Weekday Weddings: I do! Or I don't!

Have you received your next wedding invitation, and it’s dated for a Monday or Thursday instead of a Saturday? If you haven’t yet, you may soon.

According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is about $33,000. That’s more than some new cars or a down payment for a home. With changing trends, budget-conscious planning, and increased venue flexibility, weekday weddings are gaining popularity.

Whether it’s a Tuesday elopement or a Thursday dinner party, here’s what our future brides and grooms are considering when it comes to hosting their dream celebration on a weekday:

Highlights: I Do!

1. Significant Cost Savings

Weekday weddings are often more affordable. Venues, photographers, DJs, and even florists typically offer discounts for non-peak days. This can free up your budget for splurging on other areas, like a dream honeymoon or extra-special catering.

2. More Venue and Vendor Availability

Popular venues book up fast on weekends—sometimes years in advance. Choosing a weekday can open your options, often allowing you to snag that dream location or top-tier vendor with less competition and more flexibility.

3. A More Intimate Guest List

Not everyone will be able to take time off work or travel midweek, which naturally trims your guest list. For couples wanting a smaller, more intimate wedding, this can be a blessing in disguise—fewer guests, less pressure, and more meaningful connections.

4. Unique and Memorable Experience

Let’s face it—how many people remember what they did on a random Wednesday night? A weekday wedding can stand out as a unique, unexpected, and memorable event for your guests.

Bottom left and top right photos by: 8nfinity Photography

Hiccups: I Don’t…

1. Guest Availability and Travel Challenges

This is one of the biggest hurdles. Guests might struggle to get time off work, especially for weddings that require travel. Some may not attend at all, which could affect your vision of a full celebration.

2. Shorter Celebrations

Guests may need to leave early or skip the reception altogether due to work or family commitments. That could mean a more condensed timeline and less dancing into the night.

3. Logistics Can Be Tricky

Coordinating a weekday wedding may involve more logistical headaches, like rush hour traffic, limited setup time due to other weekday bookings at the venue, or finding vendors who are available and willing to work nontraditional hours.

4. Potential Perception Issues

Some people might see a weekday wedding as unconventional or even inconvenient. While this shouldn’t stop you, it’s worth being prepared for a little pushback from traditionalists in your circle.

More to Consider:

• Send Save-the-Dates Early: Give guests plenty of time to plan and request time off work.

• Consider an Evening Ceremony: Start later in the day to accommodate work schedules.

• Live Stream the Event: For guests who can’t attend, streaming your ceremony allows them to celebrate with you virtually.

• Be Understanding: Some loved ones may not be able to make it. Focus on the people who can be there and make it special.

A weekday wedding isn't just a budget-friendly option—it's an opportunity to break away from the expected and create something truly personal. While it comes with a few compromises, the right planning can make a Tuesday wedding feel just as magical (if not more so) than a Saturday celebration.

The bottom line? Whether you say “I do” on a Monday morning or a Friday night, what matters most is who you’re saying it to.