Your Guide to Planning a Friday or Sunday Wedding

As a live wedding illustrator, the first question people ask me is about availability. Whether you’re planning your wedding six months or one year in advance, Saturdays tend to fill up quickly! But that got me thinking… why don’t more people plan a Friday or Sunday wedding? To satiate my curiosity (and to help inspire you!) I’ve created a pro and con list for planning a wedding on Friday or Sunday, instead of on highly competitive Saturdays. 

Pros of Planning a Friday or Sunday Wedding 

Many people don’t know that planning a wedding on Friday or Sunday is even a possibility! Not only is it possible, it is often more affordable. Maybe you have your heart set on a specific venue, but they’re Saturdays are all booked up. You may still be able to work with them on a Friday, Sunday, or even a weekday!

Planning a Friday or Sunday wedding can also give you more options when it comes to vendors. Many vendors are eager to take advantage of the weekend and include multiple weddings, especially if they’re in the same area. If you’re planning your wedding in a shorter amount of time, vendors who are already booked for Saturdays may be able to work with you on a Friday or Sunday. 

If you choose to have a non-Saturday wedding, you may also be able to get away with a smaller guest count. I know how stressful planning a large wedding is, especially if most of your guest list is extended family you don’t know very well. A Friday or Sunday wedding could give you a reason to reduce your guest list. 

Lastly, a Friday or Sunday wedding gives you ample opportunity to enjoy the weekend! You could create an entire weekend of wedding celebrations, or even leave for your honeymoon right away. Either way, you’ll have more free time around your wedding if you choose to have it on a Friday or Sunday.

Cons of Having a Non-Saturday Wedding 

The biggest downside of planning a Friday or Sunday wedding is that it may be more difficult for your guests to attend. These edge-of-the-weekend weddings are best for intimate celebrations, since traveling to your wedding or needing to take off work could be difficult for some guests. 

While some venues may be easier to book on a Friday or Sunday, you may still encounter challenges. You must be willing to reach out to many different venues to find one that is available on your date! Lastly, if you choose to plan a weekend's worth of celebrations, you must factor that into your budget. I personally adore wedding weekends, but they take significant budgeting and planning effort.

Tips for Planning a Friday or Sunday Wedding 

If you want to plan a non-Saturday wedding, I recommend sending your save-the-date, invitations, and RSVPs early. Your guests may need to request time off from work and require more notice. 

Having illustrated at weddings all over the world - and at all times of the week - I can promise that Friday and Sunday weddings have just as much joy, laughter, and celebration. If you want to give your guests a truly one-of-a-kind experience at your wedding, consider adding live wedding illustration! Fill out this form to learn more about how it can make your wedding even more memorable.