Holiday Weekend Weddings: The Pros And Cons

The Pros And Cons Of A Holiday Weekend Wedding

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When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the biggest decisions a couple has to make is the date. With so many options to choose from, it's no surprise that many couples are now considering having their big day over a holiday weekend. Some guests love having built-in plans (and food/alcohol) over the long weekend, while others don’t prefer to spend their limited time off with someone else’s closest friends and family. Before you start sending out save-the-dates, there are a few other things to consider when deciding if a holiday weekend wedding is right for you.

Pros Of A Holiday Weekend Wedding:

1. More Time to Celebrate: A holiday weekend means more time to celebrate with your loved ones. A long weekend gives you the opportunity to plan a variety of events surrounding the big day, and since many of your guests may already have the day off from work or school, it could make any travel easier on them. 
2. Built-In Excitement (And Decor!): Holidays are naturally festive occasions, so a holiday weekend wedding can add an extra layer of excitement. Not only is the atmosphere already guaranteed to be celebratory around a time like New Years Eve, but it’s worth talking to your venue (and looking at past years on Instagram) to see what decorations they were already planning for the occasion. 
3. Bucket-List (Or Going Home) Travel: Many couples choose to have weddings in one of their hometowns over a holiday weekend when a significant number of their guests will already be in-town for the holiday (it'll save those guests the cost of an extra trip), or it’s a destination that people have been wanting to visit over a long weekend.

Cons of a Holiday Weekend Wedding:

1. Higher Costs: Holidays are peak times for weddings, which means that venues and vendors may charge higher prices for their services. This can make it more difficult to stick to your budget. It's also more expensive for travel and lodging during these popular weekends, so you’ll want to be mindful of what flights and lodging could cost for your guests.
2. Limited Availability: Popular holiday weekends book up quickly, so it can be harder to secure your dream venue or vendors. It's important to plan ahead and book early to ensure that you get the vendors you want. Similarly, hotels and AirBnBs could book up over holiday weekends, so you’ll want your guests to start making their plans earlier rather than later.
3. Guest Conflicts: Some guests may have prior commitments or plans for the holiday, which can make it difficult for them to attend your wedding. Be sure to consider this when setting your date, and give guests plenty of notice so they can make arrangements.

If you're considering a holiday weekend wedding, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision that's best for you and your partner. And once you've locked in your date, be sure to check out Provenance's digital Ceremony Designer, Vow Builder, and Toast Builder to help you create a truly meaningful and personalized wedding ceremony. 

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