Yes, You Can Say “I Do” on a Tuesday.
Let’s be honest—when most people imagine a wedding, they picture a sunny Saturday afternoon, followed by a full evening of dancing, cake-cutting, and maybe a sparkler exit under the stars. Saturdays have long held the title of “Ultimate Wedding Day,” and it’s easy to see why. They’re convenient, they give guests time to travel, and they don’t require anyone to call in sick on a Monday (though let’s be real… some still will). But if you’ve started looking at venue calendars or chatting with vendors, you’ve probably realized something pretty quickly: Saturday weddings are hot real estate. They’re booked out months (or even years!) in advance, and they come with a price tag that can make your budget do a double-take.
That’s where weekday weddings come in—and trust me, they’re not as out-there as they used to sound. Whether you’re looking to save money, land your dream venue, or simply want to do things your way, a weekday wedding might just be the ticket. More and more couples are opting for Monday through Thursday celebrations that still bring all the charm and none of the chaos. And while it might raise a few eyebrows when Aunt Susan hears you’re getting married on a Wednesday, once you dive into the perks (and the possibilities), you’ll be surprised how smart—and magical—a weekday wedding can really be.
The Pros of a Weekday Wedding
Better Availability & Lower Venue Fees
Finding your dream venue on a Saturday during peak season? Like trying to book a dinner reservation on Valentine’s Day. But weekday weddings open up a whole new calendar of possibilities. That dreamy vineyard, cozy barn, or luxe ballroom might be wide open on a Wednesday—and for a fraction of the price. Many venues offer discounted weekday rates that can save you thousands. One couple I worked with shaved $6,000 off their venue bill just by going with a Thursday. That’s real money (and yes, they used it for a honeymoon in Greece—cheers to that).
Major Savings
Let’s start with what most couples care about—the budget. Hosting your wedding on a weekday can lead to serious savings, and we’re not just talking a few bucks here and there. Many venues offer discounted rates for Monday through Thursday bookings—sometimes up to 40-50% off their weekend prices. The same goes for vendors like caterers, florists, DJs, and even photographers, who may have more flexible pricing for non-peak days.One couple I worked with saved nearly $7,000 by choosing a Thursday instead of a Saturday—and that extra money? They used it for a mini-moon in the mountains, complete with massages and room service. So if you’re hoping to stick to a budget without sacrificing your vision, a weekday might be your golden ticket.
More Vendor Availability
Ever fallen in love with a photographer, only to find out they’re booked solid for the next 18 Saturdays? Yeah, it’s the worst. But weekday weddings? They open up a whole new world of possibilities. Because they’re less common, vendors are more likely to be available—and sometimes even excited—to take on weekday events.This means you can book your dream vendor team without having to wait a year and a half or compromise on your favorites. I’ve had couples say that choosing a Thursday wedding let them book their “A-team” of vendors—people who were otherwise completely booked for weekends. It also gives you the chance to work with newer or high-demand talent who might not usually have weekend flexibility.
More Options for Meaningful Dates
Want to get married on your anniversary, your grandparents’ wedding date, or the date of your first kiss? Choosing a weekday gives you access to those meaningful, sentimental dates that are often already claimed if they fall on a weekend. You get the freedom to build a wedding that’s true to your love story—not just your venue’s calendar.
Intimate Vibes
Weekday weddings tend to have a naturally smaller guest count, and trust me, that can be a very good thing. With fewer RSVPs, the atmosphere often becomes more relaxed, personal, and meaningful. You’ll actually have time to chat with your guests instead of waving at everyone from across the room while juggling speeches, photos, and a full dance card.
One of my weekday couples described their wedding as “the best dinner party we’ve ever thrown”—it was cozy, intentional, and filled only with the people who genuinely wanted to be there. Smaller guest lists also mean fewer opinions, fewer logistics, and (bonus!) more room in the budget for thoughtful touches, like handwritten place cards or a custom cocktail menu.
Less Accommodation = Less Stress
One of the sneakiest perks of a weekday wedding? You’re not fighting five other couples for the same florist or trying to beat another bride to the punch at the rental showroom. Vendor calendars are typically more open, and venues are less likely to have multiple weddings booked in one day—meaning you’ll likely be the star of the show (as you should be).
A Built-In Excuse for a Long Weekend
Throwing a weekday wedding—especially on a Thursday or Friday—gives your guests the perfect excuse to take a long weekend, and who doesn’t love a mini getaway? It turns your wedding into a full-blown event: rehearsal dinner one night, wedding the next, and brunch the morning after.
I’ve seen guests turn weekday weddings into family trips, romantic escapes, or staycations. One bride even had her friends thank her for forcing them to take a break from work. A weekday wedding can feel like a well-deserved pause in everyone’s routine—and they’ll forever associate their time off with your special day (and maybe a killer dance floor moment).
Stands Out From The Crowd
Let’s be honest—your guests won’t forget your weekday wedding. While most couples follow the Saturday tradition, a weekday celebration feels fresh, unique, and memorable. It makes a statement and sets your love story apart. Plus, your guests will always remember that epic Thursday night party where they danced until 10 and still made it to work the next morning (kind of).
The Cons (Because We Keep It Real Here)
Guests Might Have to Use PTO
Let’s talk logistics: most people work Monday through Friday, which means attending your wedding on a weekday likely means using paid time off (PTO)—and not everyone has a ton of it. For local guests, taking a half-day might do the trick, but out-of-town guests will probably need to take one or two full days off, depending on travel time and any pre-wedding events.
I once had a bride’s cousin RSVP “no” to her Wednesday wedding because he had just used up all his vacation time on a family cruise. He sent a lovely gift but was genuinely heartbroken to miss it. While many of your guests will make it work (especially your inner circle), it’s important to be aware that some people may have limited flexibility with work or childcare. Sending Save-the-Dates early and offering to help with travel info can go a long way in easing those concerns.
Early Bedtimes
Unlike Saturday weddings, where people can party without worrying about that 8 a.m. Zoom call, weekday weddings tend to wind down earlier. Guests often need to head home at a reasonable hour—especially if they’ve got a commute or kids to wrangle the next morning.
One Thursday wedding I planned ended at 9:30 p.m.—not because the couple wanted it to, but because the guests were fading fast after a long day of work and travel. The vibe was still beautiful, but the couple mentioned they missed that late-night, anything-goes energy. If you’re envisioning a wild dance floor until midnight, this might be something to consider. Or, flip the script: go for an earlier ceremony and host a chic cocktail-style reception that wraps by 9. You’ll still get your magical moments—just with a bit more structure.
Travel Can Be Tricky
Coordinating travel for a weekday event can be a bit more complicated, especially for out-of-town guests. Midweek flights and hotel stays might be harder to schedule (or more expensive), and guests who are juggling work, kids, or school schedules could have a tougher time making it all work.
I once worked with a couple who planned a Tuesday wedding in a beautiful, remote location. It was stunning—think rolling hills and twinkle lights—but their college friends couldn’t make it due to midterms, and a few family members ended up arriving just in time for the ceremony after rearranging work meetings and travel delays. The takeaway? Be generous with your communication. Share travel tips, hotel blocks, and schedule suggestions to make things as easy as possible for your guests. A little planning on your end goes a long way on theirs.
Pro Tips for Planning a Weekday Wedding Like a Pro
- Give Extra Notice: Send Save-the-Dates earlier than usual so guests have time to request PTO and make arrangements.
- Plan a Pre- or Post-Wedding Celebration: Consider a casual welcome dinner the night before or a fun brunch the day after to extend the festivities (and reward those who took off work).
- Think About Timing: A later start time (like 5 or 6 p.m.) can help accommodate guests who need to work a half-day.
- Offer Incentives: Include fun perks like a coffee bar, welcome bags, or transportation to make it easier and more enjoyable for guests to celebrate with you midweek.
So… Is a Weekday Wedding Right for You?
If you’re a couple who dances to the beat of your own drum (or just really loves a good deal), a weekday wedding might be your perfect fit. It’s budget-friendly, more flexible, and delightfully unconventional.
And let’s be honest—your love story is already one-of-a-kind. Why not celebrate it on a Tuesday?
Whether you’re planning a Monday brunch elopement, a Wednesday winery celebration, or a Thursday night dance party under the stars, your weekday wedding can be just as magical (and maybe even more memorable) than a traditional weekend affair.
Just don’t forget to toast your guests for skipping work to party with you. That’s true love right there. 🥂Need help planning your weekday wedding? I’m here to handle the logistics, the timelines, and the champagne tower. Let’s make weekday magic happen—contact me today!
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