You’ve just had your partner propose to you: congratulations! While you’re on cloud nine and no doubt sharing this magical moment with your family and friends, your brain might be running over all the events to come.
While most people think about engagement parties, hen’s nights, and the big wedding day none of that can really start until you set a date.
Your wedding date isn’t just another box to tick; it’s the starting point in the countdown to this new and exciting part of your relationship. Everything hinges on this specially selected date – from sending out save the dates to locking in your dream venue.
Choosing your wedding date can feel like the start of an overwhelming task ahead, but it’s also the chance to reflect on your relationship and what matters to you and your partner most. There might be a particular date that resonates with you both or a certain season you both love. There are lots of reasons behind the dates we choose, so to make the task easier here are some ideas and tips to start brainstorming with one another.
How couples choose their wedding date
Every couple will have their own way and reasoning behind their chosen date. For many couples, their date will depend on the venue’s availability. For 32% of Australian couples, getting their dream venue will form their decision.
But this isn’t the only factor. Nearly 29% of couples choose a date based on their favourite season, with autumn and spring being more popular. For the other 19%, they decide on a date with special meaning – like the anniversary of their first date or their grandparent’s wedding day. Then the final 9% play a numbers game. They’ll either choose a lucky number or a fun date, like a palindrome date (28/2/28) or even a Friday the 13th wedding for those Halloween lovers.
The nuts and bolts of picking a date in 2025
When it comes down to thinking about your wedding date logically, the first thought would be ‘What day of the week should our wedding be?’ Saturdays are of course choice number one, with 55% of weddings falling on a Saturday, then Fridays come in second at 21%. These days are often easier for guests and couples to organise without having to worry about missing out on work (or the wedding!) For those who have already looked at the year ahead, you might have noticed that March, June, August and November all have five Saturdays each, which means more availability for those precious Saturday wedding slots.
But that’s not to stop you from a weekday wedding. Choosing a Monday or Thursday night could offer some more wiggle room with your dream vendors and could be a bit lighter on your budget.
Seasons
The season is a big driver for couples. The season you choose will really dictate the ambience and aesthetic of your wedding – in fact, it sets the stage for everything! Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons (which makes sense why peak wedding season falls within here), with 37% of couples choosing the colourful blooming months of spring and 31% enjoying the warm hues of autumn. Across most of Australia, you can find mild weather and stunning natural backdrops in these seasons, so no matter how unpredictable the country’s weather may be (Melbourne we’re looking at you), spring or autumn weddings are usually a safe bet.
That’s not to say that winter or summer weddings don’t have their charm. A classic Australian summer wedding on a private beach would be a dream setting for many. 17% of weddings are held in summer since it’s the perfect time for outdoor celebrations with long, sunny days. For 13% of couples, the opposite would be their idea of a perfect wedding. Winter is the best choice for couples who want a cosy wedding with a warm fire and dramatic wintery scenery.
Peak vs. off-peak wedding periods
While everyone would love to plan a wedding with no budget, the reality is that for most the budget will dictate all (or most) of your choices. While you might have your heart set on an autumn wedding in March, your budget might not be able to stretch for those peak periods.
Peak wedding months like November (15%) and March (13%) are highly sought after, meaning venues and vendors are often in high demand—and their prices might reflect that.
But if you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind having a winter wedding, considering off-peak months like June (4%) or July (3%) could be a good choice for your wallet. These quieter times can not only give you more flexibility with availability but might also come with reduced rates for venues and vendors.
Have some fun with numbers
If you’re looking for a more fun and interesting option for your wedding here are a few to start your ideas flowing:
- Lucky dates: Different cultures have unique traditions for wedding luck. Jewish tradition considers Tuesdays lucky, while Irish couples often choose New Year’s Eve. In Chinese culture, dates with eights, which is close to the word “wealth” and nines, rhyming with “long-lasting” are popular for their association with luck.
- Historical significance: June weddings date back to Roman times, with the month named after Juno, the goddess of marriage. Couples choosing June might want the goddess’s blessing for their marriage.
- Numerology: This is a less common option but so much more unique. By calculating your Life Path Number (based on your birth date), you might discover a date that feels uniquely aligned with your journey as a couple. Here’s how to calculate it:
Break down the month, day, and year of your birth into single digits.
Example: November 24, 1987
Month: November = 11 → 1 + 1 = 2
Day: 24 → 2 + 4 = 6
Year: 1987 → 1 + 9 + 8 + 7 = 25 → 2 + 5 = 7
Add these single digits together.
2 (month) + 6 (day) + 7 (year) = 15
Reduce the total to a single digit.
15 → 1 + 5 = 6
Your Life Path Number is 6. If your partner’s is, say, Life Path 2, you could be looking at a wedding date of the 26th.
Other unique date ideas
- Easy to remember dates: dates like 5/5 or 11/12 are often fun options that make your wedding (and following anniversaries) so easy to remember.
- Astrology: If you’re drawn to the stars, consider picking a date under a particular zodiac sign or planetary alignment. Some couples even consult astrologers to find the perfect date.
- Moon phases: Marrying under a full moon has long been associated with prosperity and happiness. The new moon, which symbolises fresh starts, is another romantic option. But you aren’t just limited to a full moon, you might want to get married under a strawberry moon or a waning moon.
- Historical events: Are you both history buffs? Some couples like to choose a date that aligns with a historical event they both find meaningful or inspiring as a couple.
You’ve picked a date… now what?
Once you’ve found a date that you and your partner both think would work, it’s important to think about a few small things.
1. Are there any public holidays on this day?
While we all love a long weekend, sometimes this makes them a wanted commodity, or some friends and family members might have already planned a holiday. And, if you decide on a destination holiday, it could mean more tourists will be around.
2. Make sure your venue is free
While you’re not expected to have a venue all lined up just yet, if you do (or even a shortlist) there’s nothing wrong with calling them up to see if your date is free; it could remove some stress later down the line.
3. Think about your honeymoon
If you’ve planned a tropical getaway or an adventurous overseas trip, you’d want to go at the perfect time, right? So, for those planning a holiday in Australia’s summer, but heading to England for the honeymoon, it’ll be mid-winter. So just make sure to look at how your wedding date and honeymoon line up.
Let the countdown to ‘I do’ begin
Your wedding date is more than just a number. Whether it’s a sentimental choice, a seasonal pick or just a fun date to make you both smile, it’s all about what feels right for you and your partner. Remember the perfect date is out there, ready to become a significant day in your life.
If you’ve got a few ideas flowing after reading this then it’s time to grab your calendar and partner and brainstorm away. And for a little extra help down the line in your planning make sure to contact Easy Weddings or use our helpful planning tools to take the stress out of your planning.
