Once you become engaged, the question you'll hear most often is "when's the big day?" Until you set a date, all other planning is practically impossible. But beware of selecting the date and time of your wedding without careful thought.

• How much time do you need to plan the wedding? A large, formal wedding could easily require a full year of planning, while a small, informal affair could be smoothly planned within four to six months.
  
• What season do you prefer? Or does the season matter? Is there one time of year you find particularly meaningful? Perhaps Christmas has always been special to you so a December wedding would fulfill your dreams. As an added benefit, seasonal weddings such as Valentines Day or Halloween can simplify decorating decisions.
  
• If saving money is of primary importance, think about having your wedding on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon. Wedding vendors and banquet halls will be much more likely to negotiate the price on any day but Saturday, their busiest day. There is a trade-off, however, as out-of-town guests may find it tougher to attend Friday or Sunday events.
  
• Should you choose a holiday weekend? On the plus side, your guests may appreciate a wedding on a long weekend, since it gives them an extra day for travel time and recuperation. On the other hand, some family members may already have other plans for those special weekends. Again, you face a trade-off.
  
• To cut down on conflicts, plan around major events in your area and significant events in your family. You don't want to worry about your brother's college graduation falling on the same weekend as your wedding. Check with the local convention & visitors bureau to make certain no big conventions will be in town on your date, taking up all the hotel and banquet space. If you can't avoid a busy weekend, lock-in your hotel rooms as early as possible.
  
• Wedding and reception times do matter, especially when it comes to feeding your guests. A 2 pm wedding is an appropriate time if you're planning to serve only punch and cake. But a later wedding, such as 4 pm or after usually means the guests expect more of a full meal. Serving complete meals will have an impact on your budget, so take that into account when setting the time.

Want more great ideas and advice for planning a perfect wedding? Pick up a copy of Alaska Bride & Groom on newsstands now. Alaska Bride & Groom is your complete Alaska wedding guide.