Friday Weddings: Pros and Cons

Friday weddings are something you may only just be warming to, but there are many good reasons to throw one, although there are also a few major drawbacks. Here’s some things to keep in mind.

Pro: You Could Get a Significant Discount

A lot of Denver wedding venues offer discounted rates for Friday because demand isn’t as heavy as it is for Saturday. This doesn’t just go for the venue, either—many vendors will also offer discounts, too, so as a package you could save significant money.

Con: You Won’t Always Get a Discount

On the other hand, with increased demand for Friday weddings, you might not get a discount with your vendor of choice. Some people are in demand all days of the week and won’t offer a reduced rate.

Pro: Night Weddings Are Cool

We mean this in both senses of the word. If you’re having your wedding in the middle of summer, afternoons in Colorado can be brutal, but by night time the dry air chills and everyone is a lot more comfortable in their tuxes and dresses.

And Friday weddings often start later, so they go later, too. This can encourage people to party harder, especially because they have the whole weekend to recover.

Con: People Might Be Tired

If your wedding is in the evening after a long day of work, many of your guests might not have the energy to really party. They might just want to sidle up to the bar and hang out with their old friend Jack. Daniels, that is, because he’s the only one who knows how to make them feel better after that kind of day. Or week.

Pro: It Saves the Weekend

On the one hand, having your wedding on a Friday saves the rest of the weekend for your guests. They have all day Saturday and Sunday for themselves.

Con: People Might Have to Take Time off Work

If people have to take time off work to attend your wedding, they might not feel like you’re doing them any favors. Instead they might feel you’re actually stealing their time.

Pro: A Great Way to Cut Your Guest List

Unhappy with a bloated guest list? Scheduling on Friday is one of the best ways to get a lot of “regrets” in your RSVPs.

Con: It Might Not Cut Who You Want

The problem is, since you’re not choosing who is being cut, you may find that the people who can’t make it are the ones you really wish could be there, and the ones who can are those you least want to see.

Pro: You Might Get Flexible Scheduling

Again, because there’s less demand for Friday weddings, it’s possible that you might be able to get a larger or irregular block of time for your wedding ceremony and reception. This means you can take it easier and enjoy things at a more leisurely pace.

Con: Work and Traffic Can Make It Less Flexible

Even if your venue or your vendors are prepared to offer flexibility, guests and vendors might get caught in traffic, which can be really bad on Fridays, and seems to start at 10am in the summer as everyone is trying to get out of Denver and into the High Country.

Gauging Suitability for Your Crowd

Every group is different, and some people are really open to Friday weddings and have no trouble making them. One way to gauge if your friends and family might be good with a Friday fete is to pay close attention at the rehearsal dinner for a Saturday ceremony. If there’s a lot of grumbling, whining, or other problems with people who are likely to be at your wedding, it might not be a good idea.

And, of course, you can always just ask and see what people say.

If you’re looking for a great wedding venue in Denver, no matter what day of the week, please call 303-557-2347 or email Stonebrook Manor today for your personal tour.