and Switzerland, there are similar public holidays such as the National Holiday on October 26 and the Federal Holiday on August 1. These holidays often involve travel and other activities, which can make it more difficult to attract guests to your wedding.
In addition to the public holidays, you should also take into account the typical vacation times in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, many people travel in the summer months of July and August and during the school vacations, especially during the Easter and summer vacations. In Austria, the peak travel times are similar, with the summer months and vacation periods being heavily frequented. In Switzerland, the most popular travel times are also the summer months and school vacations, including the Christmas and sports vacations.
By taking holidays & typical vacation times into account in your planning and avoiding them, you can ensure that your wedding date choice is optimal and your guests have the opportunity to be there on this special day.
Which holidays might fit?
New Year's Eve and the period between Christmas and New Year are popular dates for weddings, and for good reason. These two days offer a special festivity and allow you to celebrate the start of your marriage in a unique way.
In Germany, there are several specific and popular public holiday dates for weddings. In addition to New Year's Eve, the Day of German Unity on October 3 and Labor Day on May 1 are also very popular. These public holidays offer you the opportunity to combine your wedding with a special social occasion and enjoy an exuberant celebration.
In Austria, certain public holidays are also very popular for weddings. In addition to New Year's Eve, Easter Monday, August 15 (Assumption Day) and October 26 (national holiday) are popular dates. These holidays offer a wonderful opportunity to combine your wedding with the traditional customs and festivities of these days and offer your guests an unforgettable experience.
There are also some popular public holiday dates for weddings in Switzerland. In addition to New Year's Eve, August 1 (national holiday), December 25 (Christmas) and December 26 (St. Stephen's Day) are particularly popular. These holidays allow you to combine your wedding with the country's cultural and festive traditions and make your big day a real highlight.
Choosing a wedding date on a public holiday gives you the opportunity to add a special meaning and atmosphere to your celebration. Whether you're celebrating the turn of the year, the unification of a country or other social occasions, these dates will create unforgettable memories for you and your guests. Be inspired by the festive atmosphere and plan your wedding on one of these popular dates to celebrate an unforgettable start to your life together.
Can my wedding date affect the budget?
Your wedding date can definitely have an impact on your budget. Many venues and service providers, especially caterers, adjust their prices seasonally. In months with lower demand, the costs are usually lower. The same applies to different days of the week. Weddings on weekdays, Fridays and Sundays are often cheaper compared to Saturday weddings. In addition, holidays such as Mother's Day and Valentine's Day can also affect the availability of service providers and have an impact on the cost of floral arrangements. It is therefore worth choosing your wedding date carefully to best suit your budget. Remember the point with trade fairs and larger events at your wedding venue or in your city. If the festival is just starting in Salzburg, caterers and hotels will already be at full capacity and will charge higher prices or only have limited capacity for further celebrations.
Close friends, family and your very own VIPs
We all have people who absolutely have to be at the wedding. Before you set a date, you should make sure that it works for your parents, close friends and other important people. These special people are important to you and have a meaningful place in your life. Their attendance at your wedding will make the day even more memorable.
Therefore, it is crucial to consider their availability and preferences before you set a date. By making sure that the wedding date is convenient for them, you are showing your appreciation and ensuring that they can be a part of this momentous occasion. Their presence will not only bring deep joy to you as a couple, but also to the guests and fill the atmosphere with love and happiness.
Remember that a wedding is not just a day, but a special moment in life that you want to share with the people who mean the most to you.
Avoid large events and trade fairs
If the majority of your guests are traveling from out of town, it may be more difficult for them to find accommodation if your wedding is taking place on the same weekend as a big event in the city. Look out for marathons, big-name concerts, festivals and even soccer matches in certain university towns. Although booking a hotel allotment for guests can alleviate some of the problems, road closures and traffic can still affect the flow of your event.
Consider other weddings in your circle of friends
If you know that another wedding with a similar guest list is taking place in the same year as yours, for example of siblings or a cousin, make sure that there is enough time between the two events - especially if they are taking place in different locations. I would allow at least four to six weeks between the dates, depending on the guest list, If they are mostly young, frequent travelers, they may not mind traveling from one country to the next, but I would allow buffer time so that the weddings don't seem consecutive or repetitive in any way. Otherwise, guests might choose one destination over the other.
Note the timing of planning and organization
An ideal planning period for a wedding is usually between 12 and 18 months. This gives you enough time to carefully plan and implement all the details without being under time pressure.
In the first few months of planning, you can concentrate on the basic aspects, such as choosing the wedding venue, setting the date and booking important service providers such as photographers, caterers and florists. These decisions should be made early, as popular venues and service providers are often fully booked well in advance.
As the planning progresses, you can then focus on the finer details, such as designing the invitations, choosing decorations and floral arrangements, deciding on the menu and organizing rehearsal dinners, as well as coordinating the music and entertainment for the big day.
A sufficiently long planning period also allows you to compare different offers and options to find the best value for money. It also gives you the opportunity to look for inspiration at your leisure and take your personal preferences and style preferences into account.
However, it is important to note that each wedding planning process is individual and depends on various factors, such as the desired scope of the wedding, the availability of the desired service providers and the flexibility of the bride and groom. Some couples may also consider a shorter planning period if they already have a clear vision for their wedding or if they are planning a smaller, less elaborate celebration.
Regardless of how long your planning timeline is, it's important to start early to minimize stress and ensure you have enough time to plan a wedding that matches your dreams and vision.
Bonus tip: Dream wedding in the city of Vienna at a special location: How to book your date
Would you like to celebrate your wedding or partnership at a dream wedding venue? Then you should first book an appointment by phone or e-mail. The "Dream Wedding in Vienna" department of MA 63 is available to help you:
"Dream wedding in Vienna" department of MA 63
Phone: +43 1 4000 09570
E-mail: traumhochzeit@ma63.wien.gv.at
To make sure that your desired date is available, you can inquire in advance by phone or email. The dates for dream weddings are offered at specific times:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 4 and 6 pm
Saturday at 10, 12 and 14 o'clock
No dream weddings on public holidays, e.g. Good Friday, Holy Saturday and December 24 and 31, etc.
You're probably wondering how far in advance you can book an appointment. From the first working day in May, you have the opportunity to make reservations for the entire following calendar year. This means that you can book an appointment with Traumhochzeitsreferat by phone or email well over 6 months in advance. Please note that it is not possible to book via the online reservation platform of the Viennese registry offices.
Once you have reserved your date, it is time to book the desired location for your wedding with the operator.
Conclusion
In this post, I have presented you with ten essential tips to help you find the ideal wedding date. From considering the time of year and the weather to budget management, the importance of special dates and the availability of service providers - all of these aspects play an important role in setting the right date.
By checking the availability of your dream venue well in advance, taking into account the travel plans of family and friends and considering alternative dates, you can ensure that all the important people can attend your wedding. It's also important to consider your wedding style preferences and make sure you're comfortable with different seasons.
Don't forget to plan and organize the wedding in good time so that you have enough time for all the preparations. An ideal planning period of 12 to 18 months gives you enough leeway to carefully plan all the details and avoid the stressful time pressure.
If you're looking for help with the planning, there are plenty of resources you can turn to. Professional wedding planners can assist you with their expertise and experience and ensure that you stay on top of things and complete all the important steps in good time. Friends and family can also be a valuable source of support, whether it's choosing service providers or organizing the details.
Choosing the right wedding date is an important step on the way to your dream wedding. By following these tips and paying attention to your own needs and preferences, you can ensure that you find the perfect date where everything comes together harmoniously. Enjoy the planning phase and look forward to the start of an unforgettable chapter in your life!
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