How To Include Day Offs In Your Wedding Plans

Planning a wedding can be a stressful and time-consuming process, and it's important to consider how much time off work you may need to take in order to get everything done. While the amount of time required may vary depending on the individual and their wedding plans, there are some key factors to keep in mind. These include the need to schedule appointments and meetings with vendors outside of working hours, the potential need for time off to attend pre-wedding celebrations and parties, and the possibility of a destination wedding or honeymoon requiring extended leave. It's also important to give your employer as much advance notice as possible when requesting time off for your wedding, and to be proactive in ensuring that your work responsibilities are covered during your absence.

How much notice should I give?

The amount of notice you should give before your wedding depends on several factors, including the location of your wedding and the number of guests. Here are some guidelines to help you determine how much notice to give:

Destination Weddings:

If you're planning a destination wedding, it's recommended to send out invitations at least three months in advance. This will give your guests enough time to make travel arrangements and plan their schedules accordingly. Some couples choose to send out "save the date" cards even earlier, up to a year in advance, especially if the wedding is in a popular tourist destination or during peak travel season. This gives guests ample time to prepare financially and request time off from work.

Domestic Weddings:

For weddings held in your home country, the general rule is to send out invitations six to eight weeks in advance. This timeframe allows guests to plan their schedules and make any necessary travel arrangements, especially if they live out of town.

Small Weddings:

If you're planning a small, intimate wedding with only close family and friends, you may have more flexibility with the timing of your invitations. Some couples choose to send out invitations as early as nine months in advance, especially if they want to give guests a heads-up about their upcoming nuptials. However, it's important to consider that a year might be too early, as people may receive the "save the date" and then put it aside, forgetting about it until closer to the date.

Large Weddings:

For larger weddings with a more extensive guest list, it's advisable to give as much notice as possible. This is especially important if you have guests who need to travel or make special arrangements to attend. Sending out "save the date" cards nine to twelve months in advance is a good idea, followed by formal invitations six to eight months before the wedding. This will help ensure that your desired guests can attend and give them enough time to plan their schedules accordingly.

In conclusion, the key to determining how much notice to give is to consider the convenience of your guests. By providing ample time for them to plan and make arrangements, you increase the likelihood of your desired guests being able to attend your special day.

How much time can I request off?

There is no set amount of time you can request off work for your wedding, and it will depend on your organisation and its policies on time off. If your company has a traditional policy, you will likely be able to request as much time off as you've accrued. If your company has an unlimited time-off policy, you should base your request on what is considered the norm for your company.

If you are going on a honeymoon, you should consider this when planning your time off. If you are going straight to your honeymoon, you should take at least a few days off before your wedding to finish any last-minute tasks and prepare for your trip. If you are not going on a honeymoon, it is still recommended that you take a few days off before your wedding to relax and tie up any loose ends.

If you are doing all of your own decor, food, flowers, etc., you will likely need at least a week off before the wedding. If you are leaving most of the work to professionals, a couple of days before the wedding should be enough time to finish any smaller projects and deal with any mishaps.

If your wedding is an hour or two away, you may want to stay there the night before, so you are well-rested for the event. This is especially relevant for destination weddings, as you may experience jet lag.

You should also set aside time for any beauty appointments, such as haircuts, manicures, or massages, and for spending time with any interstate or international guests who may arrive early or leave late.

If you have children, you may need to hire a babysitter or an extra set of hands to help you prepare while they are at home.

Remember to give your employer as much notice as possible about your time off.

What if I don't have enough annual leave?

If you don't have enough annual leave, there are a few options you can consider. Firstly, it's important to remember that the amount of time you can take off will depend on your organisation's policies and any accrued leave you may have. If you have accrued leave, you can request that time off and try to negotiate additional unpaid leave if needed.

Another option is to discuss your concerns with your team and develop an action plan for covering your work responsibilities while you're away. This may involve delegating tasks or ensuring that someone else is confident in handling your key duties. The more proactive you are in requesting time off and ensuring coverage for your work, the more likely your request will be approved.

Additionally, consider the timing of your wedding and honeymoon. If you don't have enough leave for both, you may need to space them out by a few months to ensure you have enough time for each. You can also try to do most of your wedding planning outside of work hours, although taking a few days off before the wedding is recommended to finish any last-minute tasks and preparations.

Remember to give as much advance notice as possible when requesting time off, as this increases the chances of your request being approved. Be open and honest with your employer about your needs, and don't be afraid to ask for the time off—after all, it's your wedding!

What about appointments during work hours?

It is important to remember that wedding appointments are a normal part of the process and should not be a source of stress or worry. Many wedding industry professionals are aware that their busiest days are usually weekends, so they try to accommodate appointments during evenings or weekends.

However, if you need to take time off during work hours for wedding appointments, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, check your company's time-off or PTO policy. Some companies offer flexible options, such as working on a Saturday in exchange for a weekday off. You can also consider taking an afternoon or a few hours off instead of a full day, especially if you can schedule multiple appointments on the same day.

If you have accrued vacation days or paid time off, you can use them for wedding appointments. Remember that you don't need to disclose the reason for taking time off, and it is your right to use your earned vacation days as you see fit. However, it is always a good idea to give your employer as much advance notice as possible and ensure that your work responsibilities are covered during your absence.

Additionally, try to schedule your appointments efficiently. For example, if you need to meet with vendors, such as florists or caterers, see if you can schedule multiple vendor meetings on the same day to minimise the number of days off you need to take.

Finally, if you are concerned about the impact on your work, discuss your concerns with your team and develop an action plan. Ensure that your key tasks are delegated to capable colleagues, and provide them with the necessary information and support to cover for you during your absence.

What if my friend's wedding is on a weekday?

If your friend's wedding is on a weekday, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to give your guests as much notice as possible, especially if they need to take time off work. Sending out 'save the date' cards is a good idea, so your guests can request the day off in advance. It's also a good idea to include the day of the week on the invitation, so guests are fully aware.

While some guests may not be able to take time off work, it's likely that those closest to the couple will make it work. If your friend is concerned about guest attendance, they could consider having a shorter ceremony or reception, or even a small gathering after the wedding to celebrate with those who couldn't make it.

If the wedding is on a weekday, your friend may want to consider taking a few days off before the wedding to finish any last-minute tasks and prepare for the big day. They should also remember to take some time to relax and de-stress before the wedding. It's also a good idea for your friend to discuss their plans with their workplace and put an action plan in place, so they can truly switch off and enjoy their wedding day.

If the wedding is on a Friday, guests may be able to take advantage of the weekend and travel or stay longer. However, if the wedding is during the workweek, it may be more difficult for guests to attend, especially if they have to travel. Ultimately, it's up to each guest to decide if they can take time off, and your friend should understand if some people can't make it.

Frequently asked questions