Midweek wedding?

We're having a Thursday wedding. We have 2 teachers in about 80 guests who aren't able to come, but other than that most people seem to be able to make it. Most are making a few days out of it, coming up on the Wednesday and staying for the entire weekend.

No problems as yet but have only just sent invites, so may yet be getting some declining rsvps.

I say do what is best for you and others will either work around it if they can, and if not then that's fine

Thanks for the reassurance chocolate, my H2B says that people will make the effort for us, I just don't want to put people out!

We have thought about paying something towards peoples rooms as we will be making a massive saving on cost having it midweek.

As long as you give plenty of notice (a lot more than "traditionally") and accept that you will get more declines than you would like, then having a midweek wedding shouldn't be a problem - in many cases you'll find suppliers more willing to be flexible on the prices and packages.

I would not even entertain the idea of contributing towards their hotel costs - after all it's their choice if they want to drive or not leave early, not yours - because you'll soon find you lose all the advantages, and then some, of the midweek discounts. What about those not staying over, should you help with their travel costs? Babysitting costs? There is no end. If people want to come then nothing will get in their way.

I think you'll find most people will make the effort, which will either mean they can come, or they've enquired and its not possible - either way is fine. Those that can't be bothered to make the effort to find out...well then fvk 'em.

I'd be wary on contributing to hotel rooms as it raises a lot of questions as therefore potential conflicts - just the night of the wedding? The night before as well? How much? 50%? People will factor the cost of accomodation into their response, so will decline if they feel they can't afford it - maybe those are the people to approach on contributing some towards rooms, but i personally wouldn't go all out to everyone from the start.

but that's just me

Good point chocolate_e.

I haven't been to a midweek wedding personally, but a couple of friends of mine went to a Monday wedding last year - one was a BM so she knew a lot about the guest list and things and she said that very few were not able to make it. As AJ said, if enough notice is given, it should be fine, although I would try for a Thursday rather than a Monday as then people can use the weekend to recover!

We are certainly seeing an increase in mid week bookings so I think lots of people are in the same boat. As already mentioned, teachers may struggle - but if it is in August, it should fall in summer holidays so will be fine. Personally, I have not been to a mid week wedding yet - but I would love to, and make a little holiday of it, if I could make childcare arrangements for the actual wedding evening! (And with enough notice, anything is possible!)

Good luck!

I'm having a Thursday wedding next April and I've saved a fortune so far! The venue, photographer and cars have all given us discount so far.

I sent out Save the Date fridge magnets in May this year to give people lots of warning and most people have said they'll definitely come. My bridesmaids have all booked the Thursday and Friday off work to have a long weekend.

I think it's definitely worth it, and the people who matter will be there!

This! We are getting married on the 16th August which is a Thursday. I am a teacher, as are a lot of my friends so we are all off anyways and the rest of our friends will just take the day off. We went for a Thursday so people can have the Friday off again if they want to sand make a weekend out of it. We sent out STD out in August and havent had anyone complain about the choice of day so far. Worse case is some come for the evening instead of all day which saves us money!

Thankyou everyone for the reassurance, our possible venue offers a fantastic package for midweek (which these days does not include friday!)

It's looking like my new wedding date is Thursday 23rd August!

When we originally decided to get married we were going to go for a thursday wedding. The main reason was everything was so much cheaper even photographer and cars etc. I asked family and friends who were absoloutly fine about it. We ended up getting a venue we love who charged the same whatever day we wed so went for the saturday. Soulmates you wont be my date twin now!! You will be married before me? xx

I know! I'll have to find the August 25th thread and say my goodbyes!

It's a bad idea for me because it's bit difficult for the guest. saturday is best because people will let their hair down more and enjoy themselves with not having to work the next day.

If it was family or close friend then I would be there no matter what day of the week the wedding was.

We are having a Thursday Wedding...in December....which means loads of discounts for us! We have loads of discounts applied because it's off season, and a Thursday.

We sent our Save the Date magnets last christmas so that everyone would know to save some holidays for it so they could come.

We've had next to no drop outs (only a couple who we were kind expecting would say no anyway)

I'd say go for it if it's going to help you solve any issues! Mid Week weddings are becoming more popular apparently!

I too am getting married midweek. I haven't found it to be a problem for many people thus far, although we haven't yet sent the formal invite, only a save the date.

I am going to a Friday wedding in a few weeks and I can't wait! We get a long weekend AND we get to see two of our great friends get married, what better way to start the weekend?

I say go for it!

I'd go to a mid week wedding as self employed. Even if not, if its a close friend/relative I'd get the time off. Agree that some people just dont have the option though.

I wouldnt pay towards peoples accommodation/expenses. It just opens a can or worms & wouldnt work out fair to everyone. If someone lives nearby & stays at their own home, do you pay their taxi fare? If someone doenst stay in a hotel & drives home after, would you pay for their petrol etc? No one contributed to the accommodation/expenses for ANY of the weddings I have been to, so think its an unessesary expense.

Some hotels offer a special rate if more than 5, 10, 12 etc rooms are booked by wedding guests. You can mention the special offer in the invites, and if people stay there & take up the offer, its their choice.