Setting a Date

Here I am going to talk about setting a date since it tends to be at the top of most check lists. For some of you setting a date is simple; your anniversary of the day you met, he proposed, first kissed, etc etc. For others it may be more difficult.

Jeff and I had many ideas of when we didn't want to get married. Since we were planning for California, we decided anything from June-September would be too hot for our guests (and me in my ballgown dress!) and of course really busy in the Parks.

We also decided to avoid major holidays like the plague. My eldest brother was married the day after Christmas and while it was convenient for close family because we were all traveling there anyways, it was a pain for those not so close that wanted to be with their families on Christmas and thus missed the wedding. Plus, that can put a major damper on holiday funds. So that left out November-January.

We then took into consideration that most of our bridesmaids and groomsmen were in college and looked at their spring break. Lucky for us, they all matched up for mid-March. It was then just a matter of picking an exact date. For a date that falls on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday you're minimum goes from $10,000 to $12,000. So those days were out. We did have several friends that lived in town and from out of town, we figured it would be easier for everyone to take a long weekend instead of taking a full week off. So we ultimately decided on a Thursday or possibly a Monday. Oddly enough the last thing we did was look at the dates written out. March 12th, March 15th, March 19th. We liked the way March 15th looked and sounded and that was it.

I really suggest getting a list of birthdays, holidays, family plans and writting them on a calendar before you get your heart set on a date. Take a look at not only will work out best for the two of you but also what works out for your guests. There is a chance that you may not be able to avoid everything but be understanding if it simply doesn't work out for everyone. If they truly care about being there, they will work out a way to be there. If not, it isn't the end of the world.

PS Keep in mind things like the weather at certain times (check Weather Bug/Channel if you aren't familiar with the weather of the area year round) and that certain flowers only bloom at certain times. I really wanted to get married in a rose garden until I realized that they don't really bloom until June or July....maybe that is why that is prime wedding season?