Dear Nandini
My partner and I are struggling between a traditional Saturday Wedding and other options. While budget is definitely an issue we are also wondering what would be truly missed in booking a Friday date and if this is something couples are opting for with rising venue rental prices.
Seeking the Perfect Day
Dear Perfect Day
For decades, Saturday has been the undisputed king of weddings. It offers maximum convenience and the promise of a full, unhurried night of celebration. However, as the Ottawa-Gatineau wedding market grows more competitive and costly, some couples are discovering that shifting their timeline by just 24 or 48 hours can unlock significant savings and superior vendor access.
Many are even considering celebrating on a Thursday depending on their guests’ availability. Thursday evening weddings – particularly those preceding a long weekend, are becoming increasingly popular, proving that a little midweek mischief can pay off.
For some couples choosing a Thursday, Friday or Sunday isn’t just about saving money; it’s about strategically reallocating a budget to the elements that matter most, whether that’s premium catering or securing that dream photographer, oftentimes due to availability as well with a growing population and limited vendors.
Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of each day to help you choose the best date for your celebration.
The Saturday Premium: Tradition and Maximum Party Time
Saturday is the traditional choice for a reason: it’s the easiest day for almost every guest. It requires no time off work and guarantees the entire following day for recovery. Out of town guests are welcome to visit with family and friends before they leave and a quaint Sunday brunch for the newlyweds is often a last goodbye to seal off the festivities.
The Advantages of Saturday
- Maximum Guest Convenience: Saturday is non-negotiable if you have a large number of guests traveling from out of town. They arrive Friday evening and leave Sunday without using any vacation days.
- The Late-Night Marathon: Saturday is built for long, late-night receptions. There is no urgency for guests to leave early, allowing the party to seamlessly transition into the late hours.
- Vendor Familiarity: All vendors operate at peak performance on Saturday; the day’s timeline is standardized and universally understood.
The Disadvantages of Saturday
- The Non-Negotiable Price Tag: Venues and most top-tier vendors charge their highest rates for a Saturday. Expect the venue rental fee alone to be 15% to 30% higher than a Friday or Sunday.
- Extreme Competition: If you are planning an event for 2026 or 2027, prime Saturday dates at the best venues and with the most sought-after photographers and planners are often the first to disappear—sometimes booked 24 months in advance.
- Vendor Burnout: While professionals are always at their best, a Saturday evening booking often follows a busy Friday, meaning limited flexibility for unique setup requests.
The Strategic Alternative: Friday & Sunday Weddings
Opting for a Friday or Sunday wedding is a strategic financial move that allows you to shift thousands of dollars from the venue rental fee and reallocate it to premium elements, like your food experience or photography.
The Friday Wedding: The Weekend Kickoff
Friday weddings are perfect for couples who want a high-energy party atmosphere without the Saturday price tag.
| Advantages (The Win) | Disadvantages (The Trade-Off) |
| Significant Savings: Venue and catering minimums are often lower than Saturday, sometimes netting a 10–20% discount. | Guest Punctuality: Guests who work locally may struggle to arrive on time for an early ceremony (e.g., before 4:00 PM). |
| Full Weekend Recovery: Your guests still have Saturday and Sunday to recover or enjoy the city, treating the wedding as the ultimate kickoff to their long weekend. | Vendor Flexibility: Vendors may be less flexible with setup times, as they often have a Thursday event or need to turn the space quickly. |
| Fresh Vendors: Your vendors are generally fresh and energized, often providing a highly focused level of service. | Earlier Ceremony: You often must start your timeline earlier to accommodate dinner and dancing before midnight. |
The Sunday Wedding: The Relaxed Elegance
Sunday weddings are ideal for a more relaxed, intimate, or daytime celebration, often leading to a brunch or early dinner reception.
| Advantages (The Win) | Disadvantages (The Trade-Off) |
| Best Budget Deal: Sundays often present the deepest discounts on venue rental and minimums (sometimes 20–30% lower than Saturday). | The Early Exit: Guests with work or school on Monday often feel compelled to leave earlier, meaning your reception may wrap up around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. |
| High Vendor Availability: Sunday is typically the day top-tier vendors are most available, allowing you to hire your dream team when they would otherwise be fully booked. | Limited Travel: It’s less convenient for guests traveling long distances who need to take a vacation day on Monday. |
| The Brunch Vibe: Perfect for leveraging specialized, elegant menus like a premium brunch buffet, which feels luxurious but can be cost-effective compared to a formal plated dinner. | Alcohol Consumption: Guests may be more reserved regarding alcohol consumption due to the start of the work week. |
The Strategic Allocation: Where Your Savings Go
The most compelling reason to abandon the Saturday Scramble is the opportunity to reallocate saved money into premium experiences.
Imagine this scenario: you save $4,000 on your venue rental fee by switching from a Saturday to a Friday. Where does that money go?
- Premium Catering: Instead of settling for a standard three-course meal, you can use those savings to upgrade your per-person catering cost. This allows you to select a high-impact, refined menu—perhaps introducing a carvery station, upgrading wine selections, or offering that elaborate, chef-prepared brunch experience you truly want.
- Dream Team Vendors: The savings can be used to secure your first-choice photographer or videographer who might have been outside the original budget. Since photos and memories are permanent, investing in the best documentation of your day is often the wisest long-term decision.
The money isn’t just saved; it is shifted from the cost of the date to the quality of the execution.
Final Vibe Check
Ultimately, the best wedding day is the one that aligns with your personal priorities. Thursday is also a possible option for intimate groups. Your choice of dates has a lot to do with your guests and their availability as well.
- Choose Saturday if your highest priority is having a huge, late-night dance party with many out of town guests and maximum convenience for every guest, and budget is secondary.
- Choose Friday or Sunday if your highest priority is budget flexibility, securing specific vendors, and investing your money in the quality of the food and photography over the length of the reception.
Most importantly, be strategic, and choose the day that delivers the best value for your unique dream wedding. Stay true to your vision. Having the right people present with the right food and the right music creates teh vibe that you need to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Wishing you all the best in your planning adventures!
Your Wedding Expert
xoxo Nandini for TastersHub Catering & Events
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop”. -Rumi
