Traditionally, the most popular day for a wedding is Saturday, which makes for tough competition when it comes to securing venues and services for your big day. To avoid hearing “that date has already been booked,” why not plan an “off-day” wedding instead? Not only will you have a better chance of having your wedding on the date of your choice, it also makes economic sense because:
Banquet facilities, caterers, photographers, videographers, musicians/entertainers and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate. (Vendors tend to see Friday and Sunday as bonus days, a time when they can earn income.)
Some hotels and restaurants require a lower minimum number of guests during the week.
Lower airfare is often available for your out-of-town guests during the week.
If you choose Friday night as your off-day wedding day, you’ll probably have your wedding later in the evening. This means that your reception will follow immediately after the ceremony, and you’ll avoid the extra cost (and hassle) of having to provide an interim reception or cocktail party. (Also, having the ceremony and reception back-to-back ensures that more people will attend the wedding ceremony.)
Keep in mind, too, that restaurants are usually thrilled to have rehearsal dinners booked on Thursdays or other evenings during the week. These are, typically, their slower business days, so you’ll find that the staff will be more attentive to your party’s needs, and the atmosphere will be more relaxed.
Another reason for the growing popularity of off-day weddings is that benefits you, your family, and your friends.
Many couples host off-day weddings, so they can pay more attention to those that traveled to be there. (For example, your ceremony could be held Friday, and you could plan activities through your honeymoon departure on Sunday.)
Additionally, an off-day wedding frees up at least one day of the weekend, making your family, friends and guests more appreciative of the extra time–especially if they are traveling.
Guests will appreciate a Friday wedding because they won’t have to face a workday after a night of merrymaking.
The off-day wedding becomes more of a reunion than a quick ceremony.
By now, you may be thinking that an off-day wedding sounds like a terrific idea for you and your soon-to-be-spouse. If this is the case, you’ll not only save money, you’ll be able to enjoy more time with your loved ones and you’ll most likely hear “Yes” from vendors and service providers instead of “We’re already booked.” Here are a few things to keep in mind, though:
You’ll want to schedule the wedding a little later, if you choose Friday, to avoid rush-hour traffic.
You’ll want to design your menu to fit the timing of the reception. Again, if it’s a Friday, you may want to opt for light snacks instead of a full meal.
Your guests will need ample time to take off work, if necessary, so you’ll want to send out your “Save the Date” cards early.
If all of this advice sounds good to you…go ahead and buck the traditional Saturday wedding!
Lisa Bakewell
