Picking a date is one of the most exciting aspects of planning a wedding but there's a reason it takes so long to pin one down.
You could have is set in stone only to realise it clashes with Aunty Mary's annual bridge competition and of course, all hell will break loose. The most important thing to remember though is to pick a date that suits you and your other half and not to worry too much about every else.
However, it's just common sense to have a look at the calendar to see if there are any major events that might have your guests glued to their phones or sneaking off to the pub next door.
Well, we've done that for you and if you feel like it, you can stick a big 'X' next to the below dates in your calendar:
GAA
The All-Ireland football final is due to take place on Sunday, August 30, while the hurling showpiece is scheduled for Sunday, August 16. The camogie final will take place on September 6 with the ladies football final following on September 13.
Soccer
Euro 2020 takes place from June 12 until July 12 and there's still a chance that Ireland will qualify. If we do, our group games will take place on Monday, June 15, Friday, June 19 and Wednesday, June 24.
Rugby
The Six Nations takes place throughout February and March so if you're going to change plans this close to it, then maybe marriage isn't for you. However, keep an eye on Saturday, May 23 as that's when the Champions Cup final is due to take place.
Music events
Electric Picnic takes place from Friday, September 4 until Sunday, September 6 so if you have any festival-heads in your family you better tell them to keep it free. As well as that, Guns N' Roses come to Marlay Park on Saturday, June 27, David Gray (Saturday, June 20) and Dermot Kennedy (Saturday, June 27) play Irish Independent Park in Cork while Dermo also takes to the St. Anne's Park stage in Dublin on Friday, June 5.
Bank Holidays
It's always good to have the long weekends in mind, even if just to ensure you can carry the party on for another night or two. Here's the list of Irish Bank Holidays for 2020:
- Wednesday, Jan 1 2020 - New Year’s Day
- Tuesday, March 17 2020 – St Patrick's Day
- Friday, April 10 2020 – Good Friday
- Sunday, April 12 2020 - Easter Sunday
- Monday, April 13 2020 – Easter Monday
- Monday, May 4 – May Bank Holiday
- Monday, June 1 2020- June Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 3, 2020 – August Bank Holiday
- Monday, October 26 2020 – October Bank Holiday
- Friday, December 25 2020 – Christmas Day
- Saturday, December 26 2020 – St Stephens Day
And breathe. Happy planning!