What is the Best Time of Day for Your Wedding?

When it comes to planning your wedding, choosing what time of day to hold your nuptials is one of the first decisions you will need to make.

But how do you decide what time of day is best?  We’ve put together some pros and cons to help you make up your mind.

Morning

PROS

• A morning wedding may appeal if you’re an early riser.  Having your hair and makeup done at the crack of dawn won’t bother you since you’re up anyway.

• You will have less competition for bookings for wedding vendors, and prices can be less expensive than later in the day.

• There is less time to stress before the ceremony.

• Morning weddings can be more informal, and the reception can be a more affordable lunch, rather than a dinner.  Wait staff can carry trays of sandwiches and finger foods and circulate amongst guests; plus guests will drink less alcohol earlier in the day.

• A morning wedding means that you can make the most of your wedding day.  There will be plenty of time to celebrate and enjoy the day to the fullest.

CONS

• A morning wedding may be less appealing to the bridal party, due to the early start for hair and makeup.

• Guests who need to travel may find it difficult to get to the ceremony on time.

• There’s less time to sort out any problems that may crop up on the day.

Afternoon

PROS

• You and the bridal party have the morning to get ready, which can lower stress levels.

• Bright, natural sunlight is perfect for the all-important wedding photos.

• The reception will wrap up before midnight, so you won’t be paying penalty rates for staff to clean up in the wee hours.

• If you encounter any problems on the day, there’s enough time for them to be sorted out.

• An afternoon wedding gives you time to pace yourself, ensuring you have the energy to enjoy the celebrations.

CONS

• Due to high demand, you may have to book wedding vendors several years in advance.  Be prepared to pay more as well.

• Your choices may be limited as you’re competing with other couples when it comes to booking wedding vendors.

• If your wedding is outdoors, it can be hot in the sun.

Evening

PROS

• An evening ceremony is perfect for an elegant, formal, black-tie wedding.

• There will be plenty of time to check the venue and sort any problems beforehand.

• You have all day so can prepare for your wedding in an unhurried, leisurely fashion.

• An evening wedding has a magical, romantic quality.  Who doesn’t love flickering candles, soft music, and twinkling fairy lights?

• If the wedding is in summer, an evening ceremony takes advantage of the cooler conditions.

CONS

• The shorter time frame means that your wedding will pass more quickly.

• An evening wedding means some guests such as grandparents, or parents or young children, may find it tiring.

• Photographs at night are tricky due to the low light levels, so make sure your photographer is experienced at night weddings.

• The reception will go on to the early hours, meaning staff will need to be paid penalty rates.

Regardless of what time of day you choose to have your wedding, it will be a joyous occasion celebrating the love between the two of you.

While it’s a good idea to keep your guests in mind, ultimately it is YOUR wedding, so follow your heart and choose what makes you happy and is most meaningful for you!