The radio is my best friend while I’m driving. Whether I’m listening to a favorite station, my iPod, or a CD (“Golden” by Lady Antebellum is my current favorite), my radio is almost always on and pumping. During one of my most recent listening sessions, my local radio station declared they were going to poll listeners about whether or not hosting a wedding on a Friday or Sunday was “rude”. I decided to answer out loud: NO – not rude!
Here are a couple things to keep in mind for Friday and Sunday weddings (and birthday parties, holiday events, and barbecues):
Photo by Meg Smith Photography via Heart Love Weddings
It’s less expensive: First and foremost, the most expensive day of the week to host an event is on Saturday because it’s the most desirable. Venues know this, which is why you will quickly learn the cost to rent your dream space is sizably more on a Saturday. As a result, if you’re in love with a venue (as in can’t imagine getting married anywhere else kind of love), consider switching your day to Friday or Sunday.
Photo by Lucy O Photo via Carly is Inspired
Your guests will attend: The biggest fear about hosting an event on a Friday or Sunday is availability of your guests, and rightfully so…to a point. Depending on the time of your event, your guests may need to either take off of work or leave early on a Friday. On a Sunday, guests may be thinking about going to work the next day and may feel less inclined to stay out super late. However, if Friday or Sunday works best for you, book it. Those who mean the most to you will happily attend. I’m certain. If my best friend told me she was getting married at 2 a.m. on a Tuesday, I would be there. Get my drift? Be you and your guests will follow.
Photo by Thorson Photography via Polka Dot Bride
Holidays can be iffy: To jump off of my previous point, hosting a wedding on a Friday or Sunday that coincides with a holiday is a different story. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day are some of the most popular times to go away. If you and your extended family always head to the lake during a holiday week or weekend, you may want to avoid those dates. However, another idea is to make your wedding into more of a destination event over a holiday weekend when guests are likely to have time off and be eager for a quick trip away.
Photo by Glass Jar Photography via Wedding Chicks
You and your guests can recover: One of the best feelings is attending an event and then knowing you have the following day (or entire weekend!) to recover – a huge plus for Friday events! Host your rehearsal dinner on Friday and then invite your guests to your Sunday wedding. Another idea: host your event during the afternoon on Sunday. Your guests won’t be worried about going to work and they’ll have time to recover and head home.
Photo by Joielala via Wedding Chicks
More availability: Venues, florists, planners, caterers, and photographers see their availability quickly dissipate during Saturdays during wedding season. That’s fantastic for them, but not so good for you. On the flip side, all vendors are usually on board and excited about Friday and Sunday weddings. Build your dream team, and hop on the Friday or Sunday train!
Friday or Sunday vs. Saturday: which event day gets your vote (and attendance)?
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