dates....

I think the Sunday before either Memorial Day or Labor Day are both perfect. It is like a Saturday in that people don't have to work the next day, but the prices and minimums should be regular Sunday night figures. Also, I think people are really in the mood to celebrate on those weekends so it should make for a fun wedding. I agree that it is a nice alternative to a Friday night wedding when people have to either rush out of work or take off completely. Don't worry about people not coming, just make sure to send out save-the-dates well in advance and the people who really care about you and your FH will definitely be there.
Good luck with whatever you chose.

We wanted 9/5/04 but the Hamlet was already booked that day...we went with 9/3/04. As far as I could tell, the holiday weekend's aren't more expensive - I would look into area hotel prices though, if you have out of town guests...hotels might require a minumum night stay. Fortunately, the Wyndham doesn't require that.

My sister married the friday of Mem day weekend...it was pretty cold that day - I would keep that in mind if you go for May & want warmth...Mem day weekend isn't notoriously warm in these parts.

I just went to a NYE wedding and it was a blast! As long as you send out Save The Date Cards, you won't have a problem with people having plans.

The only drawback was that some of the older people, like my parents complained that the wedding started too late and ended quite late.

I loved it!!!

My rank would be:

May
Sept
July
Jan
Feb

Good luck!

Think I'd do 1/18. If cost is a factor you'd probably get a really great rate cuz many halls don't do a lotta biz in January.

I also like the idea of a NYE wedding & would definitely attend! :)

then:

Sep.
May
July
Feb (the price of flowers anytime on or around Valentine's day are outrageous!)