allina Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I get that it's easiest for people to attend a wedding on a Saturday, but is it that huge of a deal? I'm currently shopping around for a wedding site for my wedding, and booking a venue on a Friday often costs 1/3 of what it costs on a Saturday! We're talking about saving thousands just by having it on a Friday. I can't help but feel like it's wasteful to spend so much more money on the same place just to have a Saturday wedding. I'm thinking of booking a Friday wedding. Many of our guests are coming from other countries and the east coast so they will be taking some time off of work anyways. Our local friends and family can get at least a day off, especially with a 1 year notice. Should I just do this on Friday? Is that tacky or something? Why is it so much cheaper? Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Conceptually, people normally have to work on Friday, so that's why weddings aren't usually scheduled that day or any weekday. It makes sense for any reception hall to drop the price dramatically, to encourage people to use the facilities as many days of the week as possible, instead of going insane on the weekends only. Do whatever makes sense to you allina. My only cautionary is that some people will be unable to attend, since they're not prepared to take a day off to attend a wedding. There are enough people who don't enjoy weddings, that any excuse will be excuse enough to bow out, which I'm sure you're fine with. Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 There are enough people who don't enjoy weddings, that any excuse will be excuse enough to bow out, which I'm sure you're fine with. I'm not concerned about this one. We're having a small wedding and inviting only people who truly care for us and want to be there. We're not inviting some 4th cousin or classmate from 8 years ago who doesn't give a crap about us. I was just concerned if it would be in bad form or something to have a Friday wedding. Especially since I can book the Saturday if I choose, I'd just prefer to save the money or use it for other stuff Link to post Share on other sites
Lauriebell82 Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 I agree with what TBF said. It's cheaper because not as many people book weddings on "off days" therefore they lower the price to try to entice people. My only concern as TBF noted, is that people will find it inconvient to come in on a Friday and some people work late on Fridays as well (like my fiance) therefore attending an evening wedding would be difficult for them. I ran into this dilemma as well, have you thought about Sunday or are you having a religious ceremony? I know that for Catholics we cannot get married on a Sunday. But do what is best for your budget, if you can afford to spend a little more though on a Saturday wedding then do so. Link to post Share on other sites
Ronni_W Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 Friday evening weddings are becoming more and more popular -- of the last 3 weddings I've been invited to, 2 were for Friday, 5pm; both used one location for both ceremony and reception. Nothing at all tacky about it. Yes, most 'locals' most likely will be able to take off the Friday afternoon...especially with that much notice. In any case, they'd be able to make the reception -- perhaps you can have a video of the ceremony playing in some corner, for those who had to work through it? Congrats on your upcoming wedding Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 15, 2009 Author Share Posted July 15, 2009 I agree with what TBF said. It's cheaper because not as many people book weddings on "off days" therefore they lower the price to try to entice people. My only concern as TBF noted, is that people will find it inconvient to come in on a Friday and some people work late on Fridays as well (like my fiance) therefore attending an evening wedding would be difficult for them. I ran into this dilemma as well, have you thought about Sunday or are you having a religious ceremony? I know that for Catholics we cannot get married on a Sunday. But do what is best for your budget, if you can afford to spend a little more though on a Saturday wedding then do so. No, we're not having anything religious in our wedding, so there are no day limitations in that sense. I know that people have to work late, but for those traveling from Europe it won't matter, since they will have to take a couple vacation days anyways. People like our parents and closest friends don't mind taking one day off, for our wedding, especially when they know about it way in advance. I can spend the extra money for a Saturday, but I don't want to spend tons of money just because I can. I would prefer to stay within 1/3 of what I "can" spend on this wedding, especially since most of it isn't my money. I think I'm also feeling a bit disgruntle about this whole wedding planning thing and the money involved. I joined a wedding forum so I can be giddy and discuss weddings a bit :laugh: It wasn't what I was expecting. All these women convinced that they MUST have a professional photographer do engagement photos, some tacky gown by the it designer at the moment, box cards (I don't even know wtf this is) and all this expensive crap, and I mean CRAP Friday evening weddings are becoming more and more popular -- of the last 3 weddings I've been invited to, 2 were for Friday, 5pm; both used one location for both ceremony and reception. Nothing at all tacky about it. Yes, most 'locals' most likely will be able to take off the Friday afternoon...especially with that much notice. In any case, they'd be able to make the reception -- perhaps you can have a video of the ceremony playing in some corner, for those who had to work through it? Congrats on your upcoming wedding Cool And thank you for the congrats Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted July 15, 2009 Share Posted July 15, 2009 My thoughts: 1. If you're thinking about the place we've been talking about (), I beg you not to have it at night. That venue will lose all it's luster in the darkness, no matter how many lights and candles you bring in, to the point that the site fee will really be wasted. KWIM? I'll have to show you some of my friend's pictures from that place. The reception can be towards the evening, but for your own sake (and the sake of your pictures), let the venue shine and have the wedding and pictures taken when it's daylight. 2: I was just concerned if it would be in bad form or something to have a Friday wedding. Especially since I can book the Saturday if I choose, I'd just prefer to save the money or use it for other stuff I think it's fair to say that many people will know that you chose to have the wedding on a Friday as opposed to a Saturday, and thus chose to inconvenience people, just to save yourself some money. Some may find this tacky. While your loved ones do want to be there for you, I think it's important to balance your desire to save some cash against their interests in not being inconvenienced. On the other hand, you're right that those who travel will be traveling anyway, particularly those coming from far far away. But, when you consider the time off that they will have to take, having the primary event on a Friday means it cuts a lot more into their workweek, because you have to have the rehearsal the day before (Thursday), which means people have to arrive no later than Wednesday night. One day isn't that big of a deal to some, but it may be for others. Given this, you may want to consider a Sunday. In that case, the worst problem is your guests' hangovers on Monday morning. 3. I guess you're not calling them religious, but you and I had discussed some special spiritual features of the wedding coming from your fiance's side. Does the cost/timing of those features on a Friday change? Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 16, 2009 Author Share Posted July 16, 2009 My thoughts: 1. If you're thinking about the place we've been talking about (), I beg you not to have it at night. That venue will lose all it's luster in the darkness, no matter how many lights and candles you bring in, to the point that the site fee will really be wasted. KWIM? I'll have to show you some of my friend's pictures from that place. The reception can be towards the evening, but for your own sake (and the sake of your pictures), let the venue shine and have the wedding and pictures taken when it's daylight. 2: I think it's fair to say that many people will know that you chose to have the wedding on a Friday as opposed to a Saturday, and thus chose to inconvenience people, just to save yourself some money. Some may find this tacky. While your loved ones do want to be there for you, I think it's important to balance your desire to save some cash against their interests in not being inconvenienced. On the other hand, you're right that those who travel will be traveling anyway, particularly those coming from far far away. But, when you consider the time off that they will have to take, having the primary event on a Friday means it cuts a lot more into their workweek, because you have to have the rehearsal the day before (Thursday), which means people have to arrive no later than Wednesday night. One day isn't that big of a deal to some, but it may be for others. Given this, you may want to consider a Sunday. In that case, the worst problem is your guests' hangovers on Monday morning. 3. I guess you're not calling them religious, but you and I had discussed some special spiritual features of the wedding coming from your fiance's side. Does the cost/timing of those features on a Friday change? Thanks SG. I'm not talking specifically about THAT place thought it is a very strong consideration That specific site does weddings only starting at 6pm till midnight, providing around 3 hours of daylight (during the months we're planning on getting married). I'm not that concerned about people knowing that I had the wedding on a day other than Sunday, it will save me 10k and I don't think it's anything to be embarrassed about Of course I would prefer not to inconvenience people. I didn't think of the rehearsal, I wasn't planning on having one. Am I supposed to have one? As for my fiance's side of the family, they wanted to incorporate some traditional aspects in to the ceremony, the day of the week is not relevant to those at all. I always talk to my fiance first when toying with wedding possibilities and he sees no issue with a Friday or Sunday wedding. Also, I skipped an important detail in my OP. The money aspect isn't just about a difference in cost to rent the place during different days of the week. My main issue is that the type of place I'm considering has various minimals on what you spend on booze and food. For example, for a Saturday wedding the minimum number of guests they want you to purchase food/drink for is 200. Even if you only want 50 guests at your wedding you still have to spend 20k on food/booze, as if you were inviting 200. On alternate days they don't have these restrictions so you're not forced to spend for three times as many guests as you actually want/invite. This is my main issue because it's wasteful. Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 Thanks SG. I'm not talking specifically about THAT place thought it is a very strong consideration That specific site does weddings only starting at 6pm till midnight, providing around 3 hours of daylight (during the months we're planning on getting married). Really? My friend's wedding was at 4 or 5, me thinks. I could be wrong. But all of her wedding pictures are in the daylight, and hers was in October. I'm not that concerned about people knowing that I had the wedding on a day other than Sunday, it will save me 10k and I don't think it's anything to be embarrassed about Saving 10K is saving 1/3 of the cost?! MY LORD, that place is expensive. Ack! Okay, nevermind. I don't think it's tacky, but even if it is, be tacky in that case!!! Of course I would prefer not to inconvenience people. I didn't think of the rehearsal, I wasn't planning on having one. Am I supposed to have one? I think there's usually a rehearsal. But the only people who really have to be there are the the wedding party and the parental units. On alternate days they don't have these restrictions so you're not forced to spend for three times as many guests as you actually want/invite. This is my main issue because it's wasteful. Well then, there's another vote for an alternative day. Do whatever works for you, A. Sounds like that means a Friday. (I soooooo hope you go with "that" place! ) Link to post Share on other sites
dropdeadlegs Posted July 16, 2009 Share Posted July 16, 2009 I don't buy into the whole "what's proper and what's not" crap and couldn't care less about inconveniencing people. This is YOUR wedding day. I do understand that for some (maybe many) it's about sharing your day with loved ones, but for me it's all about sharing it with him/her, and to hell with the rest of the family/world. That sounds harsh, but I'm all about stating this is when and where it will take place, and while I'd love for you to be there, it really doesn't matter if ANYONE is there, because marriage is about you and him. I know you well enough to genuinely understand both your concerns about tackiness and financial savings and I say book the Friday. At my age weddings aren't happening all that often, but the last two I've been to have been on a Friday evening if that makes you feel any better. All that said, congratulations! I'm so happy for you both! Link to post Share on other sites
stace79 Posted July 22, 2009 Share Posted July 22, 2009 Maybe this was addressed, but I would suggest talking to your family you plan to invite. Ask their opinion. Tell them you want to be considerate, but that it will be much more affordable and you'd like to be responsible/smart about where you spend your money. If you cant give them a beautiful, fun day with a delicious meal/buffet, all for a fraction of the cost, by having it on Friday, ask them if they'd be able to accommodate. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Do it. If anyone asks, just say the particular day you wanted wasn't available. Link to post Share on other sites
nittygritty Posted July 26, 2009 Share Posted July 26, 2009 Congrats Allina! Have your wedding any day and anyway you and your groom want. That's what makes it your wedding. Here's a unique economical wedding idea... Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 27, 2009 Author Share Posted July 27, 2009 Thanks so much for your thoughts guys We still don't know what we're going to do Though we have narrowed it down to a few ideas. One, rent any venue we want an it it means needing to do a Sunday wedding then we do a Sunday wedding, two, going to Jamaica with both sets of parents for a week and doing it there, or buying an insanely amazing fixer house, getting married at city hall, then throwing a party/reception at the newly remodeled house. Congrats Allina! Have your wedding any day and anyway you and your groom want. That's what makes it your wedding. Here's a unique economical wedding idea... Thanks! I love that video how fun and cute Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted July 27, 2009 Share Posted July 27, 2009 allina, the biggest plus I can see in holding the wedding on a Friday evening is that your guests will have all of Saturday to soak up the local scene ... if the event is far enough in advance, you give them time to work out vacation time to be there. And from what you've said, it's not going to be a huge number of people, just close friends and family, and my guess is that it'll be doable. For both you as planner and them as guests. any which way, enjoy your planning ... and make it something that'll put a smile on yours and his faces the rest of your lives. Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 28, 2009 Author Share Posted July 28, 2009 Yeah................. we're officially having a destination wedding with just our parents and his brother, us and 5 guests in paradise Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 I Friday weddings. No problem with them here! Means you can chill on the Saturday, recover and take your time getting home again on the Sunday. Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted July 28, 2009 Share Posted July 28, 2009 Yeah................. we're officially having a destination wedding with just our parents and his brother, us and 5 guests in paradise AWESOME!!! Jamaica??? Link to post Share on other sites
Author allina Posted July 29, 2009 Author Share Posted July 29, 2009 AWESOME!!! Jamaica??? We are strongly leaning towards Jamaica, though we will have to do some more research. The more we looked at venues and planned a traditional wedding the more we cringed. I just couldn't spend tens of thousands and a year of planing and stressing for a 5-6 hour party. I've been to some truly beautiful and memorable weddings, and I'm in no way knocking them, it's just not for me. So instead of planing a wedding, we're going to book a vacation, a vacation that we'll be getting married on Link to post Share on other sites
sb129 Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Hey Allina, that sounds great. We looked into that option too, and I think its a great option. I loved every minute of my wedding day, but to be perfectly honest, I wish it had lasted a bit longer! I was so tired by the end of it- I have had better "fun" at other peoples weddings. A week of wedding celebrations combined with a holiday somewhere nice would be awesome. Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted July 29, 2009 Share Posted July 29, 2009 Allina, it's your wedding, so have fun with it! Jamaica sounds nice. Link to post Share on other sites
SummerLady Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 I get that it's easiest for people to attend a wedding on a Saturday, but is it that huge of a deal? I'm currently shopping around for a wedding site for my wedding, and booking a venue on a Friday often costs 1/3 of what it costs on a Saturday! We're talking about saving thousands just by having it on a Friday. I can't help but feel like it's wasteful to spend so much more money on the same place just to have a Saturday wedding. I'm thinking of booking a Friday wedding. Many of our guests are coming from other countries and the east coast so they will be taking some time off of work anyways. Our local friends and family can get at least a day off, especially with a 1 year notice. Should I just do this on Friday? Is that tacky or something? Why is it so much cheaper? I have been to 3 friday night weddings and loved them. Yes I had to leave early from work but it was fun. I think its fine I will consider a friday night wedding for my next time and last time:) Link to post Share on other sites
2sure Posted July 30, 2009 Share Posted July 30, 2009 H and I go to a ton of weddings. Those we enjoy the very most are Friday evening events. Those with the ceremony/reception at the same location. The later the better. We and our friends enjoy these the most because it means our entire weekend is not consumed by the wedding. Saturday weddings more likely than not mean church at 1 or 2 in the afternoon and then cocktails and reception at 5 or 6. Its a big inconvenience to be honest. I mean, for a close relative I'm happy to do spend the day. But for others, although its nice to be invited...enough already. Friday evening. Ceremony at 7. Cocktail Party or Dinner at 8. Besides, I feel stupid dressed in formal before 8. Link to post Share on other sites
bozwa Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 Sounds like you are going to have a beautiful wedding! We are having our wedding on a Sunday as his late mother's birthday falls on that day. Winter wedding! Good luck to you!!! Link to post Share on other sites
Star Gazer Posted August 22, 2009 Share Posted August 22, 2009 We are strongly leaning towards Jamaica, though we will have to do some more research. If you're open to Mexico, I have the perfect venue for you - where my BFF got married. Will PM you. So instead of planing a wedding, we're going to book a vacation, a vacation that we'll be getting married on I just love characterizing it that way!!! Link to post Share on other sites
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