Selecting Your Wedding Date and Time

When selecting your wedding date and time review your wedding style, wedding priorities and budget. The date and time you select will set the tone of your wedding and will be a contributor factor in the cost of your wedding.

Weekends are the most popular time for a wedding. Late Saturday afternoon or early Saturday evening are the most in demand and the most expensive, followed by Sunday afternoon and Friday evening. Midweek weddings are the easiest on the budget, but there are several things that you have to be mindful of when planning your special day. Due to the increase availability of highly sought after venues, vendors, and cost saving benefits, Thursday evening and midweek weddings are becoming very popular. One added bonus of a Thursday wedding is a long weekend for your guest. Just send out "Save the Date" cards as soon as you lock in your date so your guests can plan and arrange their schedule then follow up with your invitations 6 to 8 weeks before your wedding. Another bonus for out of town guests is midweek travel. According to FareCompare, Yahoo and several other travel sites Wednesdays are the cheapest day to fly, followed by Tuesdays and Saturdays. For additional savings select a wedding date between November and April during the off peak season. During this time venues and vendors are usually willing to make good deals.

A late afternoon or early evening wedding are more expensive than a morning or early afternoon wedding. Also a wedding and reception that both start between 4 and 8pm implies that dinner will be included.

Remember when selecting your wedding month, day and time you are setting the style and tone of your wedding that will affect your budget.

How much will my wedding cost?

There is no set cost for a wedding. The cost of your wedding will be determined by your wedding style, priorities, venue, and vendors; however, you should not have to go into debt, max out your credit card, or take out a loan to pay for your wedding.

The average cost of weddings in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan area last year (2009) was $27,600.00 and $19,600.00nationally. In planning your wedding start by determining how much you are about to spend and how much your families are able to contribute. If you need to some additional savings, save 20% from every paycheck until your wedding. Once you and your fiancé settle on an amount then determine your wedding style and priorities.

Valentine’s Day Engagement, Now What?

All you remember saying is "I do", now that you've had a couple of days to float back to earth, you've told your parents, family and closes friends the exciting news, now what? First take a couple more days to bask in the joy and thrill of being the future Mrs. or Mr. ... Next, sit down with your fiance and discuss what style of wedding you both want including how much you are realistically able and willing to spend on your wedding. Also determine if there is anyone else (parents/family) willing to help finance your wedding. Brides your fiance may tell you that he doesn't want to be involved in the planning process but that is rarely the truth. He may not want to be involved with the details, colors, flowers, lettering etc but he does want input in the venue, ceremony, reception, entertainment, transportation, his and his attendants' attire. You're starting a new life together, so plan together. Remember communication is the key especially when planning your special day.