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10 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, August 29, 2007 BRIDAL CORNER Picking the wedding date can be a tricky deed TRESA ERICKSON Special to The IFP He just put the engagement ring on your finger and already you're dreaming about the type of the wedding you would like to have. Before you get too far into the wedding planning, you might want to sit down with your fiancé and determine a date for the big event. Most of the major decisions you will make from this point on about your wedding will hinge on that, so you want to select the right date. Selecting the right wedding date requires more than whipping out a calendar and pointing to a date at random. You probably already have some idea of the general timeframe in which you would like to get married. Most couples prefer the spring and summer months over the fall and winter months due to the warmer weather. If you don't have a seasonal preference, then perhaps you have a holiday preference. Some couples look forward to getting married around Valentine's Day, while others look forward to getting married around Halloween. You might even have a personal preference. Some couples focus on a particular time period because it reflects the birthday or anniversary of an important person or event. Along with preference, the climate of the region in which you live may factor in on your decision. In the Northeast, winters can be bitterly cold and make having a wedding there during that time difficult, while on the coast, hurricane season can make having a wedding there during late summer and fall risky. If you live in warmer region, you may have more options. However, you will probably want to avoid mid-winter and late summer, when temperatures are at their worst. Culture and religion may also affect your decision. Certain cultures and religions prohibit marriage on certain days or times of years. Getting married on holy days, for example, is forbidden in some religions. Make sure you check with your family and officiant regarding what is appropriate for your culture and religion. Budget may be a factor as well. If you are on a tight budget, then you may want to focus on the off-season when prices will be lower and vendors will be more willing to strike a deal. If that is not possible, then you may want to focus on weekdays rather than weekends, when prices will be higher. In order to make your decision, these are just some of the factors you will have to consider. After you have narrowed your choice of dates to a select few, the schedules of those attending as well as the availability of the venue where you would like to be married may be the deciding factors. In addition to your own schedules, you will have to check the schedules of all parents, grandparents and attendants as well as anyone else you would like to be in attendance and make sure they are free on the dates you have chosen. If you have your heart set on particular location, you will also have to check with officials there to ensure it has not been booked on the dates you have in mind. Once you have completed this final step, a final date will probably emerge. If not, feel free to select the date that appeals to you most. Make sure you have a backup date, however, just in case conflict arises in the initial stages of wedding planning. While most couple prefer the warm sunshine of summer weddings, winter weddings are also increasing in popularity. Elizabeth's Fashions & Bridal Boutique "The place to shop in Downtown Georgetown!" Visit Elizabeth's during the week of September 24th - 29th for the SOPHIA TOLLI BRIDAL TRUNK SHOW Please call 905-873-1470 to book your appointment. Distinctively Yours Photography, Videography, & Invitations Capturing your special moments at an affordable price 905-878-5844 tammiems@distinctivelyours.com or visit www.dyweddingmedia.com 77 Main St. South, Georgetown 905-873-1470 www.bridalsplendor.com email: fashions@idirect.ca