Choosing your wedding date is one of the first—and most important—decisions you’ll make in the wedding planning process. For luxury weddings, where every detail is curated with intention, your date not only sets the tone but influences everything from aesthetic choices to vendor availability and guest comfort. Below, I walk you through key considerations to help you choose a date that aligns with your vision and values.
1. Start With the Season You’re Most Drawn To
Do you dream of a sun-drenched summer soirée or a moody, candlelit winter celebration? Your answer will help narrow down the ideal months. Consider how you personally experience different weather:
- Hate the heat? Avoid peak summer months like December to February.
- Can’t stand the cold? A winter wedding might not be for you.
- Suffer from hayfever? Spring (especially September to November) can be a nightmare.
Also, think regionally:
- Coastal areas may offer a cool breeze in summer, making them more tolerable.
- Tropical or inland regions (like Queensland or rural NSW/VIC) can be intensely humid or extremely cold depending on the season.
2. Align With Your Wedding Vision
Your dream venue or celebration style may help determine the time of year:
- Want a lush garden wedding? Late spring or early autumn is ideal—avoid the peak summer heat.
- Dreaming of bonfires, sparklers, or fireworks? You’ll need a cooler month when fire bans aren’t in place.
- Love the look of autumn leaves or wisteria in bloom? These only happen in specific, short windows each year.
Let your vision guide you. What natural elements or mood do you want to see in your photos? Cloudy skies, vibrant greenery, golden sunsets, or moody fog? This clarity makes decision-making effortless.
3. Understand How Season Impacts Golden Hour & Timeline
The timing of golden hour, that soft, flattering light just before sunset, changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer, golden hour is often around 7:30–8:00pm, while in winter it may be as early as 4:30pm.
This directly affects your ceremony time and your photo schedule, so knowing when golden hour falls on your chosen date will become the foundation for your timeline.
4. Vendor Availability & Pricing Considerations
In Australia, wedding season typically runs from October to April, with peak months being November through March. Summer weddings, while popular, often mean:
- Vendors book out quickly
- Prices can be higher due to limited availability
In contrast, winter weddings may come with more flexibility and potentially lower pricing. European destination weddings flip this calendar, with peak season running May through September.
Also, be mindful of public holidays—these can increase vendor fees, limit accommodation availability, and complicate travel for guests.
5. Personal Conflicts & Guest Considerations
Be mindful of:
- Family birthdays or anniversaries that may clash
- School holidays (if your guests include families with children)
- Major events or festivals in the area that may affect accommodation or transport
However, while these are good to note, don’t let external pressures take the wheel.
6. Choose What Feels Right for You Two
This is perhaps the most important advice:
Make the date for you.
Delaying or rushing your wedding to meet other people’s expectations is a common regret. (It’s how I ended up marrying in November when I loathe the heat.) Whether you have a specific date in mind or just a few non-negotiables—like “it must be autumn,” or “we want an outdoor reception under the stars”—those anchors will help you decide with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding date is more than just a number on the calendar—it influences the feeling, flow, and fabric of your day. Choosing with clarity, intention, and connection to your values will set the stage for an experience that feels deeply aligned with who you are.
Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic vineyard in autumn, a chic coastal elopement in late summer, or a glamorous winter celebration by candlelight, let the date reflect you.
And if you’re looking for a wedding photographer to capture it all with a beautiful editorial eye to cherish your photos in a true to life edit for generations to come – that are truly timeless then reach out here, I would love to hear from you!
