Spotlight: Should You Say "I Do" to Holiday Weekend Weddings?

Heidi Ott of Milford Hills Hunt Club echoes the concern: "Travel costs tend to be higher during these times, which can make attending more expensive for your guests if they don’t live locally. Additionally, many family members may already have established annual plans or commitments, which could affect their availability."

And Dani Leonard of Lake Elmo Inn Catering shares that her team sees mixed reactions to holiday weddings. She explains, “Review your guest list to determine if guests will be traveling from out of town or if most are local and have a short commute. If you have many guests coming in from out of town, an extra day of travel (for example, on Labor Day weekend) is a fantastic way to provide an extra day for travel. However, be aware that if many of your guests will be staying in a hotel, the prices will likely be more inflated during peak times. Our staff recommends only picking smaller, long weekend-based holidays for the best experience. Wedding guests tend to dislike missing big holidays and would prefer a wedding to be held on a smaller-scale holiday so they don't have to forfeit their annual traditions in favor of attending the wedding.”

She adds that while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, these factors are worth considering when weighing whether a holiday weekend is the right fit. “At the end of the day, it's your wedding, and the only person whose opinion matters is yours. So, do what feels right for your special day, but please consider these helpful guidelines if you're weighing the idea.”

If your wedding vision includes lush florals and a tight setup timeline, Candace Holmstadt of 651 Studio & Floral Design offers this caution: “Wholesale flower delays, staffing shortages, and early September heat can all affect execution. Labor Day weekend is often packed, which means your florist - and other vendors - may be juggling back-to-back events."

It Comes Down to Planning - and Personality

For some, the pros outweigh the cons, especially with ample prep and a clear sense of what matters most.

"I encourage couples to book a wedding over a holiday weekend if they plan ahead and give guests plenty of notice," says Nela Menéndez of Nela Dance LLC. “It’s a great way to turn a wedding into a full weekend celebration!” She notes couples often use the time for extra dance rehearsals or group activities that add depth to the festivities.

Rebekah Bjelland of Mintahoe Catering & Events offers a personal perspective: “Speaking from experience, my husband and I got married over Labor Day weekend and while there were a few trade-offs, we absolutely loved it. Now it’s our little tradition: a whole weekend to celebrate our anniversary with our daughter. It’s become something we look forward to every year.

Similarly, Natalie Brummond of Belle Âme Vineyard says, “Labor Day weekend can offer perks like venue discounts, better vendor availability, and the fun of turning your anniversary into a long-weekend celebration every year.” Her tip? Keep it intimate or plan far in advance.

Sandy Vogel of Live Nation Special Events – Minneapolis encourages couples to consider national holiday weekends, noting that they often come with perks like extended time for celebration, greater flexibility in choosing a wedding day, and even potential cost savings due to lower demand. 

Laura Alpizar of Laura Alpizar Photography puts it simply: "Holiday weekend weddings can be a great option for couples who want a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere." Just keep in mind that "some guests might already have plans for the holiday, especially with family reunions or traditions."

The Bottom Line

A Labor Day weekend wedding can be a magical, memory-making experience - if you're thoughtful in your approach. Give guests plenty of notice, budget for premium pricing, and lean into the opportunity to create a full weekend celebration.

As Vivian of Milbern Clothing puts it: “The extra time off helps everyone unwind, making the vibe more relaxed and the celebrations even more fun.”

In other words? If it feels right for you, go for it - with intention and preparation. Whether it’s a lakeside bash or a city-chic soirée, a holiday weekend wedding might just be the perfect way to start your forever.

Photo Credit: Wild Trail Studio courtesy of Mintahoe Catering & Events