The Etiquette of Hosting a Friday Wedding

There are so many reasons why a couple might decide to get married on a Friday night: the pricing is generally more affordable, they have their hearts set on a certain venue (but every Saturday night was booked), more vendors are available, or they want to break with tradition. If you're in this boat, here are a few tips that'll make your Friday wedding a success.

Send Save-the-Date Cards

Giving family and friends plenty of notice that they may have to take time off from work is a thoughtful gesture. Mail the cards up to a year prior to the ceremony. To make certain they understand the wedding is on a weekday, write "Friday, September 20, 2024" and not just "September 20, 2024."

Set the Ceremony for a Reasonable Time

An afternoon wedding will mean that even local guests may have to take time off from work rather than leave just a little early. Starting at 5:30 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. is more crowd-pleasing, since it will give long-distance travelers more time to arrive—as well as give local loved ones time to get ready after they get out of the office.

Understand Guests May Need to Skip the Ceremony

Although your vows are the high point of the day, many guests will opt out of watching you say "I do" because of work or travel reasons. While you don't want to send the message that you approve of no-shows, don't let it get you down. Use your time and energy to focus on who's there rather than who isn't.

Schedule a Day-After Brunch

A morning-after brunch is a nice way to say thanks—but don't plan on your friends and family lingering. While some might, many will want to leave to enjoy the rest of the weekend.