Setting the Date for a Catholic Wedding
/ANGELA MIKRUT
You just got engaged and are eagerly waiting to set the date.
If you are struggling or hesitant to finally set the date, consider these tips to help guide your discernment.
Not all dates are equal.
When choosing a date, it’s important to consider what time of year you want to get married during and why. This allows you and your future spouse to consider dates that make sense without it feeling too random and is important especially if you are planning to invite more than just your immediate families.
Don’t go overboard with considering each one of your guests, but it might help to try and think about what most of your guests might be doing during that time of year.
Ultimately, it’s up to you and your fiancé and what works best for you two in your current state of life, so if your date doesn’t work for everyone, that’s okay! Choose a date, not only because you like the date or because it’s a month sooner but because it makes sense for you as a couple and ultimately gives you a lasting sense of peace.
You don’t have to get married on a Saturday.
With the exception of Good Friday and Holy Saturday, the Catholic Church allows couples to get married any day of the week, including Sundays. Just remember to consider the availability of your guests and reach out to your parish to make sure whatever day you are thinking of will work for them.
For more Catholic wedding planning help, check out the Spoken Bride archives.
Keep the Liturgical season in mind.
Consider the Liturgical season in which you’d like to get married as they carry significance for Catholics.
For instance, the Advent and Lenten seasons are times for reflection and anticipation of the feast that’s to come, so although couples are allowed to get married during this time, it is something to be aware of.
If you do plan to have your wedding during one of the penitential seasons, despite the more subdued tone, your wedding can still be a joyful celebration similar to how we still observe major feast days during Lent.
You might also consider getting married during the festive seasons of Christmas or Easter.
You can have a Sunday wedding.
Sunday weddings can be a wonderful option for those couples who still want to get married on the weekend but are trying to save a little money.
Since Saturdays are currently the most popular day for weddings, you may notice that some vendors have a discounted price for their services on other days of the week, sometimes including Friday and Sunday. This isn’t a hard and fast rule though so be sure to do some research for the venues and other vendors you are considering.
Another note about having a Nuptial Mass for a Sunday wedding (and on some of the other major feasts in the Church) is that the couple may not be able to choose the readings for the Liturgy of the Word since it doubles as a Sunday Mass or a solemnity.
Again, check with the Church where you plan to get married because there may be some other restrictions due the priest’s schedule or a conflict with another Church service or event.
Choosing a date can feel overwhelming, and it can be exhausting responding to all those family and friends who ask if you have a date yet. But it’s okay to take your time in deciding. It’s better to have a date that you’ve really thought about and feel at peace with than to rush the process.
So long as you keep your focus on what’s important, asking the Lord for guidance, you can put your trust in the Lord that everything will work out in His timing.
