Setting a date for the big day may seem like one of the easiest bits of the wedding planning process, but it's not. In fact, setting a wedding date takes careful consideration for you have to consult everyone involved.

Consulting Calendars

You should already have some idea of the time of year you would like to be married. Most prefer the spring and summer, but while this is the favourite, it doesn't have to be the rule. Keep in mind that while you may have one specific date in mind, it’s best to have several backup dates in place as well.

Other People to Consider when Setting a Wedding Date

Once a date is chosen, it’s time to consult the parental calendars. This is where it gets tricky. Not only might your parents have vacations and activities already planned, but they may want to hold the wedding at a time that’s best for most friends and family. Your schedule might not match that of your parents at all. Be forewarned, setting a wedding date may bring about tears as you learn your first choice for a wedding date won’t work.

After all parents are consulted, other close family members will need to be advised of the date. It wouldn’t do to schedule the wedding day for the same weekend the groom to be’s grandparents are on a cruise or a cousin has scheduled a sweet sixteen party.

You will also want to consult with those who will be participating in the wedding. If the Maid of Honour will be on holiday in Venezuela or the Best Man will be playing in a charity tennis match on the same day chosen for the wedding, you will either have to rethink your wedding day, or choose other people to fill these roles.

Culture and Superstition

Certain cultures and religions prohibit getting married on certain days or certain times of the year. In addition, some cultures are quite superstitious. They rely on numerology, the position of the sun or moon and other factors that may or may not contribute to the day being a lucky one. In these occasions wedding dates cannot be chosen at random.

Popular Wedding Dates

When setting a date, don’t automatically assume you can get married on Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve or Christmas Eve. These are very popular wedding dates and churches and reception halls might be booked years in advance.

Weather

The weather is an important consideration. For instance, if you’re setting a wedding date in January or February there may be snow or frigid temperatures to contend with on you wedding day. If you’re planning a beach wedding, there's no guarantee that it won't rain.

Saving Money

If you’re looking to save money, you might consider getting married on a day other than Saturday. For instance a wedding on a Thursday or Friday evening might be less expensive than a Saturday wedding. You might also consider planning a wedding date in months that aren’t so popular such as November or January. Reception halls, caterers and other wedding professionals might be willing to give a discount since they have trouble booking during these months.

Backup Dates

Even after you set a wedding date everyone can agree on, you might still have issues. Perhaps the romantic seaside chapel you had in mind isn’t available or the catering hall is booked. It’s for this reason you should have several backup dates already agreed upon by all concerned.

As you can see, it takes more than opening a calendar to set a wedding date. Be sure to consult special friends and family members to be sure everyone can attend and no feelings will be hurt. If you're going to be booking your wedding for a popular day or month, be sure to book early. Last but not least, have a backup date planned. The last thing you want is to have to begin the process over again if the church or reception hall is booked.

The article Setting a date originally appeared on 999 Today