Q. We want to have a summer wedding and are considering tying the knot over Memorial Day or Labor Day weekend. Do you think my guests will groan about my wedding taking place during a holiday weekend?
A. Depending on the type of wedding you’re planning, and taking your guests into consideration, having your big day on a holiday weekend can be a great option. Sarah Trotter, owner of Lasting Impressions Weddings and Event Coordination, has helped many local brides plan weddings on holiday weekends. Before sending out save-the-dates, she says, it’s important to weigh all the factors.
“If you’re inviting out-of-town guests to your wedding, a holiday weekend provides an extra day for guests to travel to and from your wedding,” she says. “In addition, hotels are usually underbooked and traffic is usually lighter, which is a benefit to all wedding guests staying in the area.”
Holiday weekends also offer the option of a late-night reception on a Sunday without cramping guests’ workweeks. Not to mention that many venues and vendors provide Sunday discounts, which can be helpful for couples on a budget.
For these reasons, holiday weekends are very popular with brides, so wedding venues tend to book up quickly. If you’re set on getting married on Memorial Day or Labor Day, make sure you have an open mind when it comes to venues, or book your desired site as early as possible.
While there are many benefits to getting married on a holiday weekend, doing so can lead to lower wedding attendance and possibly even a few irritated guests. “Especially in Minnesota, many people head to their cabins during holiday weekends,” says Trotter. “By planning your wedding on one of the most anticipated weekends of the summer, you’re asking [some] guests to forgo their holiday weekend plans or decline your invitation to attend.”
While it’s thoughtful to consider your guests when setting your wedding date, choosing the day that’s right for you and your fiancé is the most important thing.