As a newly engaged couple you will quickly learn the first question you’ll be asked after announcing your engagement is “When is the Wedding?” Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind as you move from the excitement of your engagement to the logistics of wedding planning.
While Saturdays are typically the first dates to come to mind there are also some disadvantages to Saturday dates. The limited Saturday availability of venues and other vendors can lead to long wait times or making compromises in your choice of vendors, as well as higher cost. Saturdays book quickly, so you may have to wait for the next wedding season to get a Saturday in the season you prefer. We encourage you to also consider the benefits of Friday and Sunday options for multiple reasons.
Reason #1: Expanded Access to Your Preferred Season
We always recommend you prioritize season over day of the week. A year from now, no one will remember what day of the week of your wedding was, and the day your anniversary falls on changes every year. Your guests however will remember the venue, the beautiful scenery and unique experience they shared with you celebrating your special day.
Reason #2: Availability of Vendors
Access to top vendors expands considerably if you offer flexibility in your choice of day of the week. With only 52 Saturdays a year, and just 26 Saturdays in “Wedding Season”, vendor schedules fill up fast! Friday or Sunday dates expand availability to top photographers, caterers, musicians, and florists that you may not be able to book on a Saturday due to limited availability.
Reason #3: Accommodating Guests & Travel
For guests traveling, a Saturday wedding is consuming your guest’s entire weekend with travel days of Friday and Sunday. This may sound convenient, but we’ve found guests often appreciate having their weekend time in addition to your wedding celebration. Your guests may also save money in travel costs as weekend rates for hotels are typically more expensive. If you have a Friday wedding, guests still have the weekend free, or if you have a Sunday wedding, they can take Monday off to travel. Typically, anyone traveling from a distance is going to take at least a day off work regardless.
Reason #4: More Time to Spend With Family & Friends
Weddings are busy days, and a long weekend can give you time to relax and enjoy your family and friends either before or after your wedding. Upstate NY has so many attractions and beautiful places to visit, and we encourage our couples to explore the area, with great local options for rehearsal dinners, outdoor activities, and attractions. Of course, your wedding at the Sablewood will be the highlight of their experience!
Reason #5: Potential Savings
Some vendors offer reduced prices on a Friday or Sunday. This isn’t necessarily the case with every wedding professional, as they are providing the same services. Sometimes you may be able to upgrade your vendors and have a higher quality venue as well on a Friday or Sunday, as opposed to a Saturday. It’s like having your cake and eating it too!
