Setting the Date.

wedding words of wisdom #4

Coordinating the calendar to select the perfect wedding day may not be as easy as first thought. Here are some tips to consider when setting a date for your wedding ceremony.

• Check your own calendar and look for any conflicts, like vacation, holidays, hectic times at work, etc.
• Have family and your attendants check their schedules. An attendant may not want to be in a wedding on her baby's due date, or the groom's parents may spend winters in Florida.
• Consider the weather. Do you want flowers or autumn leaves in your photos? Guests who have a distance to travel may not want to drive far on icy, slippery roads in winter.
• Think carefully about holidays. Some loved ones may have special holiday traditions that make them unavailable to attend.
• Keep special days in mind. For sentimental reasons, you might consider your parent's anniversary, or your grandmother's birthday.
• Minnesotans who have hunters and fishers in the family might want to avoid hunting season or fishing opener. Some football fans might want to gander at the Vikings schedule.
• Do you definitely want to get married on the standard Saturday? Think about a Friday evening ceremony or maybe Sunday. There are only 52 Saturdays in a year and many couples trying to book those times. You might even be able to have your pick of vendors if you get married during the week.
• Find out what is available. If your heart is set on a specific location, find out first what they have available and work from there.
• Give yourself enough time. Consider how long it will take you to pull it all together while still maintaining your daily life. Or you may need time to save up for your big event.

Once you set your date, you may consider sending "Save the Date" cards way in advance so loved ones don't book other activities on your special day.