Photography: via katecreativespace
Choosing a wedding date is not a simple matter for some people, especially those with certain cultural backgrounds, such as the Chinese or Javanese who require the bride and groom to follow certain traditions. Although it's not as complicated in most cultures, there are still certain dates that shouldn't be on your wedding date shortlist. As you surely want your wedding to be attended by all the guests you've invited, try to host your wedding on dates other than the ones below.
Long weekend holidays
Having your wedding on a long weekend holiday sure has its own perks. This is an especially good idea if you're hosting a destination wedding with a close-knit guest list, but beware that it can also backfire. Most people might have actually booked a trip long before receiving your invitation. A day to avoid would be Labor Day in the United States, which always falls on a Monday at the end of August or the beginning of September.
Personally important days
Surely you know about the dates important to your own family, but now it's time to learn about your partner's side. Reach out and ask about the dates significant for his family, such as the memorial date of his deceased grandparents. If you accidentally chose a wedding date on his father's birthday, for example, it would be better to ask whether it's fine with him or not because from then on you'll have to share your wedding anniversary with his father's birthday celebration every year. Another personal agenda you might want to check would be reunion dates, festival seasons, or convention days you have to attend.
Major sporting events
This is for the couple of which one of them, or both, is a die-hard sports fan. You might also be worried if your guests have to choose between your wedding and watching a big game. If possible, always try to find another date rather than having your wedding during a popular sport's season, especially when there are major sporting events like Super Bowl or the World Cup.
Religious and cultural days
For weddings held on religious holidays like Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Silence Day, and so on, most people will prioritize the religious event and choose not to attend your wedding. This is especially true for cultural holidays like Thanksgiving Day, which people prefer to spend with their family, dining at home or visiting relatives who live out of town. If you don't want to miss your guests and appear insensitive in the process, play safe by crossing these dates off your list.
Inauspicious dates
In some traditions, there are certain unlucky dates and superstitions that people try to stay away from. Dates like Friday the 13th or, in Irish cultures, the leap year day which falls on February 29, are believed to bring bad luck to couples. Next year, we're going to have a leap year, but there's no need to worry as the leap year day will fall on a Monday. Aside from those dates, there is the Ides of March, a date marking the middle of the month (March 15), that has been regarded as an unlucky date since the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Since then, the phrase of "Beware the Ides of March" has become a bad mantra. In Chinese culture, deciding when to get married is not so easy. There are certain traditions that the couple needs to uphold as the Chinese have their own calendar and need to consider Chinese zodiacs.
