What time should a weekday wedding start?

Weekday weddings, from Monday to Thursday, are becoming more common, often for budget or availability reasons. The key is to start late enough for guests who work. A 3pm or 4pm ceremony is a good choice. It allows guests to leave work at a reasonable time, travel, and arrive without rushing.

If your guests are mostly local, a 3pm start works well. If many travel from further away, consider 4pm or even 5pm, but remember that a later start means a later finish. For a weekday, you want guests to be able to get home at a sensible hour, especially if they have work the next day.

A 4pm ceremony followed by a drinks reception and a 6pm meal works nicely. Speeches can be short, and dancing can start by 8pm, with the evening ending by 10pm or 11pm. This keeps the day manageable for everyone.

Remember the legal notice periods: 28 days in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and 29 days in Scotland. Your registrar or celebrant will confirm the exact time they can attend. Also, check if your venue has any midweek restrictions. Tell guests the start time clearly and suggest they book time off if needed. A weekday wedding can be intimate and affordable, with the right timing.