How to Plan a Friday or Sunday Wedding to Save Money

So, you're getting married in Austin - congratulations! As a premium alcohol delivery service specializing in weddings, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and corporate events, we know a thing or two about planning a memorable celebration on a budget. One of the best ways to save money on your big day is by considering a Friday or Sunday wedding instead of the traditional Saturday slot.

The Perks of a Friday or Sunday Wedding

In the wedding capital of Texas, Saturday is the most in-demand day for couples to tie the knot. This high demand means venues, vendors, and even guests often charge a premium for Saturday weddings. By shifting your wedding to a Friday or Sunday, you can take advantage of lower venue rental fees, discounted vendor pricing, and more availability for your desired vendors.

"We always recommend our couples consider a Friday or Sunday wedding if they're looking to stretch their budget further," says Emily at Fairmont Austin, one of Austin's premier wedding venues. "Friday weddings are becoming increasingly popular, and couples can often get the same level of service for 10-20% less than a Saturday event."

Vendor Savings with a Friday or Sunday Wedding

Beyond the venue, you'll find significant savings across the board with a Friday or Sunday wedding. Longhorn Charter Bus, a popular Austin transportation provider, offers 15% off their services for non-Saturday events. Many Austin caterers, like the legendary Franklin Barbecue, provide discounted package pricing on Fridays and Sundays as well.

Availability and Flexibility

With fewer weddings on Fridays and Sundays, you'll have an easier time securing your dream venue and vendors. Many top Austin event spaces, like Brazos Hall and The Oasis on Lake Travis, offer more open dates on non-Saturday slots. This flexibility allows you to be more selective with your vendors and potentially negotiate better rates.

"We actually recommend Friday or Sunday weddings to a lot of our clients," notes Jessica at Longhorn Charter Bus. "Not only do they save money on our services, but they also have an easier time booking the specific vehicles, drivers, and pickup/drop-off times that work best for their event."

Accommodate Out-of-Town Guests

One common concern with a Friday or Sunday wedding is guest attendance, especially for out-of-town travelers. However, this can actually work in your favor. Many guests are more likely to extend their stay for a long weekend, turning your wedding into a mini-vacation. Plus, they may find it easier and more cost-effective to book travel and accommodations.

"We've noticed a lot of our Friday and Sunday couples provide hotel room blocks or even complimentary transportation for their guests," says Emily at Fairmont Austin. "This really goes a long way in making it easy for people to attend, and they often appreciate the added convenience."

Unique Photo Opportunities

Another perk of a Friday or Sunday wedding? Unique photo opportunities that you won't get on a busy Saturday. Downtown Austin's iconic landmarks, like the Texas State Capitol building and the Congress Avenue Bridge, are often less crowded on non-peak days. This allows your photographer to capture stunning, one-of-a-kind wedding portraits.

"Some of my favorite Austin wedding photos have been from Friday and Sunday celebrations," says local photographer Sarah Jones. "The light is beautiful, the locations are more accessible, and the overall vibe is a little more relaxed - it really allows the couple's personalities to shine through."

Extend the Celebration

With a Friday or Sunday wedding, you can make a full weekend out of your celebration. Start with a rehearsal dinner on Thursday or Friday evening, then host your ceremony and reception on the big day. Wrap up the festivities with a Sunday brunch or day-after send-off, allowing you and your guests to soak in every moment.

"Our couples love being able to spend quality time with their loved ones over the course of a whole weekend," says Emily at Fairmont Austin. "It really takes the pressure off the main event day and lets everyone relax and enjoy themselves."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the best dates for a Friday or Sunday wedding in Austin?

A: The most popular Friday wedding dates are Fridays that fall on the first or last weekend of the month, as well as holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Labor Day. For Sundays, the best dates are usually the Sunday before a major holiday or the Sunday after a long weekend. These dates tend to have the highest availability and best pricing from venues and vendors.

Q: How much can I expect to save with a Friday or Sunday wedding?

A: On average, couples can save 10-20% on their total wedding budget by opting for a Friday or Sunday event versus a Saturday. The exact savings will depend on your specific vendors and venue, but you're likely to see the biggest discounts on the venue rental, catering, and transportation. Working with a premium alcohol delivery service like Party On Delivery can also help maximize your savings on bar services.

Q: What are the drawbacks of a Friday or Sunday wedding?

A: The main drawback is potentially lower guest attendance, especially for out-of-town travelers. However, many couples find that providing hotel room blocks and transportation options helps mitigate this issue. Another potential challenge is finding vendors and venues that are available on your preferred Friday or Sunday date. But with a bit of flexibility, you can usually find the right fit.

Conclusion

Whether you're dreaming of an intimate gathering or a big Texas-sized celebration, a Friday or Sunday wedding in Austin can be the key to an unforgettable and budget-friendly event. By taking advantage of lower venue and vendor costs, you'll have more flexibility to customize your special day. And with unique photo ops and the ability to extend the festivities, you and your guests can soak in every moment.

Explore our wedding bar service, signature cocktails, reception beverage packages, and day-of alcohol delivery for Austin weddings and let Party On Delivery handle the details. Cheers to your happily ever after!

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This article is part of our comprehensive The Ultimate Guide to Austin Wedding Bar Service. Explore the full guide for more tips and resources.