The North Platte Telegraph Bridal Guide 7
June brides and Saturday nuptials aren’t the be-all, end-all, experts agree — at least not any longer. That’s because couples looking to tie the knot are increasingly encountering difficulty scheduling their big day due to back- logged banquet halls, overbooked wed- ding planners, and budgets pushed to the limit due to inflation and other fac- tors. Consequently, it’s no surprise that many betrothed duos are opting for a weekday wedding, bypassing the hassles and fierce competition associated with a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday ceremony and reception. In fact, after surveying 468 wedding vendors recently, Zola reveals that 34% of respondents predicted that weddings on weekdays are here to stay in 2022 and beyond, with Thursdays remaining the most popular weekday on which to walk down the aisle. “Couples and guests have generally become much more open to weekday weddings. We saw this trend really tick up during the pandemic when couples had to shrink their guest lists and choose locations closer to home, mak- ing a weekday more feasible for all,” says Emily Forrest, director of communi- cations at Zola, headquartered in New York City. “The flexible work-at-home environment has also made it somewhat easier for friends and family members to attend weddings during the week. And the recent flood of engaged couples, who are more eager and excited to get married than ever before, is also responsible for the rise in nuptials on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.”
Marie Kubin, a wedding planner and owner of Rent My Wedding, a nation- wide wedding rental company based in Miami, says the overwhelming majority of couples are still getting married on weekends nowadays. “That being said, we are seeing a rise in the number of weddings on weekdays for two main reasons. First, there is a surge in weddings right now due to all the canceled pandemic weddings; as a result, weekend dates at most venues are already booked out one to two years ahead. For newly engaged couples that want to get hitched sooner, weekdays are the only option,” she says. “Second, more engaged couples are looking for ways to save money on their wedding. Budget-conscious partners can likely save thousands of dollars compared to hosting the wedding on a Saturday.” Indeed, most venues offer lower rates for weekday versus weekend dates, including photographers, caterers, and DJs/bands. “As a result, weekday wedding couples and families can splurge more on stun- ning foods and beverages, more beauti- ful invitations and flowers, and a more gorgeous wedding dress,” notes Émilie Dulles, owner of Dulles Designs, a Charleston, South Carolina, and Palm Beach, Florida-based paper and wed- ding invitations expert. “Plus, you’ll have a much higher chance of booking your first choice venue and wedding vendors, and you won’t be dis- tracted by other weddings on your date,” explains wedding planner Lindsey Nickel, owner of Lovely Day Events in Napa, California.
Of course, the downside to a weekday wedding is that some of your guests will likely not be able to attend, as it’s more challenging to take time off work, travel, and find child care during the week. “Before booking a weekday wedding, you should talk to your inner circle and make sure that all the must-attend guests will be able to make it work, especially parents, in-laws, groomsmen, and bridesmaids,” Kubin recommends. “It’s also smart to send out your save- the-date cards and invitations as soon as you book your weekday wedding so that your guests have plenty of time to make arrangements and RSVP.” Good candidates for a weekday wed- ding are couples and families who are confident that most people on their list — especially those in their wedding party — can attend. “It can also be ideal for those planning smaller and more intimate ceremonies or for couples who want to put more of their finances toward their honeymoon or dream home,” Forrest suggests. Some believe a Monday or Thursday wedding is your best weekday option, as your marriage festivities can be extended across the weekend before or following your big day. “Weddings typically roll out over three to four days, starting with family and wed- ding party arrivals, the welcome party, the rehearsal dinner, and then the actual wedding ceremony and reception. So any Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday wedding is going to begin over the pre- vious weekend for the family and plan- ners anyway,” says Dulles.
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