5 Benefits Of A Weekday Wedding In Philadelphia

Is a weekday wedding in Philadelphia an option for you?

Perhaps, during your planning, you’ve found yourself struggling to find open dates at your venue. Or maybe you realize that your vision doesn’t quite align with your budget? If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider having your ceremony and reception on a weekday. After all, it’s the same exact view on a Saturday as it is on say, a Thursday. In fact, hosting your wedding in Philadelphia on a weekday versus a weekend comes with several pros and cons. Follow us along as we describe some benefits as well as some drawbacks.

Five factors to consider when deciding on a weekday or weekend wedding

Photo credit: LHS Weddings

Weekday Wedding

Pros:

1. Cost Reduction:

   • Venues and event professionals often have lower pricing for weekday weddings, since they are less in demand.
   • There may even be lower costs for catering, music, and photography since it’s during the week.

2. More Venue Availability:

   • You will have your choice of open dates which makes it easier to book your favorite venue. The same holds true for your event pros, since weekends are typically booked years in advance.

3. More Intimate Guest List:

   • Since most people work during the week, not all of your guests will be able to take time off, naturally lowering your guest count. However, this will make it a more intimate experience and easier to manage since fewer people may be able to attend.

4. Less Competition:

   • Since there is less competition for a weekday wedding, you may receive more personalized attention from the venue manager, and your vendors.

5. Lower Hotel Costs:

   • Room rates tend to be lower during the week than on the weekend in general. However, this depends on the location, time of year, type of hotel and events coming into town.

Photo credit: LHS Weddings

Cons:

1. Guest Attendance:

   • Again, since many of your guests may have work commitments or other weekday obligations, it can make it challenging for them to attend. However, if you have it on a Monday or a Thursday, some could consider it a long weekend.
   • Friends and family may need to take personal time off from work, which can be a burden or a breeze depending on their situation. This is especially true for out-of-town guests.

2. Shorter Celebration:

   • Guests may leave earlier because of work the following day, making the celebration shorter. Again, opting for a Monday or Thursday could help this situation.

3. Travel Difficulties:

   • Guests traveling from far away may face more obstacles in coordinating travel plans because of their work schedule.

Photo credit: LHS Weddings

Weekend Wedding

Pros:

1. Higher Guest Attendance:

   • If you are looking to have a robust guest list, a weekend wedding may be a better choice. Since most friends and family have weekends off, it will be easier for them to attend without taking time off work.
   • Travel is easier and more convenient for out-of-town guests, as they can drive in or fly over the weekend.

2. Longer Celebration:

   • Your guests are more likely to celebrate with you later into the wee hours. Whether dancing until the band leaves or showing up for the afterparty, late evenings are more inviting since they don’t have work commitments the next day.
   • You and your guests may feel more relaxed and ready for a fun reception without work obligations looming the next day.

3. Traditional Timing:

   • Friday, Saturday and Sunday weddings align with traditional expectations and are typically easier for guests to plan their schedule around. In fact, some friends and family may question why your wedding is being held on a weekday. However, since more people take vacation time during the summer, June, July and August may be more in line with a weekday wedding.

Photo credit: LHS Weddings

Cons:

1. Higher Costs:

   • Weekends are in high demand and there are only so many Saturdays in a year. Therefore, venues, catering, and other event professionals typically charge a premium for weekends. Certainly, weekdays are more flexible.
   • Expect fewer opportunities for discounts, booking incentives or package deals.

2. Venue and Vendor Availability:

   • The most sought after wedding venues and vendors are often booked far in advance, sometimes years, therefore limiting your choices.
   • You might have to be flexible and open to the idea of choosing another wedding date.

3. Crowded Schedules:

   • A lot of activities happen during the weekend. Therefore, it’s more likely that your guests have conflicts such as overlapping events. For example, other weddings, graduations, or family vacations to name a few.

Conclusion:

Finally, choosing to plan a weekday wedding can be a great option if you’re looking for cost savings, more flexibility in planning, and a smaller, more intimate event. Conversely, a weekend wedding is ideal if you are looking for a more traditional experience with a larger turnout, and a longer celebration. Basically, the choice comes down to your priorities.