Weekday Weddings: Pros, Cons and Costs in the UK

Weekday weddings are becoming more common in the UK. Many couples choose a weekday to save money, secure a preferred venue, or have a more intimate celebration. The main advantage is cost: venues and suppliers often charge less for Monday to Thursday events. You may also find that your first-choice venue has more availability on a weekday, especially during popular months.

Another benefit is the relaxed pace. A weekday wedding can feel more personal, with fewer other events happening on the same day. You can also extend the celebration over a long weekend, giving guests time to travel and enjoy the area.

Yes, generally a weekday wedding is cheaper than a weekend one. Many venues and suppliers offer reduced rates for Monday to Thursday. This can apply to the venue hire, catering, photography, and entertainment. However, the savings vary, and some premium venues may not discount at all. Always ask for a detailed quote and compare like for like.

Remember that some costs, such as the registrar's fee, are set by the local authority and may not change based on the day. But the biggest savings usually come from the venue and catering. If you are flexible with your date, a weekday can free up budget for other elements, like a better menu or a longer honeymoon.

It is not rude to have a weekday wedding, but you need to be considerate of your guests. Some guests may need to take annual leave or arrange childcare. The key is to give plenty of notice, ideally six months or more, so guests can plan. You should also be understanding if some guests cannot make it.

Think about the timing. A late afternoon or evening ceremony on a weekday may be easier for guests who work locally. If you have many guests travelling from afar, consider making it a two-day event or choosing a Friday, which is often seen as a compromise between weekday and weekend. Friday is generally considered a weekday, but many people treat it as the start of the weekend, so it can be a popular choice.

Most approved venues, register offices, and religious buildings can host weddings on weekdays. Churches and other places of worship often have weekday availability, though you should check with the specific minister or priest. Some religious buildings may have restrictions, such as no weddings during Lent or Advent, so always ask.

Civil ceremonies can take place at a register office or approved venue from Monday to Saturday, and sometimes on Sundays, depending on the local authority. Since 2022, approved venues in England and Wales can hold civil ceremonies outdoors within their grounds, and this applies to weekdays too. In Scotland, you can marry almost anywhere on any day, as long as the registrar or celebrant agrees. In Northern Ireland, the same notice period applies regardless of the day.

The legal requirements are the same for weekday and weekend weddings. In England and Wales, you must give notice at least 28 full days before the ceremony. In Scotland, it is 29 days, and in Northern Ireland, 28 days. You will also need two witnesses, and the marriage must take place within 12 months of giving notice in England and Wales.

If you are having a religious ceremony, such as a Church of England wedding, banns must be read on three Sundays before the wedding, which can be done on weekdays or weekends. For other faiths, check with your place of worship. If you are having a civil ceremony, remember that no religious content is allowed, but you can include poems and readings if the registrar agrees.

The best month for a weekday wedding depends on your priorities. If you want good weather, consider late spring or early autumn, such as May, June, or September. These months are popular, but a weekday may still be more affordable than a weekend. If you want to save money, the cheapest months are usually January, February, and November, as demand is lower. December can be festive but is often busy with holiday events, so availability may be limited.

Think about what matters to you: weather, cost, or guest convenience. A weekday in a popular month can give you the best of both worlds, but you may still need to book well in advance. If you are flexible, a winter weekday can be very budget-friendly, and you can use seasonal decorations to create a cosy atmosphere.

To help your guests, consider these practical steps. Send save-the-date cards as early as possible. Choose a time that allows guests to travel after work, or consider a midday ceremony followed by a long lunch. If many guests are coming from afar, you could arrange a welcome dinner the night before or a brunch the next day.

Be clear about the dress code and any events that are optional. If you have guests with children, mention whether children are welcome. You might also suggest local accommodation options, but remember not to block-book rooms unless you are sure of numbers. Above all, be gracious if some guests cannot attend. A weekday wedding is a lovely way to celebrate, and with careful planning, your guests will enjoy it too.