Labor Day weekend weddings: a brilliant idea or a logistical landmine? As couples look to stretch their celebrations and maximize guest attendance, tying the knot over a three-day weekend like Labor Day has become an increasingly popular choice. But is it right for you?
We asked top Minnesota wedding professionals to weigh in on the pros, cons, and creative opportunities of a holiday weekend wedding. From extended itineraries to traffic headaches, here’s what they had to say.
The Perks: More Time, More Celebration
"Labor Day provides a natural three-day weekend, giving guests extra time to travel, settle in, and enjoy a full itinerary - from welcome parties to post-wedding brunches," says Abby Shields, Wedding Manager at Grand View Lodge, Spa & Golf Resort. "That bonus day also allows everyone to recover, travel home, or simply savor the memories before jumping back into the workweek."
"We love the idea of turning a Labor Day wedding into a full holiday weekend experience - for both the couple and their guests," adds Brynn Smithson of Radisson Blu Mall of America. “When you host your wedding at Radisson Blu Mall of America, you're not just planning a single day; you're curating a multi-day celebration. With direct access to Mall of America, guests can spend their extra day off enjoying everything from Fair on 4’s axe throwing and go-karts to escape rooms, shopping, and dining - all without leaving the building."
Lauren Wooden of Glass House agrees: "Guests already have Monday off, which means more travel flexibility and time to recover from the party. Couples can stretch the festivities - think welcome parties, post-wedding brunches, or even a weekend retreat-style wedding. And for out-of-towners, it’s easier to attend without burning precious vacation days."
And for those craving something truly distinctive, Carrie Scarfing of Cragun’s Resort suggests embracing the holiday spirit: "A themed wedding centered around a holiday can be a fun and beautiful way to make an already special day even more memorable. While it’s not very common, it adds a unique touch to your celebration."
The Pitfalls: Price Tags and Prior Plans
While there are clear benefits, Labor Day weekend isn’t without its complications.
"We encourage couples to consider logistics as holiday weekends can mean higher travel and accommodation costs for guests," notes Grace Eberhardt of Northern Pacific Center, especially in destination-friendly regions like Brainerd. “Vendor availability may be limited, and local events (like lake traffic in our area) can impact the experience. The key is early planning."
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
