Getting married on a Friday or Sunday is like taking a leap of faith. It’s an unconventional choice that requires courage and trust in yourself, your partner, and the wedding planning process.
Couples who are ready to take this leap can reap many rewards from their decision while also facing some potential drawbacks. Arming yourself with knowledge ahead of time is the best way to make sure you’re fully prepared and ready to enjoy your special day.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of having a Friday or Sunday wedding so you can make the best decision for your big day.
Friday Weddings
Friday weddings are like discovering a hidden gem in a crowded market. While Saturday weddings are the popular choice, getting hitched on a Friday can be a smart and unique option that not only sets you apart from the crowd but also offers a host of benefits. Friday and Sunday weddings are quickly becoming a wedding trend for 2023.
Benefits
1. More Affordable Venue Rental Fees
Friday weddings are cheaper than Saturday weddings. This is because venues often charge less to rent out the space on a Friday. Therefore, couples who are looking to save money can take advantage of the lower rates offered on Fridays.
2. Increased Availability of Vendors
Finding quality vendors can be a challenge. But when couples decide to get married on Fridays or Sundays, they may find that there is more availability among vendors than on Saturdays. This is great news because it means they can find the best possible professionals to make their day special.
From food vendors to design vendors such as First Class Designs, having options can ensure you transform your special day from a dream into a well-crafted reality.
3. Guests Have the Option To Take a Day off Work Instead of a Weekend
Although some guests may be unable to take off work on a Friday, having the option to do so is a major benefit. This means that guests who have the freedom to take time off can save their weekends and instead enjoy their wedding day during the week.
4. Allows for a Weekend of Celebration and Relaxation
Who doesn’t love a weekend of relaxation? Compared to a weekday wedding, a Friday wedding party gives couples and their guests the opportunity to use the remainder of their weekend for leisure activities or simply to catch up on some much-needed rest.
Drawbacks
Of course, having a Friday wedding does come with its own set of challenges. Couples need to be aware of these issues so they can be prepared for their special day.
1. Guests May Have Difficulty Taking Off Work on a Friday
Many companies have policies that prevent employees from taking off work during the weekdays. This may mean that some of your guests are unable to attend your wedding and it’s important for couples to be aware of this potential dilemma.
2. Travel May Be More Difficult During Rush Hour Traffic
The last thing you want is for your out-of-town guests to be stuck in traffic on their way to your wedding. If they’re coming from a long distance, they may experience delays due to rush hour traffic or other transportation issues during the weekdays. It’s important to consider this when deciding whether or not a Friday or Sunday wedding is right for you and your wedding guests during the wedding planning stage.
3. Guests May Be Tired From a Full WORKWEEK
Understandably, some of your guests may be tired after a full workweek leading up to the wedding date. This could mean that they may not have as much energy as usual or feel ready to get the party started.
Sunday Weddings
Sunday weddings are often overlooked but have their own set of benefits that make them an attractive option for couples who are planning their special day.
Benefits
1. Less Expensive Than a Saturday Wedding
Similar to Friday weddings, a Sunday wedding tends to be less expensive than a Saturday wedding due to the lower rental fees associated with renting out a venue for the day. This can mean big savings for couples on a budget and is worth considering when making your decision.
2. Guests May Have More Availability Than During the Week
Although some guests may still be working during the daytime hours, they may have more availability on Sundays than Fridays or a Saturday night. This means that more people could potentially attend your wedding day, making the day even more special.
3. Guests Have the Option To Take a Day off Work on Monday
If guests can take off work on Monday, then they have the option of taking advantage of their weekend or Sunday night by attending your Sunday wedding and having additional time to relax and recuperate after the big event.
4. Provides a Weekend of Celebration
Since many couples opt for Saturday weddings, Sunday weddings can be seen as an opportunity for couples to make their wedding day stand out from the rest. Having a day dedicated to celebrating will ensure your family and friends have an entire weekend dedicated to enjoying themselves with you!
Drawbacks
1. Guests May Have To Leave Early To Prepare for the Workweek
Unlike Saturday weddings, guests may have to leave their Sunday wedding a bit earlier to get ready for the upcoming workweek. This can mean less time for them to mingle and enjoy themselves, so it is something that couples should bear in mind when planning their Sunday wedding.
2. Limited Time for Setup and Teardown Before and After the Wedding
Most venues require renters to have everything set up by a certain time before the ceremony begins, which can be difficult on Sundays due to shorter hours of operation. The same goes for teardown after the reception as most venues will require renters to vacate within a certain amount of time after the event is over.
3. Limited Time for Setup and Teardown Before and After the Wedding
In some instances, couples may find that there are fewer vendors available because Sunday is often a day when many businesses are closed. This could mean having to search for a caterer, wedding planner, or other professionals on your own or potentially paying more for services than you would on Saturday.
3 Tips for Hosting a Sunday Wedding
These tips can help make sure your Sunday wedding is a success!
1. Schedule the Ceremony Earlier in the Day To Allow Guests To Leave Earlier
No one wants to be stuck at a wedding until late in the evening, so try to schedule your ceremony for earlier in the day so that guests can leave on their own time.
2. Provide Transportation Options for Guests
It’s always a good idea to provide transportation options for guests who may not be able to drive themselves or would prefer not to. By arranging for shuttles or carpooling, you can ensure that everyone can get home safely and enjoy their night without worry.
3. Consider a Brunch or Lunch Reception Instead of an Evening Reception
A brunch or lunch reception might be more fitting as an early-afternoon ceremony than a late evening one since most people will have done something during the day before they arrive at the reception. This could be a great way to keep the celebration going without having to worry about guests needing to leave early.
Getting Married on a Friday
Cost Considerations
1. Lower Venue Rental Fees
Friday night weddings may be less in demand than Saturday ones, so couples could potentially find lower rental fees for their dream venues. Now, all you have to figure out is when you should book your wedding venue.
2. Discounts on Travel and Hotel Accommodations
If you have guests coming from out of town, there are likely to be discounts available on flights and hotels if they book early enough around your Friday wedding date.
Guest Considerations
1. Difficulty Taking Time off Work
The main issue with having a Friday wedding is that many of your guests may have difficulty taking time off work during the weekdays, so it might be hard to get everyone together in one place.
2. Rush Hour Traffic and Travel Logistics
Many of your guests will be traveling to the wedding venue during rush hour, so it’s important to plan for any potential traffic delays that could affect their travel times.
3. Providing Accommodations for Guests Traveling From Out of Town
If you have a lot of out-of-towners attending your Friday wedding, you should consider providing accommodations for them since they may not be able to find an available place to stay on such short notice.
Planning Tips
1. Send Out Save-the-Dates Early
Since most people won’t be able to take time off work or make travel arrangements on such short notice, it’s important to give your guests plenty of time to plan by sending out save-the-dates at least a few months before the wedding.
2. Plan for Transportation Options for Guests
As mentioned above, many of your guests may be traveling during rush hour and you don’t want them to be stuck in traffic or have difficulty finding a place to stay. You can provide shuttle services or arrange to carpool so that everyone can get where they need to go without too much hassle.
3. Consider a Non-Traditional Rehearsal Dinner on Thursday Evening
If having a rehearsal dinner on the night before the wedding isn’t an option because of work schedules, consider having a non-traditional dinner on Thursday evening as an alternative. This will give your guests a chance to get together and celebrate without taking additional time out of their schedules on the day of the wedding.
Getting Married on a Sunday
Cost Considerations
1. Lower Venue Rental Fees
Sunday dates may be less in demand than Saturday dates, so couples could potentially find lower rental fees so they can get everything they want for their wedding venues.
2. Potential Savings on Catering and Other Vendors
Similarly, since most vendors are typically more in demand on Saturdays, couples may be able to find discounted rates for services such as catering or photography if they opt for a Sunday date.
3. Discounts on Travel and Hotel Accommodations
If you have guests coming from out of town, there are likely to be discounts available on flights and hotels if they book early enough around your Sunday wedding date.
Guest Considerations
1. Need To Leave Early To Prepare for the Workweek
The main issue with having a Sunday wedding is that many of your guests may need to leave early to get back home or prepare for the upcoming workweek.
2. Rushed Setup and Teardown Times
With guests needing to leave early, it’s important to plan for a shortened setup and teardown time so everyone can enjoy the day without feeling rushed.
3. Providing Accommodations for Guests Traveling From Out of Town
If you have a lot of out-of-towners attending your Sunday wedding, you should consider providing accommodations for them since they may not be able to find an available place to stay on such short notice.
Planning Tips
1. Schedule the Ceremony Earlier in the Day
Given that many of your guests will need to leave early, you can avoid any unnecessary rush by scheduling the ceremony earlier in the day so there’s plenty of time for everyone to enjoy the festivities before they have to head out.
Final Thoughts
Friday and Sunday weddings don’t have to be difficult or stressful – there are plenty of ways to make sure your event is enjoyable for all involved. With proper planning, couples can find cost savings, plan for transportation options, and schedule an earlier ceremony that allows everyone the time they need to enjoy themselves without feeling rushed.
If you need a wedding venue that leaves your guests impressed, The Sixpence is the perfect place to celebrate your special day.
Learn more about the experience you will receive by hosting your wedding at The Sixpence.
