by Christie Brogan {9.29.16}
Traditionally speaking, Saturday is still the most popular day of the week for a wedding. (No surprise.) Over the past five to seven years, there certainly has been an increase in hosting weddings on the “bookend” days of the weekend with couples opting for a Friday or Sunday date. (Again, no surprise.) Lately, however, we have noticed a trend towards an even greater “break from tradition” and a move towards weekday weddings…as in, Monday through Thursday. Why, you ask?
Here are the top five reasons:
1. It’s Costs-Effective – Just as you can book a hotel room or an airline ticket on an “off” day for less money, the same goes for booking your venue (read: step one cost savings). While not all vendors offer discounted pricing based on the day of the week, the opportunity to negotiate is certainly better when you are proposing a day that might otherwise not generate revenue for that professional.
2. Wedding Pro Availability – You know that amazing event designer or cake decorator who you have to have for your big day? Now you can. With high demand for these professionals’ goods and services on weekend dates, weekday dates provide a greater selection of talent.
3. Shorter Engagement – A typical engagement is 12 months. For those of you (myself included) who would prefer a shorter timeline (yes, it can be done), these weekday or “bookend” weddings provide a viable option for shaving months off the planning period.
4. A Meaningful Date – Your first date was October 17th. And, you want your wedding on October 17th…which is a Thursday. Why not have it on Thursday? The truth is, in ten years, it won’t matter if you were married on a Tuesday evening or a Saturday afternoon. It will, however, matter if the date holds a special place in your the timeline of your relationship together.
5. The Long Weekend – This is a particular fantastic bonus for the destination wedding couples…and the benefits here are two-fold. First, your guests can make a “mini-vaca” of the festivities. (Hint: pick a desirable location like Wilmington, NC – Yes, we are biased.) Second, a wedding set early in the weekend means you will actually have time to spend with those folks who have traveled in to share in the milestone monent. Whether you realize it or not, the build up (in particular the days right before the wedding) tend to be a little nuts. A few days to settle into your new marital status in the company of friends and family can be an ideal way to kick off the new union.
{Kelly & Kendall – 6.23.16} How does a weekday wedding differ from a Saturday wedding? Not much at all. Kelly and Kendall held their wedding on a warm summer Thursday evening this past June at 128 South. The gorgeous couple enjoyed a relaxed and intimate ceremony (great for bashful brides) on the 128 South Riverview Deck followed by cocktail hour. Dinner and dancing were hosted inside the venue finished off with a sparkler exit on Front Street. The photos were generously provided by Matt McGraw Photography capturing some of the special moments for this lovely pair. Enjoy!
The Wedding Pros
Ceremony Site: 128 South Riverview Deck
Reception Venue: 128 South
Photographer: Matt McGraw Photography
Bridal Suite: The Cottage on Orange Street
Caterer: 128 South Events & Catering
Day-Of Coordinator: 128 South (Chere Velazquez)
Entertainment: DJ Brian Hood
Linens & Rentals: Party Suppliers
Flowers: Whole Foods Market
Cake: One Belle Bakery
Transportation: Event Shuttle Service
Accommodations: Graystone Inn
____________________________________________________________
Christie Brogan {Co-Owner & Partner – 128 South and Bakery 105 in Wilmington, NC. Entrepreneur, Event Planner, Wedding Geek, Writer, Business Innovator, Idea Maker, Boot Camp Betty, Yoga Nut, Animal Lover, Avid Reader}