After you have that sparkly ring on your finger, deciding exactly when to get married is one of the most important decisions you can make. There are many factors to consider when it comes to getting married, including the weather, your guest list, your favorite season, and whether certain days or times of the year hold special meaning to you and your partner. Your budget is also an important consideration when it comes time to decide when you will walk down the aisle.

You've already said "yes" and you know you want to get married, so now you just need to decide where and when. Keep in mind as soon as you get engaged (in some cases, even before you've gotten used to wearing the ring on your finger), friends and family members will be asking, "So, have you set a date?" Although this question can be somewhat annoying and even a bit premature, the fact of the matter is you will need to start thinking about a date pretty soon after you get engaged.

How to Decide When to Get Married

Season

Deciding when to get married depends largely on the seasons. Seasonal considerations may not be as influential if you live in a steady climate, but the majority of the country experiences distinct seasons with their own weather patterns. If you are trying to achieve a summer wedding theme, then you obviously want to steer clear of hosting a December wedding. If you love bountiful blooms and pastel colors, then the spring months are your best bet.

Of course, no one can control Mother Nature, but seasonal considerations are a good starting point when you decide when to get married. Plus, people will behave differently based on the weather. A wedding on the beach in 90 degree heat will have a completely different feel than a snow-covered day in a church decorated for the holidays.

Price

Price is a factor on everyone's mind when it comes to planning a wedding. After all, a wedding is most likely the most expensive party you ever plan, so it's important to set a budget and stick to it as closely as possible. Budget may affect your choice of when to get married. Keep in mind June, August, and September are the most popular times to marry, so expect prices to be higher. If you have a strict budget, you may want to opt for January, March, or December when there aren't 75 other couples lined up behind you willing to pay top dollar.

The day of the week also makes a difference in terms of price. Most people opt for Saturday nights, so they carry a hefty price tag. Mix it up by marrying during the week and your wallet will thank you. Friday night and Sunday will also be cheaper than Saturday, so if you're willing to be flexible, you can let your budget help you decide when to get married.

Guest List

If you have guests on your list who absolutely must attend your nuptials, you may want to check with your nearest and dearest before setting a date in order to make sure their schedules are clear. It can be a slippery slope if you ask too many people, because it's virtually impossible to accommodate everyone's schedule.

However, it's a good idea to check in with the wouldn't-get-married-without-them guests about any potential date conflicts. After all, you don't want your special day to be any less special because dear aunt Mildred couldn't attend.

Symbolic Days

Almost everyone has special days when it comes to their relationship. Whether it's the anniversary of your first date or the day you got engaged, you may want to consider tying the knot on a day with symbolic meaning.

Of course you may not be able to wed on the exact day (your dream venue might already be booked or your special date could fall out on a Tuesday), but you can decide when to get married based on these relationship milestones.

Days to Avoid

When deciding when to get married, there are most likely days you can rule out right away. For instance, it's probably not the best idea to get married during your busy season at work. If you or your partner are an accountant or attorney, you probably want to avoid the days and weeks surrounding April 15th.

You don't want to add extra stress by trying to balance a crazy work schedule and wedding planning, because it will be difficult to enjoy yourself and you may not be able to take your honeymoon right away. On the other hand, a delayed honeymoon means even more excitement to look forward to!

How did you decide when to get married? Tell us below!