The Big Question: Do I Hold a Weekday or Weekend Wedding?
December 15, 2022
A number of things have changed over the years when it comes to wedding tradition, and one of those is the day on which a wedding takes place.
Is your event better suited for a weekday? Or does a weekend allow more flexibility?
Back in the day, according to English folklore, Saturday was established to be the most unlucky day to be wed (ironic, considering it’s one of the most popular days now). The rhyme for wedding days went a little something like this:
“Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursdays for crosses, Fridays for losses, and Saturday for no luck at all.”
Today, roughly 70% of weddings take place on Saturdays. Many ask, why the change? Trends come and go, and this one shifted with time and generations. Well, it’s reported to have been a combination of work schedules (both industrial and office work) and religion. With the extremely high demand for weekend wedding dates, many are seeing the gradual adoption of weekday weddings again. It’s important to recognize that as you’re planning your big day (or few days) many factors should be considered to pick the right time for you. See them below!
Time Off
Do your guests need to take time off? Will this affect their attendance?
If it’s difficult for your guests to get time off for your wedding, then it might be better to host a wedding weekend rather than planning around the middle of the week. So much of the wedding is centred around your nearest and dearest, so you want to make sure to keep this in mind.
Wedding Duration
Do you want to dedicate one day to your wedding, or multiple days?
This question kind of goes back to the first question regarding time off, but a wedding weekend tends to be pricier than a one-day affair, for obvious reasons. If you want to keep costs low, then this is something to consider. Regardless, your day is going to be a hit either way!
Venue Preference
Do you have your heart set on a specific venue?
If you have your sights set on that rustic barn in the Fraser Valley or downtown brownstone in Calgary, then you might have to be more flexible with your dates. Due to the delay of the wedding industry throughout COVID and the high demand that wedding professionals are experiencing right now, many venues are booked a couple of years in advance. You might have to choose between timing and venue, so it’s crucial to know what your non-negotiables are.
Cost
Are you trying to reduce that hefty price tag that comes with weddings?
Booking your wedding on a weekday is a primary way that you can keep costs a little bit lower than originally projected. Many venues have slightly reduced rates for these days. It’s like booking flights—some days are more expensive because they’re peak periods!
At the end of the day, your wedding day should work for YOU as a couple. The last couple of years have lent well to more personalized and tailored weddings to each couple. Many are pushing back against old wedding traditions to make way for new ones, and we can’t wait to see where the industry goes in the next few years. Keep on the lookout on our blog and socials—we’re always keeping up on the latest!
