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Oh, the perfect date, the one you will remember forever. You celebrate it on every anniversary, and you embroider it on a pillow. But how do you pick the perfect date? In this section we’ll discuss some topics that might determine that for you and how you’ll have a date that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Picking a date is typically one of the first things you’ll do, which is very exciting. You would think picking a day would be simple, but for some it’s quite complicated because there’s a lot to consider. Just remember, it’s supposed to be fun! Think about those who have had to reschedule or postpone their weddings — they had to go through the process all over again.

Here are some things to consider when determining your perfect date:

 Time of year: If you’re someone who knows without a doubt that the summer is out because you sweat so much, then maybe the fall is more your style. What time of year is your favorite? Do you love the spring when everything is in bloom? Do you love how the leaves change colors in the fall? Remember, everything you do reflects on you as a couple, so if fall is your favorite, pick a fall date! Focus on your favorite time of year and start there.Another thing to consider when thinking about the time of year is the likely weather. Yes, the spring is beautiful, but it rains a lot. The saying is true: April showers bring May flowers. Depending on where you’re getting married, picking the perfect date may involve considering if there is a rainy season, or you don’t like snow and want to avoid a blizzard on your wedding day. Here in the south July is crazy hot, so we don’t do a lot of weddings during that month because you can hardly walk outside.

 Life: What do you do for a living? Are you a teacher who has the summer off? Maybe that’s a good time to get married. Did you start a new job and don’t have any time off for a certain period of time? Consider what your life looks like when you’re picking the perfect date. Your life might determine the time you have to put into planning a wedding and taking time off to get married.

 Venue availability: We will talk in detail in Chapter 6 about picking the very best venue for your big day. Often your perfect date will be determined by the venue’s availability. You can’t have a wedding if the venue isn’t available. When you do tour venues and fall in love with one, make sure to have several perfect dates in mind so that you don’t have your heart set on a date that isn’t available. I’ve seen it happen repeatedly. The client wants a very specific date but the venue they love isn’t available. They never seen to get past that, and I don’t want that happening to you.

 Different rates: Venues often charge less for a weekday or Sunday wedding. If you’re looking to save money, consider a day other than Saturday. Saturdays tend to have the highest rate because that’s the most popular day. If you do pick an alternative day to save money, don’t forget to check in with your bridal party. They may not be able to travel for a Friday wedding because they would have to take off two days for work. It may be a good way to save money, but if your best friend who you can’t imagine not being at your wedding can’t make it, then it’s not worth the savings.

 Cool numbers: Finding a date that’s easy to remember within that calendar year (such as 02-12-22 or 11-11-11) is a popular approach. These are so much fun, but you should know that everyone else is thinking the exact same thing. Those are typically the first dates booked. If you’re set on a cool number, be aware that someone else may have the same idea and it might prove difficult to book a venue for that date. The additional vendors that you need may already be booked as well.

 Holidays: Holidays are always a fun time to get married. New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July are the most popular — probably because of the fireworks. Clients typically have the mindset that if it’s a holiday, everyone will be off work, which means they can attend the wedding. If you do plan a holiday wedding, make sure to notify your guests as soon as possible. Your guests may have booked their holiday weekends far in advance because it may be the only time they get off work. When booking a holiday wedding, be thoughtful of religious holidays and Mother’s and Father’s Day. The people you’re inviting may love you like family, but they may want to be with their family on those days.

Regardless of what your date may be, I am here to help you make it a perfect day. Don’t forget to celebrate your engagement, enjoy the planning process, and date your fiancé. It’s the foundation of a perfect day.