Morning Weddings: Can I Say 'I Do' At 9 A.M.?

Morning weddings are not unheard of, but they are less common than weddings held later in the day. If you're considering a 9am wedding, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you and your bridal party will need to wake up very early to get ready, especially if you're having hair and makeup done professionally. This may also impact your guests, particularly those who have to travel to your wedding venue. You'll also need to consider the timing of your wedding photos, as natural light may be limited at that time of day. On the plus side, morning weddings can be more affordable, and you'll have more time to relax and enjoy your special day with your new spouse. Ultimately, the decision of when to hold your wedding is a personal one, and there is no right or wrong answer.

Pros and cons of a 9 am wedding

A 9 am wedding is a unique idea with its own pros and cons.

Pros:

• More venue availability: It is easier to find venues with 9 am availability compared to the evening.
• Lower venue rental costs: Venues tend to charge less for morning wedding packages as they are usually more scaled back with limited food and dining services and smaller guest lists.
• Budget-friendly menu options: A brunch-style menu with affordable ingredients can save you money. Muffins, pastries, and other breakfast treats can also be purchased at relatively low costs when bought in bulk.
• Relaxed atmosphere: Morning weddings tend to be more casual and have a more laid-back dress code.
• Honeymoon-friendly timeline: If you have early morning travel plans for your honeymoon, a morning wedding is ideal as it gives you plenty of time to pack and get to the airport.
• Beat the afternoon heat: If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, a morning wedding lets you avoid the intense mid-day heat.
• Plenty of time to party: You can keep the celebrations going with a wedding after-party.

Cons:

• Tired guests: Morning weddings may have sleepy guests who are less enthusiastic than afternoon or early-evening wedding-goers.
• Early call times: Everyone, especially the couple and wedding party, will have to wake up very early.
• Complicated travel arrangements: Hosting a morning wedding can make travel plans more difficult for guests, especially if it's on a Sunday.
• Limited morning wedding services: It may be difficult or more expensive to book early morning wedding services like hair, makeup, and catering.
• Venue regulations and restrictions: Popular venues often book weddings back-to-back, so you will be expected to wrap up your event on time.

A 9 am wedding can be a great option for couples looking for a unique, intimate, and relaxed celebration, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks as well.

Logistics of a 9 am wedding

A 9 am wedding is certainly possible, but it will require some careful planning. Here are some key logistics to consider:

Getting Ready

To be ready by 9 am, an early start is essential. The hair and makeup process can take two to three hours or more, depending on the size of your bridal party. It's recommended to start hair and makeup between 5 am and 7:30 am to ensure you have ample time. This may involve waking up as early as 4 am! It's a good idea to have some snacks and drinks available for the bridal party during this time, perhaps even a celebratory mimosa or two.

Photography

If you want to capture the getting-ready moments and take pre-ceremony photos, you should allocate at least an hour for solo portraits and group photos. If you're doing a first look before the ceremony, you'll need an extra 30 minutes. The early morning light can be beautiful for photos, but you may want to discuss lighting options with your photographer, especially if your wedding is indoors.

Guest Considerations

A 9 am wedding means your guests will also have to wake up early and may need to travel. It's essential to communicate the timing clearly on your invitations. You might also consider providing activities or entertainment for guests before the ceremony to keep them engaged. Keep in mind that some guests may not be able to attend due to the early start time.

Timing of Other Wedding Events

The timing of other wedding events will depend on your preferences and the availability of your venue. You could opt for a daytime wedding, with the ceremony starting at 9 am, or use the morning for preparations and photos, followed by a midday or afternoon ceremony. If you choose a later ceremony time, remember to allow for travel time between locations and any last-minute photos.

Vendors and Suppliers

Some vendors and suppliers may charge a premium for early morning services, so be sure to discuss this with them in advance. It's also crucial to share your detailed timeline with all your suppliers, the bridal party, and the venue at least a month before the wedding to ensure everyone is on the same page.

In summary, a 9 am wedding is feasible, but it will require careful planning and early starts for everyone involved. Clear communication and attention to timing will help ensure your special day runs smoothly.

Guest experience at a 9 am wedding

A 9 am wedding is certainly an unusual choice, but it can be a great option for couples who want to create a unique and memorable experience for their guests. Here are some things to consider when planning a 9 am wedding to ensure your guests have a fantastic time:

Communicating with Guests

Clear communication is key when planning a morning wedding. Be transparent about the timing of the event and set clear expectations for your guests' participation. Consider creating a wedding website or sending out save-the-dates and invitations with all the important details, including the date, time, location, and travel information. This will help your guests plan their day and ensure they don't feel rushed or unprepared.

Guest Accommodations

If your guests are travelling from out of town, it's important to provide them with accommodation options and directions. You can work with local hotels to book room blocks, which will make it easier for your guests to find suitable lodging. Additionally, consider creating a welcome package or basket for your guests, including items such as a bottled water, snacks, and a thoughtful note. This will make your guests feel appreciated and taken care of, especially if they have had a long journey.

Pre-Wedding Morning Rush

It's no secret that a 9 am wedding will require an early start for both the wedding party and the guests. Be mindful of the time constraints and try to streamline the pre-wedding activities. For example, you may want to suggest an earlier start time for hair and makeup to ensure everyone is ready on time. Communicate the timeline for the morning clearly to your wedding party and give them a heads-up about any potential time crunches.

Guest Comfort

When planning your 9 am wedding, always keep the comfort of your guests in mind. For example, if you're having an outdoor wedding, provide shade or fans to keep your guests cool. Consider the seating arrangements and try to avoid placing older guests too close to loud speakers. Pay attention to the little details, such as providing cold drinks, umbrellas in case of rain, and clear signage to direct guests to the ceremony and reception areas.

Food and Beverage

After an early start, your guests are likely to be hungry, so it's important to have plenty of food and drinks available. Consider providing a breakfast or brunch option for your guests, along with a variety of beverage choices. If you're having a cocktail hour, make sure there are substantial hors d'oeuvres to tide your guests over until the main meal. Don't forget to accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies, and provide a variety of entrée options to suit different palettes.

Guest Activities

To enhance the guest experience, consider incorporating interactive elements into your wedding. This could include unique food or cocktail stations, a creative guest book, or decorative touches in unexpected spaces. You can also share details about your love story through signage or other personal touches. These special touches will make your guests feel involved and create a memorable experience.

In conclusion, planning a 9 am wedding requires careful consideration of your guests' needs and comfort. By providing clear communication, comfortable accommodations, and interactive and engaging activities, you can create a morning wedding that is both enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved.

Hair and makeup for a 9 am wedding

Having a wedding at 9 am certainly has its advantages. You'll have the rest of the day to celebrate, and you'll be able to enjoy the morning light if you're getting married outdoors. However, it does mean an early start for hair and makeup.

If you're the bride, your hair and makeup will generally take around 2 to 2.5 hours. It's a good idea to be second to last for hair and makeup, so you can get dressed and lined up while the final member of the bridal party is getting ready. It's also a good idea to build in some buffer time to your schedule in case of unexpected delays.

For the bridal party, hair and makeup services average about 45 minutes per service per person. So, for a bridal party of five, with two artists doing hair and makeup, you'll need to start at around 9 am for a 4 pm wedding. If you have a larger bridal party, or more complex hairstyles, you'll need to add more time.

If you're doing your hair and makeup at a salon, you'll need to factor in travel time to your venue. If you're getting ready at your venue, check what time you're allowed in, as some only allow access two hours before your wedding. If you need more time, you may have to pay extra.

It's important to remember that an early start for hair and makeup means your wedding party will have to get up very early, especially if they're doing their hair and makeup at the same time as you. You may want to consider providing snacks or a catered lunch to keep energy levels up throughout the day.

Photography for a 9 am wedding

A 9 am wedding is a great way to start the day and can make for a unique and memorable experience. When it comes to photography, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you capture the magic of the early morning celebration.

First, it is important to consider the lighting. Morning light can be soft and flattering, but it is also constantly changing, so your photographer will need to be prepared to adjust their settings accordingly. A talented photographer will be able to use the morning light to their advantage, creating beautiful and atmospheric images.

Second, don't be afraid to get creative with the location. An outdoor venue can provide a stunning backdrop for your photos, especially if you are aiming for a natural, rustic, or bohemian vibe. The early morning light will illuminate the surroundings and create a magical atmosphere. If your venue has large windows, the natural light flooding in can also make for gorgeous photos.

Third, consider the timeline of your day and communicate this clearly with your photographer. They will need to be present for all the key moments, from the bride and groom getting ready, to the ceremony, and any post-ceremony celebrations. A good photographer will be able to capture the fun and excitement of the morning, including those special, candid moments.

Fourth, don't forget the details. From the wedding dress and accessories to the venue decor, you'll want to remember every aspect of your special day. A good photographer will be able to capture the small details that make your wedding unique, such as a beautiful pair of shoes, a handmade bouquet, or a carefully crafted cake.

Finally, it is important to select a photographer who suits your style and has experience shooting morning weddings. They should be able to provide a portfolio of work that showcases their ability to capture the magic of a 9 am wedding.

• Getting ready: Capturing the bride and groom's preparations is a must. From hair and makeup to putting on the finishing touches, these photos will set the scene for the day.
• First look: If you are doing a first look, this will likely be one of the most anticipated moments of the day. Make sure your photographer is prepared to capture the emotion and intimacy of this moment.
• Ceremony: The ceremony is the main event, so your photographer should be prepared to capture every moment, from the bride's entrance to the exchange of rings and the first kiss.
• Family portraits: Family photos are an important part of any wedding. Have a list of different combinations that you would like, and ensure your photographer allows enough time to capture these.
• Venue details: Whether it's the beautiful exterior of the building, the carefully arranged table settings, or the stunning floral arrangements, your photographer should capture the details that make your venue unique.
• Candid moments: A skilled photographer will be able to capture the fun and spontaneity of the day, including candid moments of laughter, joy, and celebration.
• Details and decor: From the wedding cake to the place settings, your photographer should capture all the little details that make your wedding unique.
• Post-ceremony celebrations: Whether you are having a full-on reception or a more low-key celebration, your photographer should be there to capture the fun and joy of the morning, including any special traditions or activities you have planned.

A 9 am wedding can be a beautiful and unique way to celebrate your love, and with the right photographer, you will be able to capture the magic of the day and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions