1. Your top vendors are more likely to be available
A weekday elopement means that photographer whose posts you’ve been saving on Instagram are far more likely to be available on short notice. Just know that many work at their craft full-time during the week—it’s when photographers do their editing, florists source flowers, and planners polish proposals—so check that they have the hours and capacity to accommodate something M-F. If they do, chances are you can negotiate a cheaper rate, too (but don’t go in assuming this).
2. You’ll land your dream venue
If your elopement is super-last minute, you’re going to have much better luck hiring the dream venue you just found on a weekday versus a weekend. This is especially true for venues during peak wedding season. Many offer discounted rates for weekdays as well, but do know that the hours carved out for elopements can be very specific.
3. Travel is cheaper
If you’re doing a destination elopement, it’s no surprise that airfare and accommodations are significantly cheaper during the week than on the weekends. A nice bonus, too, is that airports are much less crowded, particularly on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Take the money you’ll save on a flight and splurge on a fancy hotel suite or dinner at a five-star restaurant.
4. You can hijack a holiday
Is your heart set on a wearing a black wedding dress for Halloween nuptials? Love the idea of a New Orleans elopement during Mardi Gras? There’s a wealth of fun holidays and themes to work with when you let go of the idea of a Saturday affair (we can get behind a Wine Down Wednesday elopement). If you’re having a few guests, it’s fun to invite them in on the action, too.
5. It’s relaxing
Is there anything not stressful about finishing a workweek, only to hop in a car at rush hour and head out of town to make a Saturday wedding? Didn’t think so. You’ll be far more relaxed when not trying to cram in your intimate wedding on a weekend competing with everyone else’s social calendars.
To note, be sure that if you’re inviting any guests to your weekday nuptials, that they’re able to attend, and don’t be offended if they can’t due to work and family commitments. One of the main reasons you eloped was to avoid these kinds of stresses, right?
7. You’re the stars of the show
A weekday elopement—whether in the depths of a national park or the urban jungle of Chicago—will draw a bit of attention from the passerby. Why? When you’re not jumbled in with the other Saturday ceremonies and photoshoots, you tend to stick out just a wee bit. And people love to see it, so let them cheer and clap.
6. It’s lucky
According to folklore from Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia, published in 1910, the unluckiest day of the week to get married was actually Saturday (why, we have no idea). But, Wednesday for the win!
“Monday for wealth,
Tuesday for health,
Wednesday the best day of all,
Thursday for losses,
Friday for crosses,
and Saturday no luck at all.”
Finally, a pro tip: Heading to the courthouse? Most civil ceremony appointments are on weekday mornings or early afternoons. Before heading there, always check to see if you need an appointment.
