Whether you’re trying to save money or your top-choice venue has every Saturday booked for the next year and a half (IYKYK), you may find yourself considering a Friday or Sunday wedding. But which day fits your celebration the best? Join us as we break down the pros and cons of Friday vs. Sunday weddings. Plus, we’re sharing our top seven tips for improving the guest experience, so your day runs seamlessly and your loved ones know how much you appreciate them!

Friday vs. Sunday Weddings

Pros and Cons of a Friday Wedding

Pros:

• Having a Friday wedding can save you a significant amount of money! Venues and vendors usually offer discounted rates compared to their Saturday pricing.
• Popular venues will have more Fridays available than Saturdays, something to consider if you are on a tight planning timeline.
• You’ll have a full weekend afterward to either relax and unwind or keep the celebration going! You can also consider hosting a day-after brunch or party for your guests, who will be more likely to stay for the entire weekend instead of rushing home for the work week.

Cons:

• Some guests, especially those from out of town, may need to take time off work to attend. This could affect overall attendance.
• If your wedding is in a major city, you’ll be dealing with Friday traffic.

Pros and Cons of a Sunday Wedding

Pros:

• Your guests can arrive on Saturday, so they won’t have to take off work to attend. If you wish, you can host a welcome party on Saturday night!
• Much like a Friday wedding, booking a Sunday event generally comes with greater availability and lower rates.
• Morning ceremonies and brunch-style receptions were made for Sundays! If you and your partner are envisioning a laid-back celebration, we recommend booking a Sunday.

Cons:

• Your guests may need to leave early or skip the after-party due to work the next day.
• With the above in mind, it’s best not to plan an evening event (a possible disappointment for couples who love a lit-up dance floor!). We recommend shifting your entire timeline earlier in the day and focusing on planning a fun and lighthearted experience that’s worth showing up for—yes, even on a Sunday!

Ways to Improve the Guest Experience

Whether you book a Friday or Sunday wedding, you’re asking a bit more from your guests, who will either need to take off work or return to it the following day. You can show your appreciation by delivering a fantastic guest experience! Here are a few ways we like to do this:

Provide Plenty of Advance Notice

Send save-the-dates early (6-8 months before the event), so guests can plan to take time off or adjust their travel plans.   

Plan a Late Start (Friday)

Consider starting your ceremony later in the evening than is conventional—anywhere from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. That way, your guests can finish their work days or travel on the same day.

Plan an Early Start (Sunday)

Start your ceremony early in the day—think brunch or midday—so your guests don’t have to worry about a late night before the workweek.

Offer Accommodations

Block nearby hotel rooms and share options for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night stays. Bonus points if you negotiate a group rate!

Host Welcome or Farewell Events

A welcome drink on Thursday evening or a casual Sunday morning coffee will add to the fun and make your guests feel appreciated.

Provide Transportation

Shuttles from hotels to the venue can make things easier on your guests, especially if there will be Friday evening traffic to contend with.

Set the Tone Early

Let guests know your wedding will be worth showing up for! Add fun details to your invitation or website to build excitement and ease hesitation.

Become a Member of The Wedding Duo Membership

Now that you know the pros and cons of Friday vs. Sunday weddings, we hope you can determine which day fits your celebration the best. No matter which day of the week you choose to get hitched, we invite you to continue your planning journey as a Wedding Duo Member! Inside the membership, you’ll have help customizing your wedding timeline to a Friday or Sunday event. You’ll also have the opportunity to see how other couples structured their timelines, and ask questions during our live Q&A sessions.

Membership is normally just $27/month, but right now we’re offering your first month FREE! Take advantage of this limited-time deal and get expert-led wedding planning guidance today.