Planning A Daytime Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Planning a daytime wedding can be a unique and memorable experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the day goes smoothly. From discussing the details with vendors to considering guests' travel plans and attire, there are many factors that differ from a traditional evening wedding. Daytime weddings can be more intimate, with guests typically drinking less and a greater focus on the food, bar, and dessert. It's also important to think about the impact of the sun on hair and makeup, as well as photography, to ensure you capture the perfect moment.

Ask vendors about their experience with daytime weddings and whether they offer discounts

When it comes to planning a daytime wedding, it's important to ask vendors about their experience with this type of event. Since daytime weddings are less common, vendors may not be as familiar with them. Ask potential vendors how they would handle a daytime wedding and whether they offer any discounts for this time of day. While it's perfectly acceptable to inquire about potential savings, remember to respect the vendor's pricing structure if they don't offer a discount.

For hair and makeup artists, it's crucial to understand the timing involved. Discuss the number of people who will require styling, such as bridesmaids, and ensure the artist can complete the services within the desired timeframe. Ask photographers about their experience with high sun photos, as the sun's position can significantly impact the quality of your pictures. Request examples of their work in similar lighting conditions to ensure they can capture the moments you want.

Consider the attire for both you and your guests. Daytime weddings can be more casual, but you can still opt for a formal look if you prefer. Encourage your guests to wear bold colours, patterns, or even hats to add a unique twist to the celebration.

When it comes to food and drinks, guests at daytime weddings typically consume less alcohol than at evening receptions, so you can reduce costs in this area. However, be mindful of your guests' travel plans, as some may need to travel on the day of the wedding due to work commitments. Ensure they have all the necessary information to plan their schedules accordingly.

Finally, if you're planning a sunrise ceremony, consider keeping the guest list intimate and inviting a larger group for the reception later in the day. This can help ensure that your guests feel comfortable and energised for the celebration.

Discuss hair and makeup timings with your chosen artist

When planning a daytime wedding, it's important to discuss hair and makeup timings with your chosen artist. This is because daytime weddings are less common, so you'll want to ensure that your chosen artist is comfortable with the timing and can provide you with a clear picture of how long the process will take.

Consider how many people will need their hair and makeup done, especially if you want bridesmaids or anyone else to be styled. This will impact the timing and may require additional artists to be booked. Ask your chosen artist for their recommendations and suggestions, as they will have experience with wedding timings.

It's also important to consider the impact of the sun on your hair and makeup. The sun's position can greatly impact your photos, so ask your artist if they have experience with daytime weddings and if they can recommend any products or techniques to ensure your hair and makeup look their best throughout the day.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for a discount. Daytime weddings are less common, and artists may be willing to negotiate their prices. However, remember to be respectful of their time and expertise, and never get offended if they stick with their original price.

Ask photographers for examples of high sun photos

When planning a daytime wedding, you should talk to each potential vendor about how they would handle the event. Ask your photographer if they can handle high sun photos and see if they have examples, as the sun's position can greatly impact your photos. If you're having a sunrise ceremony, consider keeping the ceremony intimate and inviting a larger crowd for your reception later in the day.

• Avoid under-eye shadows by never having your couple look at the camera in high noon sunlight that you can't shade. Crop in close to their faces and have an assistant use a diffuser on their skin or wait until you can find some shade to get that necessary "looking at the camera" hero image.
• Get artistic and use the sun to your advantage. Grab a little flare, wash out your lens, or use the lines of harsh shadows in your composition.
• If you can find some kind of open shade to take advantage of, this is your best option. Get creative and use the obvious reflector, umbrella, trees, buildings, even the shadow of another person or your own shadow if your subject is small enough.
• Rotate the subject in relation to the sun. For example, have them step back into the shade of a large tree while still facing the sun.
• Full sun can mean brilliant colours and a bold blue sky, a golden haze and dramatic sun flare.

Consider guests' travel plans and inform them ahead of time

When planning a daytime wedding, it's important to consider your guests' travel plans and inform them ahead of time. This is because sometimes friends and family can't get the day off work before the wedding and will have to travel on the day.

If you're having a sunrise ceremony, you may want to consider keeping the ceremony intimate and inviting a larger crowd for your reception later in the day. This will give your guests more time to travel and prepare for the day, especially if they're not morning people.

It's also a good idea to let your guests know what to expect in terms of attire. A daytime wedding can be as casual or formal as you like, but it's worth noting that formal during the day is different from white tie in the evening. You can encourage guests to wear bold colours, patterns, or hats, depending on your wedding design.

Finally, when it comes to food and drink, guests typically drink less alcohol at a daytime wedding than an evening reception, so you can cut costs here.

Discuss food, bar and dessert options with your caterer

Daytime weddings are less common, so you should talk to your caterer about how they would handle the food, bar and dessert options. Ask if they can offer a discount, as guests typically drink less alcohol at a daytime wedding, so you can cut costs.

You should also consider the formality of your daytime wedding. While it can be as casual or as formal as you like, formal during the day is not the same as white tie at night, so don't expect guests in ball gowns. You can still send formal invitations, use traditional wedding wording, and have a formal plated meal (with tablecloths and French service).

If you're having a sunrise ceremony, consider keeping the ceremony intimate and inviting a larger crowd for your reception later in the day. You should also make sure all your guests are aware ahead of time so they can plan their travel schedules accordingly.

Discuss with your caterer how long they will need to prepare the food and how many staff they will need. Ask about their experience with daytime weddings and if they have any example menus or photos of their previous work. Be clear about your budget and ask for their suggestions on how to keep costs down, such as offering a limited bar or only serving beer and wine.

Frequently asked questions