Evening Weddings: A Guide To Sunday Nuptials

Sunday weddings are becoming increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. They are a great option for couples who want to save money, have a unique celebration, or are looking for more availability in terms of venues and vendors. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when planning a Sunday evening wedding. Firstly, be respectful of your guests' schedules as they may need to travel and take time off work. Secondly, understand that your turnout might be lower, especially if your guests have to travel far or have kids in school. Additionally, be mindful of holiday weekends as travel expenses can increase during these times. Finally, keep in mind that Sunday weddings tend to have a more relaxed tone than Friday or Saturday weddings, and some guests may leave early if the wedding runs late. Overall, a Sunday evening wedding can be a great option, but careful planning and consideration of your guests' needs are essential.

Budget-friendly options

Evening weddings on a Sunday are a great option for couples who want to save some money while still having a memorable celebration. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to consider:

Venue

Opting for a non-traditional venue can be a great way to save money. Think outside the box and consider places like village halls, community centres, parents' or friends' back gardens, holiday homes, or even your own home. If you're having a destination wedding, a Sunday ceremony can be a good choice as guests will likely have already taken time off work, so it won't be an additional inconvenience.

Timing

While Saturday nights are the most common choice for weddings, they also come with a higher fee and limited availability. By choosing a Sunday evening, you may be able to negotiate a discounted rate with your venue and other vendors. Keep in mind that a Sunday wedding might have a more relaxed tone than a Friday or Saturday night wedding, and some guests may need to leave early if they have work the next day.

Food and Drinks

Evening weddings usually require a more substantial meal than a daytime wedding. Instead of a traditional sit-down dinner, consider a more casual option like a BBQ or picnic, or opt for a food truck instead of a caterer. For drinks, create a serve-yourself open bar by stocking up on drinks from a wholesale retailer, and calculate exactly how much alcohol you need to avoid overspending.

Decorations and Flowers

Decorations can add up quickly, so consider DIY options or budget-friendly alternatives. Hang paper lanterns or string lights to create a cosy atmosphere, or use wildflowers and seasonal greenery displayed in jam jars or tin cans. You can also ask guests to bring cakes or desserts instead of gifts, or have a cake made of cheese to save on the evening buffet.

Entertainment

Hiring a band or DJ can be expensive. Instead, create your own playlist or ask a friend or family member to act as DJ for the night. If you know any local musicians, they may be willing to play at your wedding for a small fee.

Wedding Party Attire

Instead of matching bridesmaid dresses, choose a colour and let your bridesmaids pick their own dresses within that colour scheme. This will save money and encourage individuality. Similarly, ask the groomsmen to wear their own suits. For the bride, consider buying a second-hand wedding dress or shopping at budget-friendly boutiques.

With a little creativity and flexibility, you can have a beautiful and memorable evening wedding on a Sunday without breaking the bank!

Guest attendance

Sunday weddings have become increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when it comes to guest attendance for an evening Sunday wedding.

Firstly, it's important to be respectful of your guests' schedules. An evening Sunday wedding may not be as convenient for guests as a Saturday night wedding, as they may need to take time off work on Monday to travel and recover. This could result in a lower turnout, especially for guests who have to travel far or have kids in school. However, if most of your guests are local, you might have higher attendance than anticipated, as they may have more flexibility with their social calendars.

To improve attendance, consider giving your guests ample notice so they can plan their travel and schedule accordingly. You could also opt for a shorter, more intimate wedding, starting earlier in the evening and ending around 9 pm. This way, guests can get a good night's rest before work on Monday.

If you're set on an evening wedding, be mindful of the end time, especially for local guests who need to work the next day. Serving dinner and having an open bar may be more suitable for an evening wedding, but be cautious of the extra costs involved.

Budgeting for Guest Attendance

When estimating guest attendance for catering and budgeting purposes, it's generally expected that 75-85% of local guests and 55% of out-of-town guests will attend. However, if most of your out-of-town guests are close family, you could estimate a higher attendance of up to 85%.

To get an accurate count, consider sending out RSVP cards with your invitations 6-8 weeks before the wedding. You can also use online tools and social media to track guest responses, especially if your guest list comprises mostly young, tech-savvy individuals.

In summary, while an evening Sunday wedding may not be the most convenient option for guests, with careful planning and consideration, you can still have a memorable celebration surrounded by your loved ones.

Venue availability

When it comes to venue availability, there are a few things to keep in mind if you're planning an evening wedding on a Sunday. Firstly, it's important to remember that Saturday nights are the most common choice for weddings, so if you're set on a Sunday, you might have more luck finding a venue that can accommodate your preferred date. This is especially true if you're looking at popular venues that tend to get booked up quickly.

That being said, some venues might have restrictions on start and end times for events held on Sundays, so it's crucial to ask these questions upfront. For example, if you're hoping for a later start time, some venues might not be able to accommodate that on a Sunday.

If you're open to a daytime wedding, you may have more flexibility with venue availability, as daytime weddings are often less in demand. This could be a good option if you're looking to save money, as venues might offer discounted rates for events held on off-peak days or times.

It's also worth considering the impact of holiday weekends. While these weekends might seem appealing since many people have Mondays off, keep in mind that travel expenses and venue prices can increase during these times.

To ensure you find the right venue for your Sunday evening wedding, be sure to ask about their availability, any restrictions or timing requirements, and their pricing for different days of the week. With some research and flexibility, you can definitely find a venue that suits your needs.

Timing and scheduling

The first thing to consider when planning an evening wedding on a Sunday is the impact it will have on your guests. While some may not mind taking the following Monday off, others may not have the flexibility to do so. As such, it's important to give your guests ample notice so they can plan accordingly. You may also want to consider booking discounted hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

If you're set on a Sunday evening wedding, it's best to schedule it for a holiday weekend, such as Memorial Day or Labor Day, when guests won't have to worry about work the next day. However, keep in mind that travel expenses and venue prices tend to surge during these weekends.

When it comes to the timeline of your Sunday evening wedding, you'll want to be respectful of your guests' schedules. While Saturday night weddings usually involve partying into the late hours, Sunday weddings often require a slight adjustment. Aim to start your ceremony in the late afternoon or early evening, with a reception that wraps up by 9 pm or 10 pm. This will allow your guests to get a decent night's rest before Monday.

To make the most of your special day, consider adding extra events to your wedding weekend. You can host a welcome party on Saturday night or plan a post-wedding brunch or after-party on Sunday evening. This way, you'll spend more quality time with your guests without keeping the celebration going too late.

Additionally, be mindful of the order of events during your reception. Since Sunday weddings often have a more relaxed tone, you may want to schedule activities like the first dance, bouquet toss, and cake cutting earlier in the evening. This will ensure that guests who need to leave early won't feel obligated to stay until the very end.

Finally, when planning your wedding timeline, remember to build in some buffer time to account for unexpected delays. Consult with your wedding coordinator or planner, who can help you tailor your timeline to fit your specific needs and desires. They can also advise you on how to adjust the timeline based on factors like guest count, travel distance, and traffic estimates.

By carefully considering the timing and scheduling of your evening wedding on a Sunday, you can create a memorable celebration that your guests will cherish without disrupting their workweek too much.

Food and beverage options

Evening Sunday weddings are a great option for couples who want to save on costs, have more flexibility with vendors, and create a more relaxed and unique experience for their guests. When it comes to food and beverage options, here are some ideas to consider:

Budget-Friendly Options:

Sunday weddings tend to be more budget-friendly, especially if you opt for a brunch wedding. You can offer a fabulous brunch with endless mimosas, which is more cost-effective than a surf-and-turf dinner with an open bar. If you're having a daytime wedding, consider a relaxed and laid-back menu with breakfast foods, seasonal vegetables, and light snacks.

Vendor Availability:

With a Sunday evening wedding, you'll likely have better vendor availability. This means you can be more selective and potentially negotiate better rates. Discuss with your caterer about their recommendations and what type of food would be best suited for your evening wedding.

Unique Food and Beverage Ideas:

• Interactive food stations: Consider creating interactive food experiences for your guests, such as a sushi station, wood-fired pizza, or a custom ramen noodle bar.
• Signature cocktails: Work with your caterer to create signature cocktails that reflect your personalities. Whether it's your go-to drinks or a creative twist on classics, signature cocktails can add a unique touch to your evening wedding.
• Late-night snacks: Keep the party going with late-night snacks that surprise and delight your guests. Think mini hot dogs, sliders, pizza, doughnuts, or even a pretzel wall!
• Seasonal and local ingredients: Incorporate seasonal and local ingredients into your menu, such as fresh seafood or produce from a nearby farm.
• Food bars: Set up food bars or stations to encourage mingling and interaction among your guests. Ideas include a charcuterie table, dim sum, taco bar, or a build-your-own salad bar.
• Comfort foods: Offer comfort foods that are familiar and satisfying, such as grilled cheese and tomato soup shooters, sliders, or mini grilled cheese sandwiches.
• Cultural dishes: Include cultural dishes or family favourites that are meaningful to you. Whether it's traditional Chinese cuisine, fried wontons, or a caprese salad, your guests will appreciate the personal touch.
• Bite-sized treats: Opt for bite-sized or miniature versions of classic dishes, such as quiche, flatbreads, or pancakes. These are easier to eat and perfect for mingling.
• Sweet treats: Satisfy your guests' sweet tooth with treats like mini churros, chocolate chip cookies, miniature ice cream cones, or even a doughnut wall!

Remember to be mindful of your guests' schedules, especially if they need to work the next day. Offering a variety of food and beverage options will ensure that everyone can find something to enjoy, and don't forget to provide plenty of non-alcoholic options as well!

Frequently asked questions