*Psst* You're Missing Out on the Weekday Weddings Trend

Don't let passionate Reddit posts against weekday weddings get you down. If you have been asking yourself, "Can I have a wedding on a weekday?" the answer is yes. There are lots of pros to going the alternative route, but we aren't going to sugarcoat it, there are some cons too. If you're curious about planning a wedding Monday through Friday, we're here to guide you through it with the help of some of our favorite wedding pros. Plus, learn where to find venues, the good and the bad of this decision and get answers to the most common questions. Keep reading to turn a manic Monday into a fun day.

Everything you need to know about weekday weddings: How to Plan | Where to Find Venues | Pros | Cons | Etiquette FAQs

How to Plan a Weekday Wedding

Planning a weekday wedding doesn't have to be a bigger deal than it is. Follow these tips so you can successfully execute your unconventional celebration.

Remember, your 'yes' RSVPs may be lower.

Even though hosting a weekday wedding can be the best option for you, the percentage of guests who RSVP 'yes' will decrease because of the timing. We talked to someone who has been in the event industry for over a decade, Brittney Bartling, the owner and founder of BLB Events, why this is the case. "Fewer guests will be able to attend a weekday wedding than a weekend wedding. Depending on your invitee's work schedule, vacation time, child care and location, weekday travel might be difficult, so you need to accept that RSVPs will likely be lower," Bartling explains. Once you have this in mind, the 'no' RSVPs won't feel like personal insults, and you and your partner can prepare for a smaller affair.

Reconsider the timing of your events.

"Your event timing might be different on a weekday. For example, your wedding might need to end earlier or be shorter to comply with your venue's restrictions, whereas weekend events can typically go later or longer. Your guests might also want to leave earlier if they have to work the next day or cannot spend the night," Bartling says. This is why you should be flexible while planning your weekday wedding events and delight your guests with unexpected moments. "Think about changing the wedding day order. One of my spring wedding couples rescheduled to a weekday in December. Rather than hosting their welcome pizza party the day before the wedding, they're hosting it the afternoon after the wedding. This will give guests a chance to regroup and reconnect after a night of fun and keep the celebration going," Laura Remmert, a wedding planning expert and founder of Laura Remmert Events.

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Figure out what's open during the weekdays.

"There may be fewer attractions or accommodations open for guests on weekdays as opposed to weekends," Bartling tells us. With that said, do your due diligence by researching what restaurants, activities and more are available on your desired weekday. If you only find a few options of non-wedding-related things your guests can do, find another day.

End the celebration the right way.

Be courteous of your loved ones' time and don't overextend the wedding. Yes, that means no wedding after-parties. Monday is considered one of the best weekdays to get married (we'll explain more later), but that choice most likely means some guests will have to go back to work or family the next day. End the day at a respectful time so everyone can be on their way.

Where to Find Weekday Wedding Venues Near You

Not every venue will be available during the week. That's why you need to search ahead of time for your affair. Go to The Knot Vendor Marketplace, enter your marrying location and ask the venue staff about their weekday availability. Then, make a list of venues that can accommodate your weekday wishes.

Photo: Jenny DeMarco Photography

,Stationery: Minted

Weekday Wedding Pros

Having a wedding on a weekday doesn't have to be something you're afraid to tell your loved ones about. Here are the top reasons it can be perfect for you and them.

Some venues and vendors will be less expensive.

The average wedding cost was $35,000 in 2023, according to The Knot 2023 Real Wedding Study data, which is a $5,000 increase from the previous year. Those numbers can definitely inspire couples to wonder, "Are weekday weddings cheaper?" And the answer is yes. Weekends are always in high demand, which results in higher costs. Give your wallet a break and book venues and vendors on the cheapest days of the week, which are also most likely open on their schedule. (Quick fact: Friday and Sunday weddings used to have the best discounts before the pandemic, but now Friday weddings are the second most expensive option.)

You have more flexibility.

First, look at the top wedding dates to avoid for the next couple of years. After that, feel free to play around with your wedding date. "You have a lot more flexibility with your wedding date. If a certain date or number is sentimental to you and your partner, being open to a weekday wedding makes that anniversary much more feasible," Bartling says.

There'll be less competition.

It can be disappointing when you have your heart set on a venue or vendor, but they are booked every weekend from now until 2027. Switch up your game plan and avoid the competition by looking at weekday options. The chances of you having your dream vendor team increase automatically.

Your guests save money.

Flights and accommodations tend to be more expensive on weekends. By having a weekday wedding, you help wedding budget and your guests save a little coin before the big day––which they'll really appreciate.

Everyone can spend more time at the wedding destination.

Lucy Cuneo, expert wedding photographer and owner of Lucy Cuneo Weddings, explains how these celebrations can bring every attendee closer. "Weekday weddings are really wonderful since they give your guests a few days following the celebration to truly enjoy the location and gather with friends," Cuneo says. If you're a guest, Bartling suggests taking advantage of the weekday timing. "If possible, take off of work the day after the wedding and fly out in the late afternoon or evening. This way, you can enjoy the celebration and not worry about work or early travel the next day. If it's a destination wedding, make the wedding into a vacation so you can fully unwind," Bartling says.

Weekday Wedding Cons

Even though we don't think of weekday weddings as bad words, there are some cons to having them. Take these issues into consideration before going full speed ahead.

Some loved ones won't be able to attend the wedding.

One of the main reasons people frown upon weekday weddings is because it can be inconvenient to people's schedules and result in them being unable to attend the event. If you've already mentioned having a weekday wedding to your VIPs and they've told you they can't attend, you'll need to reconsider your priorities.

Your event will probably be shorter.

Weekday weddings aren't known to be all-night affairs. So, if you were hoping to dance the night away with your partner and loved ones, you'll have to cut it short––think 10 p.m. instead of midnight.

Guests might have to leave early.

Unfortunately, some people won't be able to take their minds off their daily lives while attending a weekday wedding. "Guests will be more likely to leave early or not fully enjoy themselves if they have to worry about childcare or work," Bartling adds.

Photo: Eleven:11 Photography

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Stationery: DWRI Letterpress

Weekday Wedding Etiquette: Frequently Asked Questions

Just about every aspect of weddings has some etiquette attached to it. Here are the dos and don'ts of weekday weddings.

Is it rude to have a weekday wedding?

Of course not. Remember, your wedding is about your and your partner's wants and needs and honoring your love for one another. If a date that's sentimental to the both of you is on a weekday, you should go for it, but think about if there are any consequences to your choice. And if your decision is because of budget concerns, that's a good enough reason too––you are paying for the affair after all. "I love weekday weddings. They're non-traditional and have a totally different vibe than what guests normally experience, and they're usually more cost-efficient for the couple," Bartling says.

Are weekday weddings common?

It's completely normal to have a wedding on a weekday. The option isn't commonplace just yet, but it is trending among Gen Z couples. The COVID-19 pandemic caused lots of wedding cancellations and rescheduling and, in turn, put weekday weddings on the map. Now, couples still love the flexibility of weekday unions, and we don't see that sentiment going away anytime soon.

What is the best weekday to get married?

The best weekdays to get married are Thursdays and Mondays. Since Monday immediately follows a weekend, guests from out of town can arrive and get settled before the wedding ceremony. Plus, you'll also be able to greet them properly and perhaps throw a warm welcome party where loved ones can imbibe and truly take in the locale. A Monday wedding also increases the likelihood that your original team of star vendors will be available. Thursday is another affordable day that vendors typically don't get hired for, and it benefits guests because it's usually easier to take off work at the end of the week.

Esther Lee contributed to the reporting of this piece.