In the United States, over 70% of all weddings occur on Saturdays. As the wedding industry returns to pre-pandemic normal, Saturday is still the most popular day, but there are only 52 Saturdays a year. Those dates fill up FAST! Especially when you consider that many areas in our country have venues that do not operate during certain months of the year. What do you do if your preferred Saturday is not available? A weekday wedding might be the answer. The benefits and drawbacks of holding your wedding Monday-Thursday are worth considering before finalizing your wedding date.
Pros of a Weekday Wedding
More Affordable
Monday-Thursday are typically considered non-peak days, even during peak season. You will often find that venues and vendors have lower pricing for their weekday clients.
Venue Availability
Jo Powell Photography
Since most weddings occur on Friday and Saturday, those days fill up quickly! If you want a shorter engagement, you might find that all your ideal weekend dates are unavailable, as other couples might be booking a year or more in advance. If you are open to a weekday, your dream venue will likely have much more availability and choice.
Vendor Choices
Similar to venues, wedding vendors are also booked out far in advance. This is especially true in our post-Covid seasons. So many couples postponed that it created huge demand in the industry. Covid also resulted in many vendors closing their businesses, creating supply issues.
These combined factors mean that booking first-choice vendors for a weekend date might be tricky. Choosing a weekday wedding lowers the competition with other engaged couples. Vendors also might be more flexible with minimums and restrictions.
Inexpensive Guest Travel
The most expensive days of the week to fly are Thursday and Sunday. If you have guests flying in for your Saturday wedding, they are likely boxed into particular travel days. A weekday wedding can save guests money on airfare, car rental, and hotel accommodations.
Smaller Guest Count
A weekday wedding can result in fewer people being able to attend. This could be a pro or con based on the person. If you are on a budget, trimming the guest count is the fastest way to reduce costs.
More Time with Guests
Since your weekday wedding will have fewer people in attendance, you will have more time to spend with those present. Large weddings often mean that the couple barely has time to thank each guest for coming. A smaller wedding allows the newlyweds to visit everyone in attendance and have actual conversations.
Create a Multi-Day Event
If your wedding is on a Thursday or a Monday, you could create a weekend event for your guests. You could host welcome or goodbye events like a BBQ, brunch, or enjoy fun local activities. Not only does it make the whole thing more memorable for your guests, but you benefit by spending more time with them.
Book Important Dates
Some couples have particular dates in mind for their wedding, such as a grandparent’s wedding anniversary or the day they met. If your heart is set on a specific date, you might have to wait years for it to fall on a weekend. You don’t have to wait if you open your wedding date selection to a possible weekday!
Cons of a Weekday Wedding
More Difficult for Guests
Most people have a more hectic schedule on weekdays. Work, school, kids, and other obligations must be rearranged to attend your wedding. It is not impossible, but it can take more coordination and planning to make it happen.
Lower Guest Attendance
Since weekday weddings are more difficult to attend, you will likely have a smaller guest count. You might also be surprised by who says no. If you are considering a weekday wedding, run it by your wedding VIPs before booking the date to ensure your “must attends” can make it.
Less of a Party Atmosphere
Many local guests might have to wake up early for work, so they will not let loose as much as they would on a Saturday night. You also
might have your guests departing early, so they can get home and prepare for work the following day.
Some Vendors Might Not Work on Weekdays
While it is easier to find vendor availability, some vendors do not work on certain weekdays. Since their weekends are booked, they take time off during the week. This is on a vendor-by-vendor basis, but be aware it is possible.
Might Need a Later Start Time
Finally, since your guests may be coming from work, you might need a later ceremony start time. Make sure you give people time to get ready and travel to your venue after work/school.
At Wisteria Gardens, we love hosting weekday and non-peak season weddings, so if you want more information, get in touch. A wedding is spectacular regardless of the day on which it occurs! What matters most is your love for one another and the time spent with your friends and family.
If you think Wisteria Gardens might be good for your wedding or event, book a tour today!
