Friday vs Sunday Wedding?

Coming from a guest's point of view (and someone who has traveled for over 10 weddings) I would prefer Friday night. It's usually easier to get a Friday off from work and then you can enjoy the weekend with friends and family.

I'd prefer Friday night. On Sundays everyone worries about work/school and you would see many people leave early. (Well, I would have to anyways) Good luck!

Since your friends and family are encouraging you to have a Friday wedding, it sounds like they are willing to put up with the Friday afternoon traffic for your wedding, so that may not be a problem. Is there any other reason why you're leaning more towards a Sunday wedding?

I'd do Friday, but if it's in your budget, consider a shuttle bus to get folks to and from the venue. Traffic is a lot less stressful if you're the not the one driving!

I guess I'm leaning towards Sunday only because I thought DC folks may prefer to not take time off (as opposed to travelling family/friends who have to take time off regardless). I thought about a shuttle bus, but more in the context of from the venue to a nearby hotel for my out-of-town guests and anyone from DC who didn't want to drive (I'm planning on an open bar).

I hear you about Friday rush hour traffic, Toronto has traffic comparable to LA and NYC and if DC is anything like it I would try to avoid it like the plague. Would it be possible to have the ceremony earlier in the day so everyone would avoid the traffic? I'm not a huge fan of Sunday weddings as everyone is adjusting to going back to work the next day and many people need some down time after a wedding. But it is your wedding so you do what YOU want to do.

Just based on observing Friday weddings vs. Sunday weddings I would definitely go with Friday if you want a party. If you want a laid back, calm chatting kind of afternoon then Sunday might be better for you, but if you are hoping for a party with lots of dancing then go for Friday.

People seem to relax more on a Friday night when they don't have to work the next day. Also Friday just generally seems to be more of a "party mood" they vs Sunday being more of a relaxing kind of day.

As far as the pictures are concerned... I haven't really ran into any problems with Friday weddings. The ceremony usually starts at 7pm on a Friday.

One thing you could consider is doing a "reveal" with your hubby to be before the Ceremony where you see each other for the first time. It gives a nice opportunity for intimate pictures of the first look and you could do the formal portraits before the wedding even starts and be all done with it

Just based on observing Friday weddings vs. Sunday weddings I would definitely go with Friday if you want a party. If you want a laid back, calm chatting kind of afternoon then Sunday might be better for you, but if you are hoping for a party with lots of dancing then go for Friday.

People seem to relax more on a Friday night when they don't have to work the next day. Also Friday just generally seems to be more of a "party mood" they vs Sunday being more of a relaxing kind of day.

As far as the pictures are concerned... I haven't really ran into any problems with Friday weddings. The ceremony usually starts at 7pm on a Friday.

One thing you could consider is doing a "reveal" with your hubby to be before the Ceremony where you see each other for the first time. It gives a nice opportunity for intimate pictures of the first look and you could do the formal portraits before the wedding even starts and be all done with it

I agree with Jenni. Sunday would have a more laid back feel to it. While I am not fond of Friday evening weddings, given the choice, I would go for a party atmosphere on a Friday night.

FRIDAY for sure. for reasons already mentioned.

Btw we are DATE TWINS!!! if you keep it a fri

I'm having a Friday wedding! We are actually having our ceremony at 1 in the afternoon. We realized not many people can make it because of work. But our close family and OOT guests will be there. Our reception starts at 5:30. The venue is allowing guests to arrive at 5 so they should be able to miss most traffic. I like the idea of a "wedding weekend" we already have the the weekend planned with our bridal party and oot guests. So I say....FRIDAY! Good Luck!

Definitely Friday, but rush hours almost everywhere are horrible. I'd do an invite at 6:30 and wedding at 7:00.

I also say friday over sunday having been to a sunday wedding and a lot of guests had to leave early including myself!

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate the responses. Between the fam, friends and you all, I've seen the light!

I must be the odd ball I would say Sunday. I would HATE having to take off work to go to a wedding..

I went through this too before I found a venue we could afford for a Saturday. Go with Friday. Everyone I talked to said the same.

Jessica, I would be more inclined to cater to the guests who are traveling a long distance to attend the wedding. Just my 2 cents.

I am having a Sunday 4PM - 8 PM wedding. So if people want to leave at 8 they can and the people who want to stay longer can have an after party with us at the house! We figure that any out of town guest who work or go to school may only be missing the Monday after and Maybe the Friday before for driving.

I have to say, I sit through Friday traffic of DC every day and it is no picnic. I leave at 8pm heading south and it still may take me 30 minutes longer than usual on a Friday.

I am having a Sunday wedding. I feel it will be easier for people in the long run. And I would like a "weekend" wedding...we just couldn't afford Saturday. I say go with whatever day you feel is best...your loved ones will be there either way b/c they love you.