Each year I run through the coming year to provide couples with some info on what dates to avoid for different reasons. With a global pandemic still around, but our lifestyles pretty much back to normal, picking a wedding date has just about returned to normal. But it’s always a good plan to work ahead as far ahead as possible with your wedding date so that you can lock in your major vendors that are your “must haves” like venue, celebrant and photographer.

So if you are engaged and plan to marry sometime in the next year, it's time to start looking at wedding dates and if you are, here are the ones to avoid in 2024. This year I’ve added in all the full moons as these are quite often the occasions that people can go a bit batty (Ummm… looking at your bridesmaid), so keep that in mind when choosing your day.

Important Family Days

First thing to think about is important family dates. To avoid any family politics, you may want to check your personal diary for milestone birthdays, upcoming weddings of family members or friends, big anniversaries and any other significant days involving your family or close circle of friends.

Locally Significant Days

It’s also worth noting things that are being planned in your local area, or the area you’re planning on getting married in. Is there an annual festival that might be worth avoiding? If you’re unsure and want to be on the safe side, contact the local council – they should be able to notify you of anything within the local area that is big enough to cause disruption to your wedding plans.

Aussie Public Holiday Dates

Some couples will aim to hold their wedding on a public holiday, for example, the October long weekend is right in the middle of "wedding season" in Australia and keep in mind that the "long weekend" is also on different weekends in different states. Also keep in mind that long weekends can come at a cost, with increased pricing and demand for the top locations. Sometimes airfares even book out and even increase for those periods.

So here’s some dates to watch out for. I’m not saying you shouldn’t choose them, but just be aware of what else is happening on the same day.

January 2024

Saturday Dec 30th - Monday Jan 1 - New Years Day Long Weekend

Monday 1st - New Year’s Day / Long Weekend

Friday 26th - Australia Day (long weekend everywhere + Skyworks in Perth) + Full Moon

February 2024

Sunday 4th - special date 4.2.24 (bookings might be hard to get)

Saturday 10th - Lunar New Year (Year Of The Wood Dragon)

Wednesday 14th - Valentines Day

Saturday 24th - Full Moon

March 2024

Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th - Long Weekend - Labor Day (WA only)

Saturday 9th - Monday 11th - Long Weekend (SA, ACT, TAS, VIC)

Wednesday 15th - The Ides Of March is considered unlucky to get married

Friday 17th - St Patrick’s Day

Monday 25th - Full Moon

Friday 29th - Good Friday

Friday 29th - Monday April 1 - Easter Long Weekend

April 2024

Monday 1st - April Fools Day + last day of long weekend

Tuesday 2nd - special date 2.4.24 (bookings might be hard to get)

Tuesday 2nd - continued long weekend (TAS).

Wednesday 24th - special date 24.4.24 + Full Moon

Thursday 25th - Anzac Day

May 2024

Saturday 4th - Monday 6th - Long Weekend (QLD & NT)

Sunday 5th - Mother's Day

Thursday 23rd - Full Moon

Saturday 25 - Monday 27th - Long weekend (ACT)

June 2024

Saturday 1st - Monday 3rd - Long Weekend (WA only)

Saturday 8th - Monday 10th - King’s Birthday Long Weekend (ACT, NSW, NT, SA, TAS, VIC)

Saturday 22nd - Full Moon

July 2024

Sunday 21st - Full Moon

August 2024

Saturday 3rd - Monday 5th - Public Holiday (NSW & NT)

Tuesday 20th - Full Moon

September 2024

AFL Finals

Sunday 8th - Father’s Day

Friday 13th - unlucky for some (1 of 2 this year)

Wednesday 18th - Full Moon

Saturday 21st - Monday 23rd - King’s Birthday Long Weekend (WA only + Public Holiday in NT)

Saturday 28th - AFL Grand Final (tbc)

October 2024

Sunday 6th - ARL Grand Final (tbc)

Saturday 5th - Monday 7th - King’s B/day / Labor Day Long Weekend (ACT, NSW, SA & QLD)

Thursday 17th - Full Moon

November 2024

Saturday 2nd - Monday 4th - Recreation Day Long Weekend (TAS)

Tuesday 5th - Melbourne Cup Day (public holiday in VIC ONLY)

Monday 11th - Remembrance Day (11am)

Saturday 16th - Full Moon

December 2024

Thursday 12th - special date - 12.12.24

Friday 13th - unlucky for some (1 of 2 this year)

Sunday 15th - Full Moon

Wednesday 25th - Hanukkah (begins at sunset until nightfall on Thursday January 2, 2025)

Wednesday 25th - Christmas Day

Thursday 26th - Boxing Day (Proclamation Day in SA)

Tuesday 31st - New Year’s Eve / Long Weekend

So there you have it. A bunch of dates that you may wish to avoid. Good luck and book the celebrant, venue and photographer you want early to make sure you can lock them in.

If you see any that I have missed, let me know.

2024 Wedding Dates To Avoid