Considering Weekday and Weekend Afternoons
Daytime weddings are beautiful, elegant affairs with a flourish that varies from nighttime ceremonies. Should you decide to have your wedding in the daylight hours, there will be some particular differences from an evening celebration which you should consider.
Afternoon weddings are never as formal as nighttime weddings, and rarely do couples opt for a black-tie affair. Part of this is tradition, says Danielle Bobish, of Curtain Up Events in New York. “People don’t party as much in the daytime,” she says. “They’re not used to dancing or dressing up.”
On the flip side, you need to make sure that “Daytime Affair” doesn’t translate to “Jeans and T-Shirts” in your guests’ minds. The attire should be stated on the invite, as couples opt for luncheons, brunches, or breakfasts. It’s best not to assume that guests will know what to wear for each one of these venues. As for the food, the different categories mean a variety of menu options, adding a little spice to your big day.
Budget-wise, daytime weddings are almost always cheaper than their nighttime counterparts. Guests drink less, and it’s perfectly acceptable to serve Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s, as opposed to a full bar. You’ll invariably get a better price for your reception site, too, as the hall can still book an evening wedding.
If you’re having a weekend affair, take note that less guests will RSVP for a Sunday wedding. “People reserve Saturdays for fun,” says Bobish. “On Sunday, they’re thinking about getting the kids home on time and the week in front of them.”
Should you decide on a weekday affair, you’ll save more money on the venue, but you’ll also get fewer guests, as many friends and relatives won’t be able to take the time off from work. Bobish reminds that if you have a weekday wedding, it’s especially important to send out Save the Date cards.
One of the biggest advantages of a daytime ceremony is that, assuming it’s a nice day, you can take your wedding pictures after the reception, for gorgeous, twilight wedding photos. For superstitious couples, this also helps you avoid seeing each other before the vows. You can also have an after-wedding party or dinner, for everyone or just members of the wedding.
All weddings in the outdoors demand a rain-date, so make sure you’ve got a Plan B. Whatever you decide, it’s your day for love.
-David Toussaint
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