Setting the Date
Every year, between 2 million and 3 million couples are married in the U.S. Armed with your wedding theme and budget you’re ready to set the date for your Big Day. Setting the date will help you plan your schedule (i.e. To Do List) and will be needed before you can begin contacting vendors or asking guests to reserve the date. Your wedding theme and budget will be instrumental in helping you determine the time of year, the day of the week, and even the time of day. If your wedding theme is a Casual Beach themed event in the Bahamas complete with a moonlight reception under the stars and a local Caribbean band, you’ll need to choose a warm time of year and avoid hurricane season. If your wedding is a Winter Wonderland theme at Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe you won’t be interested in the month of July even if it offers discounts.
If you are interested in discounts from your venue and vendors, here are a few key tricks.
1. Determine what the peak months are for weddings in your chosen location, by picking up a local wedding magazine, and consider having the wedding during the off-season. ~70% of all U.S. weddings are held between May & October with June being the most popular month and January to March being the least popular months.
2. Choose a day of the week that is less popular such as Friday or Sunday.
3. Pick a time that is not as common such as the morning or afternoon.
4. Plan a short engagement. Planning your wedding in only a few months is a great way to save money with both your venue and vendors. Wedding sites and vendors will often offer a discounted rate for open slots 4-6 months out rather than leave the date unbooked.
5. Having a destination wedding? Choose the last weekend of the peak season to receive lower rates with only a minimal increase in weather related risks.
If you decide to go with prime time, e.g. Saturday evening in a popular month, don’t expect discounts based on the timing of your event, but don’t worry there are many other opportunities to save $ throughout the wedding planning process.
If you are interested in discounts from your venue and vendors, here are a few key tricks.
1. Determine what the peak months are for weddings in your chosen location, by picking up a local wedding magazine, and consider having the wedding during the off-season. ~70% of all U.S. weddings are held between May & October with June being the most popular month and January to March being the least popular months.
2. Choose a day of the week that is less popular such as Friday or Sunday.
3. Pick a time that is not as common such as the morning or afternoon.
4. Plan a short engagement. Planning your wedding in only a few months is a great way to save money with both your venue and vendors. Wedding sites and vendors will often offer a discounted rate for open slots 4-6 months out rather than leave the date unbooked.
5. Having a destination wedding? Choose the last weekend of the peak season to receive lower rates with only a minimal increase in weather related risks.
If you decide to go with prime time, e.g. Saturday evening in a popular month, don’t expect discounts based on the timing of your event, but don’t worry there are many other opportunities to save $ throughout the wedding planning process.
posted by The Last Bridesmaid at
10:16 AM
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