Wedding Dates to Avoid in 2024, 2025 and 2026
One of the first big decisions in wedding planning is choosing a date, which may be determined by vendor availability, like your venue or desired photographer, videographer, or wedding planner. Your wedding date may be influenced by personal preferences or special significances. When selecting a wedding date, it’s essential to factor in dates to avoid. Being mindful of holidays, major sporting events, and other local events can increase the likelihood of a smooth and memorable wedding celebration that truly stands out. The dates listed below are recommendations, because the choice is ultimately and truly yours. The perfect date for your wedding will come down to your budget, preferences and wedding planning timeline.
College World Series
To start off, Omaha is known for hosting two big annual events: the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting which typically occurs the first weekend in May; and the College World Series, a baseball tournament which typically starts the second Friday in June and runs for 10-11 days. Accomodation prices usually increase tremendously, which may be pricey for out-of-town guests looking for affordable lodging. It may also impact your venue location
Dates to avoid:
Berkshire Hathaway Shareholders Meeting
2024: Friday, May 3 - Sunday, May 5
2025: Friday, May 2 - Sunday, May 4 (approximate)
2026: Friday, May 1 - Sunday, May 5 (approximate)
College World Series
2024: Friday, June 14 - Monday, June 24
2025: Friday, June 13 - Monday, June 23 (approximate)
2026: Friday, June 12 - Monday, June 22 (approximate)
Major Sporting Events
The downside of planning your wedding on a major sporting event date? I’ve seen many wedding guests and even members of the wedding party sneaking glances at their phones all day, tracking scores into reception time. With this in mind, consider removing these dates from your list to ensure you and your guests are able to be fully immersed into your special day.
Dates to avoid:
Superbowl
2025: Sunday, February 9
2026: Sunday, February 8
Olympics
2024: Friday, July 26 - Sunday, August 11
2026: Friday, February 6 - Sunday, February 26
WrestleMania (WWE)
2024: Saturday, April 6 - Sunday, April 7
2025 and 2026: no dates announced, but typically a weekend in late March to early April
Holidays
Cultural and public holidays are also worth keeping in mind when choosing your wedding date as many guests will likely have their own plans and traditions on or surrounding these dates.
Ramadan
2024: Sunday, March 10 - Tuesday, April 9 (approximate)
2025: Friday, February 28 - Saturday, March 29 (approximate)
2026: Tuesday, February 17 - Wednesday March 18 (approximate)
Easter Sunday
2024: Sunday, March 31
2025: Sunday, April 20
2026: Sunday, April 5
Independence Day
2024: Thursday, July 4
2025: Friday, July 4
2026: Saturday, July 4
Patriot Day
2024: Thursday, September 11
2025: Friday, September 11
2026: Saturday, September 11
Halloween
2024: Thursday, October 31
2025: Friday, October 31
2026: Saturday, October 31
Thanksgiving
2024: Thursday, November 28
2025: Thursday, November 27
2026: Thursday, November 26
Hanukkah
2024: Wednesday, December 25 - Thursday, January 2
2025: Sunday, December 14 - Monday, December 22
2026: Friday, December 4 - Saturday, December 12
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
2024: Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25
2025: Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25
2026: Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25
Another holiday to keep in mind is Valentine’s Day. Although it sounds like a romantic day to tie the knot, floral costs definitely increase exponentially which may make you and your wallet cry.
Valentine’s Day
2025: Friday, February 14
2026: Saturday, February 14
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