When many couples start planning their wedding, their minds immediately jump to the traditional Saturday celebration. But here’s a little insider tip: Friday weddings are one of the best-kept secrets in the industry—and they come with more benefits than you might think.
If you’ve been considering a Friday date, or are curious why it might be the perfect fit, we’ve gathered the pros (and a few considerations) to help you make the best decision for your day.
1. You Get the Whole Weekend to Celebrate
One of the biggest advantages of a Friday wedding? You’re not cramming everything into a single day. When your wedding is on a Friday, your guests arrive in time for any pre-wedding preparations (think rehearsal dinner and nail appointments), and they will likely stay through the weekend. You can host a relaxed brunch Saturday morning, plan a fun group activity for out-of-town guests, or simply soak in the newlywed glow all weekend long.
2. More Vendor + Venue Availability
Friday weddings often give you more flexibility when booking top-tier vendors. From photographers to florists to musicians, vendors tend to have more availability (and sometimes even special rates) on non-Saturdays—meaning more choices for you, without compromising quality.
3. A More Relaxed, Intimate Feel
There’s something about a Friday wedding that just feels…different. Guests have likely taken the day off work or traveled in early, and there’s a relaxed energy that carries through the entire event.
4. Your Guests Still Have the Whole Weekend
A lot of couples worry that a Friday wedding might be inconvenient—but the people who want to be there will make it happen, especially with advance notice. And once they arrive, they’ll appreciate having the rest of the weekend to relax, explore, and celebrate with you. (No Sunday scaries after a Friday night party!)
5. It’s a Great Way to Maximize the Moment
If you’re planning a destination-style wedding or have lots of out-of-town guests, a Friday wedding gives everyone more time to connect, make memories, and enjoy everything the area has to offer. It turns a one-day event into a full weekend experience.
1. Advanced Notice Makes All The Difference
It’s true—attending a Friday wedding usually means arriving Thursday night or early Friday. That might not work for everyone, especially those with limited PTO. But again, the people who truly want to be there will find a way—especially if you send Save the Dates early.
That’s why we recommend going above and beyond when it comes to communication. Make it crystal clear what’s happening throughout the weekend, which events are optional, and which ones are important for them to attend. When guests know the plan well in advance, they can request time off accordingly—and show up fully present, knowing they won’t miss a thing.
Pro Tip: send your Save The Dates 8-12 months in advance to give guests plenty of time to organize time off and accommodations.
If you’re dreaming of a weekend full of celebration, more time with loved ones, and a fresh take on the traditional wedding experience, a Friday wedding might just be your perfect fit.
Here at Fishermen’s Inn, we love hosting Friday weddings—and we’ve seen firsthand how special they can be. From Thursday welcome dinners to Saturday morning brunch, Friday couples truly get the best of both worlds.
Interested in touring our space or inquiring about Friday availability?
We’d love to give you the tour and share what’s possible.
Schedule a tour today and let’s start dreaming up your weekend celebration.
Fishermen’s Inn | Timeless Chicagoland Wedding Venue
Featured Photographer | Joy Lyn Photography
