Your Guide To Weekday Weddings
Remember when everyone thought weddings had to happen on a Saturday? Well, times are changing, and we’re so here for it. More and more couples are ditching the traditional weekend slot and opting for something a bit different — the weekday wedding! Yep, whether it's a dreamy Tuesday or a fabulous Thursday, saying 'I do' midweek is officially a thing. And honestly, we can see why. From snapping up your dream venue without the wait to saving a pretty penny, weekday weddings are packed with perks that are impossible to ignore. In this article, we've prepared the ultimate guide to weekday weddings diving into all the reasons weekday weddings are on the rise, an example weekday wedding itinerary, plus our handpicked selection of the best weekday wedding venues.
Your Simple Guide To Weekday Weddings - With Pros, Cons, and an Itinerary Example
What Are Weekday Weddings?
A weekday wedding is a wedding ceremony and celebration that takes place on a day of the week other than the traditional weekend days (Saturday and Sunday). Typically, weekday weddings occur between Monday and Friday.
Are Weekday Weddings The New Normal?
We think so! There are so many reasons why weekday weddings are taking off but the cost difference is one of the biggest ones. The cost of hiring a wedding venue for a weekend versus a weekday can be staggering especially if you opt to marry in the ‘off season’ from October to April as well! The current trends we’re seeing are either single weekday weddings or whole weekend weddings, which we’ve also recently spoken about.
Why Should You Have A Weekday Wedding?
There are a lot of pros to having a weekday wedding that make this choice for couples that much more appealing. These are the reasons why you should have a weekday wedding:
1. Cost Savings
As we previously mentioned, the main benefit of a weekday wedding is the cost savings. If you have a tighter budget, a weekday wedding can end up saving you thousands of pounds. At the same time, opting for a weekday wedding venue allows you to spend more on other priorities like your photographer or your honeymoon. You won’t only save on your venue but most suppliers will also charge you less than weekend weddings too.
2. Availability
Popular wedding venues can be fully booked years in advance, especially on weekends! If you have your heart set on a particular wedding venue but they’re fully booked, you should consider choosing to have a weekday wedding instead.
3. More Intimate
Since weekday weddings often have fewer guests, the whole vibe of the day can be a lot more intimate, and less overwhelming and can take off a lot of the wedding planning pressure on creating a huge ‘event’ for guests to attend.
4. More Relaxed
In the same way, everything seems more relaxed and less formal when you have a weekday wedding. It can also be that way for guests too. No weekend traffic can make it easier for guests to travel to your venue.
5. Unique Experiences
Getting married on a Tuesday is a lot more unique than getting married on a Saturday. Plus, most wedding venues will have an exclusive weekday package or bespoke package they can tailor to your needs, which will give you the opportunity to put your own stamp on your wedding day.
6. Astrology / Lucky Dates
Whether you believe in or have faith in astrology or numerology, your luckiest day to get married based on astrology, numerology or your own beliefs and associations to specific dates or numbers may mean that your wedding happens on a weekday!
What Are The Downsides Of A Weekday Wedding?
That being said, you should ultimately consider what vibe ties in better with your overall wedding theme. As well as how important it is for you to have certain people there. These are a few things to consider before making your decision:
1. Guests Using Holiday/Annual Leave
Most of your wedding guests you invite will be employed, some of those who are self-employed will have an easier time agreeing to take off a day or two to attend your wedding but those in full-time employment will have to use holiday or annual leave in order to attend the wedding day. For this reason, you may see a few more declines to your invitation. The most important thing when having a weekday wedding is to make your expectations realistic.
2. Guest’s Availability
If you’re inviting kids to your wedding you have to be mindful of guests that have children who are in school, you can’t expect any children to miss a day of school for your wedding (unless they’re yours, of course). In the same breath, if you aren’t inviting kids you have to be just as mindful of guests that are unable to get childcare arranged in the week. This is the same for weekend weddings but with the added complication of schooling.
3. Shorter Celebrations
Most wedding venues will have a late licence but this may only extend to weekends depending on how close the venue is to residential areas. Your wedding party may get cut off before midnight if you have a weekday wedding. Your guests may have only taken off one day for the wedding and may have work the next day or have kids that need to get to school in the morning. The downside to weekday weddings is much shorter celebrations.
4. Suppliers
As much as your guest’s availability may be impacted, so too will your suppliers. Some suppliers prioritise weekend weddings (to suit their own schedules and livelihoods) and some may have set hours on weekdays too. If you have a dream supplier in mind that only works on weekends, you’ll need to weigh up what’s more important.
5. Perceptions
We listed in the reasons why you should have a weekday wedding that the more relaxed and intimate vibe is a positive, which is true if that’s the vibe and atmosphere you want to create. However, you should be aware that some guests will go into your weekday wedding expecting it to be more low-key and if you want guests to turn up with tons of enthusiasm, you might want to re-think that. Those closest to you will be beyond excited for you no matter when you’re having the wedding. But it shouldn’t be underestimated how much a weekday wedding can impact guests’ perceptions.
Weekday Wedding Itinerary Example
This itinerary keeps the ceremony later in the afternoon, allowing some flexibility for guests who need to work in the morning but still enjoy the celebration without feeling rushed. The event winds down by around 10:30 PM to accommodate those with early obligations the next day.
Weekday Wedding Itinerary (Wednesday)
Venue: Countryside manor or hotel
Theme: Relaxed, elegant, intimate
Morning (For the Couple and Wedding Party)
- 8:00 AM: Bride and groom wake up, breakfast with close family and friends.
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Hair, makeup, and preparation for the bridal party and groom’s party.
- 12:00 PM: Light lunch/snacks for the couple and wedding party.
- 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Photographs of the bridal party and groom’s party separately.
Ceremony (For All Guests)
- 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Guest arrival. Drinks and light refreshments are served as they gather.
- 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Wedding ceremony in a garden or manor hall.
- Civil ceremony or religious ceremony, depending on preference.
Post-Ceremony Celebrations
- 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM: Drinks reception and canapés.
- Bride and groom have a short photo session while guests mingle.
- 3:45 PM – 4:30 PM: Group and couple photos with family and friends.
- Some entertainment (e.g., acoustic music or lawn games) to keep guests entertained.
Wedding Breakfast (Formal Reception Meal)
- 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Wedding breakfast (the formal meal).
- Speeches after the first course to keep things moving.
- Three-course meal with wine and soft drinks.
Evening Celebration
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Cake cutting and tea/coffee service.
- First dance followed by informal dancing begins.
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Evening reception.
- DJ or live band starts performing.
- Additional evening food, such as a buffet or food trucks, for guests arriving after work or the day’s formalities.
Wind Down
- 9:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Dancing and late-night entertainment.
- 10:00 PM – 10:30 PM: Final song and farewell send-off for the couple (sparklers, if outdoors).
Post-Wedding
- 11:00 PM: Event concludes. Guests who stay overnight at the venue retire to their rooms.
- The next day: Simple breakfast for close family and friends staying at the venue, offering a chance for a low-key farewell.
Best Weekday Wedding Venues
Blueprint
Recommended Venue, Blueprint, is a beautifully refurbished city venue in London. Positioned on the south bank of the river Thames, next to Butler’s Wharf, Blueprint offers up some of the best uninterrupted views of London’s cityscape, showcasing the Thames, Tower Bridge and much much more. Blueprint has a contemporary feel offering a flexible open space. It comes with the added bonus of an outside terrace boasting an alfresco view across the City. Located only 15 minutes from London Bridge the venue is well connected with local transport, your guests could even arrive by boat! The venue will host up to 160 guests for your reception.
Launcells Barton
Nestled in 230 acres of rolling Cornish Countryside, Recommended Venue, Launcells Barton, is a family-run exclusive-use wedding venue. We’ve included them in this roundup not only because the venue is steeped in rich history amidst a beautiful wooded countryside complete with boutique accommodation but because right now they’re offering a One Day Winter Wedding throughout November and December 2024! It’s a wonderful package ideal for those looking for the perfect setting for a unique and relaxed wedding reception for under 10k! From the minute you arrive to the moment you leave, you’ll be made to feel like part of the family with a capacity of 120 to 200 guests!
Chilston Park Hotel
Recommended Venue, Chilston Park Hotel, in Kent is one of the most breathtaking settings for a wedding. Whether it’s under a beautiful gazebo or beneath ornate chandeliers in The Manor House, say 'I do' against this spectacular backdrop. There’s just something about Chilston Park that we love! Perhaps it’s the stunning Coach House, the 17th-century charm of the manor house, or the 77 acres of parkland. Enjoy all it has to offer with a maximum of 250 guests. This venue has several bespoke packages with a significant discount for those couples looking to host a weekday wedding!
Tythe
Recommended Venue, Tythe, is a collection of beautifully restored 14th-century stone barns, a 17th century Farmhouse and Shepherd’s Hut located in Bicester set at the heart of Tythe’s Manor Farm – the working farm of the Deeley family for over 500 years. There’s even a spot to land the helicopter! If you looking for a traditional church ceremony, there’s also the 12th Century village church – St Mary’s. Tythe has exclusive one or two night midweek wedding packages.
The Green Cornwall
Recommended Venue, The Green Cornwall, is perfect for your wedding because it's got gorgeous countryside vibes, you have the whole wedding village for yourselves, and it's a relaxed, personalised experience. Say your vows in one of the rustic barns, surrounded by the charm of the countryside and stunning views that stretch as far as the eye can see. There are two outdoor ceremony options too! The function barns offer versatile spaces where you can dance the night away or unwind with up to 140 guests. Plus, with 5-star luxury accommodation on offer to 42 of your closest friends and family (additional accommodation is available locally), what’s not to love? The Green offers special pricing options for one or two-night midweek weddings.
Find Your Dream Weekday Wedding Venue Using Our Recommended Supplier Directory
Now we’ve got you started on your weekday wedding venue hunting journey, you’ll need our downloadable questions to ask your wedding venue to make sure you’re a match made in heaven. Changed your mind on having a weekday wedding venue? No worries, take a look at our guide to weekend weddings with a selection of the best weekend wedding venues to get you started.
