Grad school and wedding planning

What about doing it over winter break?

I worked full time while I was in grad school and it was tough. I could not have planned a wedding on top of everything, school took too much energy. With that being said, it depends how you approach wedding planning. Some people agonize over every details while others are more laid back and put trust in their vendors. I would say try to plan a lighter semester around the time of the wedding. You want to enjoy it not be stressed.

If it's inside anyway, I would do it in the summer! I'm also in grad school and getting married over the summer because there's no way I could handle teaching, research, and getting married during the semester. When does your spring semester end? We're done the first week of May, so I chose a date in June so I'll have a few weeks after the semester ends to focus on wedding stuff and it's not too far into the hot months of summer.

As long as everything is inside, I don't see an issue with a summer wedding!

I work full time and was/am in grad school full time while planning our wedding. We ended up getting married in the middle of the semester and just waited until after exams for our honeymoon. It's not easy but it wasn't the worst! I just had to really study my syllabus, ask for extensions a couple times and turned things in early when I could. You can do it!

I work full time as a school administrator (in a school that operates 12 months) and I'm in school for my doctorate. I planned a winter wedding between semesters but will wait to take my honeymoon until April break from school. Personally, I would try to avoid excessive heat for yourself in a gown and the rest of the bridal party, even if it is indoors.

I'm in grad school full time and working full time. We're getting married the weekend before my school's fall break in October, and are waiting to take our honeymoon until next summer. It's worked out great because most of the big planning had to get done in the summer when things are less crazy.

Also in grad school right now- I would say it depends on your class schedule. Are you still in classes? If so, can you wait until you aren't? Either way, I think it's important to set aside specific times for wedding stuff (like on Saturdays and Sundays) and focus on school during the week, so that you don't get overwhelmed. It may be a lot, but I think you can plan it for almost anytime while in grad school, as long as you stay organized.

Totally me! I'm in grad school for education administration (hoping to be a principal). I graduate next may right before our wedding and all the huge papers are due throughout the next 8 months. I'm absolutely overwhelmed.

We're having our wedding indoors near the beach in August of next year and it's a relief because I'll be out of school and work shouldn't be as crazy over the summer.

Soo... I was thinking September because the semester will just be starting and I won't have big papers due then. And also I'd have the summer to plan? And not die of heat exhaustion. Yes, I will still be in classes. I'm working on my PhD and teaching and working for at least the next two years. (Whew.)

Mostly I was looking to see how/if this was even plausible for you ladies that are in the same boat. I am not overly picky or want to be that closely involved with crazy details, and the venue we are looking at is basically already decorated without any help (a beautiful, converted French-style mansion that has been turned into a tiny hotel), so I would think most of that will be a non-issue.

Oh my goodness, this is so overwhelming! And exciting. I don't want to miss the fun because of my dissertation issues. :-/

Grad school here too! This year is going to be insane. I also have close family members who are teachers. Summer wedding in Puerto Rico! It'll be fine especially if it's indoors. Do people never go out ever in the summer? It'll be hot during their walk from the house to the car and then in the parking lot. They'll be fine. Summer weddings FTW!

So.. our "breaks" for fall/spring are less than a week. And winter is even shorter. That is not an option.

Sigh. I wish I could just order a perfect, 75 degree weekend in July for this.

I'm in Texas too! It's so insanely hot right now, but as long as everything is indoors, I don't see an issue.

As far as grad school goes, I don't have any experience with that, but I would definitely suggest booking a venue that has and does almost everything for you (in house caterer, florals, decor, maybe even photographer) just so that you don't have to spend time researching and bringing in different vendors.

Good luck!

Just read your last comment. I don't think it's a good idea to get married in September while the semester is starting. I just don't see how that would help you. Does your school have Fall break or Spring break? Personally I vote summer. School's over in May and you can do June/July and have the time you want to get last minute details together. It looks like you're very heat averse, I'm like that with the cold. You need to weigh your personal pros and cons but I insist, getting married while the semester is starting will not make things easier. No.

Eta: saw your fall/spring/winter breaks are short. Summer it is... sorry?

I think it alo depends how long your engagement is! I'm in grad school and planned the wedding almost 2 months after engagement so I didn't have to be rushed or stressed during the planning process. When I have down time from school I do as much planning as I can. I want to have as much done as I can sooner rather than later!!

Also I think summer is fine as long as it's indoors!

ETA spelling

Also some Septembers are incredibly HOT. You just never know. Planning your wedding while the semester starts to avoid heat is a tough gamble and the stakes wouldn't be in your favor.

Meeeeeee lol. I'm a counseling psych major and my comps are a month after my wedding. I work in law enforcement so for instance we have to work mandatory 12 hour shifts until further notice with everyrhing going on in DC let alone the country. I also have a promotional exam coming up weeks after my wedding. It's a lot but time management and a sound mind help immensely. I'm more focused on the marriage then the wedding so it helps me keep things in perspective. I agree with everyone's sentiments... summer or winter break would be ideal. What ever y'all decide I'm sure FH supports you!

Sending positive energy (and a lot of it) your way! My friend got married while in grad school...after several episodes of overwhelmed tears in the bathroom...the day before spring break! I thought that was perfect. Also we were in OT school where you are with your cohort ALL the time and told "you may have 2 hours to yourself a week".

Hey OP. I'm a grad student in Texas too. FH also goes to school. I work full time, take 9 hours of classes and am getting married in October.

I'm hoping to have the big things done by the time school starts so that can be my focus. It's all about time management and not overloading yourself!

If it's inside anyway then have it when it's easy for you

It's not a big deal if it's indoors. FH and I are coordinating school schedule and it's hard, but we ended up choosing a day over our spring breaks as a wedding date. If you plan ahead and set aside time it's not bad, but things like all inclusive venues do wonders.