Q.
Are there any concerns about proper etiquette if you're holding a wedding on a Sunday? The Saturday I wanted is not available -- the Sunday of Labor Day weekend is my second option. Out-of-town guests would still have Monday (Labor Day) off to travel home, but would I be committing a major wedding faux pas?
A.
Many Sunday weddings are held over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends for precisely the reason you mentioned -- guests have Monday off to travel. There's a chance that a holiday weekend wedding will annoy guests because they may have long-standing holiday plans; on the other hand, attending an out-of-town wedding on a Sunday and taking a red-eye flight home afterward isn't much fun either. But both situations are completely acceptable as far as etiquette goes. Your concern shows that you have thought about your guests' schedules; if you have your heart set on a particular weekend or location, go ahead and schedule your wedding for that Sunday. Remember, too, that many Jewish weddings are held on Sundays -- most rabbis won't officiate until after sundown on the Sabbath (Saturday), and in spring and summer the sun sets so late that a Saturday evening wedding becomes impractical.
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rands09
We're having a Sunday wedding also, for the same reason - our venue isn't available on the Saturday that we'd like. Since we're having the ceremony and reception at the same site, travel will be cut down somewhat from the start...we're thinking of doing a 3pm Ceremony, so the entire event should be ending around 8pm...which shouldn't be too late for our out of town guests. I was a bit concerned at first about the whole Monday issue, but I've repeatedly been assured by family that it really shouldn't be too big a deal. After all, with every wedding, there will be some who can't make it; regardless of which day it is held on.
erin.sappington
We're having our wedding on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend next year, and the only thing I have heard (since all of my fiance's family is from Kentucky), is that they will miss the lake. I'm sorry, but if we're not important enough to you for you to miss one weekend at the lake, the same lake you go to EVERY weekend, then I have no problem with you not attending. This is our special day and we want those closest to us there. If you want a Sunday wedding of a holiday weekend, do it. Those who love you will drop anything to be there with you to make your day more special.
OregonSarah
I am also having a Sunday wedding, but wouldn't consider holding it on a holiday weekend. For many, three-day weekends are precious. I'm holding an afternoon/early evening wedding and reception on a Sunday and haven't heard any complaints. Most of our wedding party is coming in from out of town, so we were able to plan our bachelor/bachelorette parties on Friday, rehearsal dinner on Saturday, and then the wedding on Sunday. As far as travel goes, having a Saturday wedding usually requires people to take off work the Friday before - not that much different than taking Monday off to travel home. We were offered a significant discount on our venue for Sunday, which helped our budget quite a bit.
donishaa
We are getting married on a Sunday evening and also sent Save the Dates early enough for our friends and family to make preparations or decide if they will attend. There are no complaints especially since attending the wedding is not mandatory. It is voluntary!!!! No problem reserving our minister either.
sarahnap
As someone who has attended a few out of town weddings over holiday weekends I say don't do it! I would rather attend a Sunday wedding and have to take off the following Monday than travel on a holiday weekend. Also, I have been to Catholic weddings on Sundays held in churches so I think it is possible, depending on the church.