Planning a wedding? Five reasons to consider saying ‘I do’ on a weekday

Saturday might traditionally be wedding day, but couples planning their celebrations don’t necessarily have to wait for the weekend to say “I do”.

As more couples choose weddings that reflect their lifestyle, values and priorities, the day of the week is another tradition being reconsidered.

A weekday wedding might mean greater choice of venues and suppliers, better value and even a more intimate guest list.

“The idea that weddings have to happen on a Saturday is no longer set in stone,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills, a KwaZulu-Natal premier wedding location in the Midlands.

“More couples exploring weekday celebrations are discovering that they offer the same magic, without many of the usual constraints. And while Saturdays will probably always remain the traditional preference,” she adds, “there is much to be said in favour of midweek nuptials. “Possibly the biggest advantage being how many more choices are available to couples, making a compelling case for those looking to do things a little differently.”

Gonyora shares five reasons a weekday wedding might be worth considering.

1. You might not have to wait as long

If you don’t want a long engagement, securing your preferred wedding venue on a Saturday could present a challenge.

Weekend dates at sought-after venues can be booked months or even a year in advance, particularly when planning a destination wedding.

Opening your search to weekdays gives you more flexibility when choosing a date in your preferred month rather than waiting for the next available Saturday.

It might also make coordinating the wedding around work and family plans easier.

2. Your preferred suppliers might be available

Finding the venue is only one part of the wedding planning process.

Photographers, florists, musicians and celebrants also tend to have busy weekend calendars.

Choosing a weekday could give you a better chance of securing the wedding professionals you want rather than having to compromise because they are already booked.

3. A weekday wedding might stretch your budget further

Wedding budgets have to cover everything from the venue and food to accommodation and décor.

Many venues and suppliers offer more favourable rates during the week.

Couples could then redirect those savings towards other parts of their celebration, whether that means choosing a more elaborate menu, upgrading accommodation, adding extra décor or putting more towards the honeymoon.

4. Your celebration might feel more intimate

A weekday wedding does come with one potential drawback: some guests might struggle to take time away from work or other commitments.

This becomes even more relevant when guests have to travel to a destination venue.

The result might be a smaller guest list, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

A more intimate celebration gives couples an opportunity to spend more meaningful time with the family and friends who are there to share the occasion.

5. Turn your wedding into a longer getaway

A destination wedding doesn’t have to begin and end with the ceremony and reception.

Guests who have already taken leave might decide to stay a little longer, particularly if there are savings available on midweek accommodation.

That extra time creates an opportunity to spend time together before or after the wedding, especially with family and friends who have travelled from further away.

The couple might also choose to stay a little longer before leaving for their honeymoon.

Weekday celebrations also offer the opportunity to experience the destination when it is less busy than it might be over a weekend.

At Brahman Hills, this might include exploring its gardens and forest walks, visiting nearby Midlands attractions or spending time unwinding at the destination.

Give your guests enough notice

If you decide that a Tuesday or Thursday suits you better than the traditional Saturday wedding, there is one important consideration.

Give your guests plenty of warning.

Sending save-the-dates well in advance gives family and friends enough time to arrange leave from work and book accommodation if they need to travel.

“The best wedding isn’t defined by the day of the week; it’s defined by the memories it creates,” concludes Gonyora. “Ultimately, it’s about choosing the day that works best for you, your loved ones and the celebration you’ve always imagined. And for couples willing to think beyond tradition, it could prove to be the key to a wedding that reflects their priorities, rather than the calendar.”

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