Not everyone is able to have a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday wedding. A bride and groom may decide to host their ceremony and reception mid-week which is not unusual. Here are 5 things to consider if you’re thinking about choosing a weekday wedding date:
1. Expect low RSVP rates
Weekday weddings will have a lower RSVP rate than weekend weddings. That’s because most guests work during the week, and not everyone will have available vacation days (especially those who must factor in time for travel). Younger couples will fare even worse in terms of attendance, since many of their friends may not be able to take time off school or new careers. But if an intimate ceremony with just your closest family and friends is what you’re after, a weekday wedding might be a great fit.
2. Be ready to communicate with guests
To get as many people as possible to attend your wedding, it’s vital to alert guests far in advance-as a guideline, send the invitation at least three months before the wedding, and send the save-the-date eight months to a year beforehand. This will give guests plenty of time to secure vacation days, find babysitters, and arrange their busy schedules.
3. Think about your situation
Depending on the situation, some wedding lend themselves better to weekdays. Additionally, if you’re planning a destination wedding, consider having it on a weekday for a few reasons: Guests will likely take off work anyways, airfare is cheaper, and popular venues may have weekday availability during popular seasons.
4. Spend extra time with your guests
Weekday weddings allow extra time with guests. If you have a wedding on a Thursday and are not leaving for your honeymoon until Sunday or Monday, you feel less rushed during the wedding because you know you have three more days with your guests. It is very similar to doing a destination wedding, but you are creating the destination at home.
5. Plan an evening cerermony
Almost as important as the date of the wedding is the start time of your ceremony. Another solution is hosting the cocktail hour before the ceremony, which gives some wiggle room for guests coming straight from work who may encounter traffic.