When it comes to picking your wedding date or considering wedding dates, there are some important factors to keep in mind.  The most important is that you want to make sure that it works with your schedule.  If you have a busy season at work or you’re going to school, having your wedding when you have more time is just easier.

Another factor to consider are your guests and their schedules.  And then there are things like the weather or the busy season in the location you’re looking at.

But, one thing a lot of couples don’t always think about when it comes to their wedding date are holidays.  Now holiday weddings aren’t good or bad, but they do come with their own set of challenges.

The most common holidays couples think about are 3-day holiday weekends like Memorial day, July 4th or Labor day.  They come with more time off which is great, but can also come with price increases.   These dates can work for you or against you just depending on your wedding.

But, there are other holidays and dates that couples tend to forget and it’s these dates you definitely want to avoid if you can.  Because it will save you money or prevent you from spending way more.

Wedding Dates to Avoid to Save Money

#1 – Valentine’s Day

Yup, today is a day you want to avoid picking for your wedding date.  And honestly anything around Valentine’s day you’ll want to avoid to save money.  Because flowers will be in super high demand which means it’s going to cost way more.  Restaurants will also be more expensive and/or unavailable to book.  And while busy restaurants may or may not affect your wedding, it could affect your rehearsal dinner or other events.

(Photo credit: VAS Photo)

#2 – Mother’s Day

Similar to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s day is a busy flower and restaurant holiday.  Both will be in super high demand, so it’s best if you can avoid this timeframe.  And once again while a busy restaurant might not affect your wedding, it can affect your rehearsal dinner, brunch or other events.

(Photo credit: Emily Piraino)

#3 – Easter

Easter shouldn’t be a problem with flower costs, but it is a religious holiday.  This means, it will affect your church and your wedding ceremony.   The church will be decorated which can be nice or maybe not nice if it doesn’t work with your design.  It’s also just going to be a busy weekend and likely not the best time to have a wedding.  Easter will also affect your brunch plans majorly.

#4 – Prom and Graduation

While prom and graduation are not holidays, they can affect weddings.  Schools do tend to have similar schedules which means flowers are more in need during these certain timeframes.  But, more importantly for prom, big venues, tux rentals and limos will be in high demand.  For graduation, restaurants and venues will be in high demand for graduation parties.

(Photo credit: VAS Photo)

#5 – Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years

The 3 biggie holidays are more obvious, but definitely ones you should avoid if you can.  While hotel venues will be decorated, prices for everything will be more expensive from your caterer to your photographer.   These are days people usually have off, so having them work your wedding is going to cost you.  Plus your guests may not love giving up (or be able to give up) their plans for your wedding.

(Photo credit: What a Day! Photography)

Keep in mind that these are more universal dates, but there are also local dates special to each area that are wedding dates to avoid.  For example, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong or Mardi Gras in New Orleans or spring break at Disneyland.  So, make sure you also think locally as well when you’re picking your wedding date.

Now I feel it’s important to mention that if a certain day is really special to you, then of course go for it!  But, if you want to save money these are the wedding dates to avoid.  It will make it easier on both you and your wallet.

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