When searching for information about a weekday wedding, you might not find a ton out there. Traditionally, people shy away from anything other than Saturday evenings, but that’s quickly changing. Weekday weddings are becoming more popular, and for good reason. As a wedding industry professional, I’m here to put your concerns at ease and say yes, it’s absolutely okay, and even beneficial, to hold your wedding on a weekday. Let’s explore the reasons why it’s actually a great idea.

It Can Be More Budget Friendly

A huge advantage of having your wedding on a weekday is certainly the price. Many venues offer significantly reduced pricing for Monday through Thursday events. If you don’t see pricing listed online or in the initial information packet you receive, it’s always a good idea to ask the venue manager about their rates. Restaurants may offer a food and beverage minimum that is 30-40% less than their weekend evening rates.

The same goes for wedding vendors. Many vendors have more availability during the week and might be able to offer more flexibility in pricing. While it's not guaranteed, photographers often reserve weekdays for tasks like engagement shoots or editing, so it's worth reaching out and connecting with anyone you're interested in working with.

Your Dream Venue (and Vendors!) Might Be Available

If you have your eyes set on a dream venue or must-have vendors but are looking to get married in peak season, considering a weekday opens your chances of being able to book it. 

A More Private Celebration

Weekday weddings can create a more intimate atmosphere, especially if your venue is in a public place like a park or a high traffic hotel. There’s often less foot traffic on weekdays, allowing you to enjoy a quieter and more personal celebration.

You can also play around with timing. A morning ceremony, for example, not only offers stunning natural light for photos but can also make for a unique, memorable experience for your guests. Follow it up with a relaxed brunch reception, complete with mimosas and a cozy atmosphere, or plan an evening reception later in the day to give your guests time to rest and rejoin the celebration refreshed.

More Flexibility for Unique Experiences

Planning a city wedding? Weekdays can make it easier to incorporate creative elements into your day. Imagine hopping on a party bus to tour iconic spots without battling weekend crowds. Want to take stunning photos in a popular location? A weekday gives you more freedom to explore without feeling rushed.

Now that you understand all the reasons a weekday wedding can be a really good thing, let’s go over some important things to keep in mind.

How to Make Your Weekday Wedding a Success

Give Guests Plenty of Notice

Since attending a weekday wedding often requires guests to adjust work schedules, I'd recommend letting your invited guests know with plenty of notice. Send invitations well in advance, ideally more than the traditional two months, to ensure they have time to make arrangements at work and adjust their schedules. That said, the beauty of a small wedding is that the guests you are inviting are typically the ones who will come no matter what day or time!

Be Thoughtful With Timing

If you’re going for a daytime affair, communicate with your guests so they can fly in a day early (for destination weddings or if some guests just live out of town). If all guests are in your location, take into account rush hour traffic. You can either have a super intimate ceremony with family earlier in the day and then an evening party with the rest of the crew, or start everything after work hours.

Make it Extra Special

Since weekday weddings might require guests to take time off, consider adding thoughtful touches to show your appreciation. This could be hosting welcome drinks the day before, putting gifts in hotel rooms for out-of-towners, or sending people home with a late-night snack. Sometimes, these things don’t make the cut for weekend weddings due to budget reasons but might be more feasible on a weekday.

If you’re envisioning an intimate wedding in New York or New Jersey with a stylish yet stress-free vibe, my semi-custom weekday wedding package could be just what you’re looking for. Designed for couples seeking something more personal than an elopement but less formal than a traditional wedding, this package streamlines the planning process while ensuring your day feels truly special.

Thinking a weekday wedding might be right for you? Send me a note now!