The trend that’s quietly reshaping the wedding industry in Ireland: weekday weddings. Yep, you heard that right, couples are saying “I do” on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, even Thursdays. And today, we’re going to break down why this is happening, how to make it work, and what you should consider if you’re thinking about breaking up with the traditional Saturday wedding.
Why weekday weddings?
Well, there are a few reasons. First up: availability.
Ireland’s most popular venues (think countryside manors, seaside hotels, and historic castles) book up fast, especially for weekend slots. Some couples are waiting 2 to 3 years for a Saturday! But move your date to a Wednesday? Suddenly, that dream venue is open next summer, not 2027.
And then there’s the cost.
A lot of venues offer weekday discounts. We’re talking 10 to 30 percent off in some cases. That could mean saving €3,000–€5,000 or more, which could go toward a honeymoon, your home, or those little luxuries you thought you couldn’t afford.
Finally, there’s the shift in lifestyle. Post-COVID, more of us are working flexibly. People are used to rearranging schedules. So asking guests to take a day or two off work isn’t quite the big ask it once was.
Making it work logistically:
Alright, so let’s say you’re tempted. A weekday wedding sounds great in theory, but how do you make it work in practice?
Here are a few things to consider:
- Give guests plenty of notice.
This is key. With enough lead time (say, 8 to 12 months) most people can plan around your date. Consider sending “save the dates” even earlier than usual. - Make it a celebration, not just a day.
Turn your weekday wedding into a midweek escape. Think: dinner the night before, a day-after brunch, or even a group trip to a local attraction. It makes the time off feel more like a mini holiday for your guests. - Support out-of-town guests.
Weekdays can make travel trickier. Consider booking hotel blocks, arranging shuttles, or even contributing to accommodation costs if your budget allows. - Check with your suppliers.
The good news? Many suppliers are more available on weekdays, and some offer lower rates. Still, ask about weekday policies and ensure they’re fully staffed and available.
The social side
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room: What will people think?
There’s still a bit of a stigma in some circles. You might hear, “But won’t it feel… less special?”
Here’s the truth: your wedding will be as special as you make it. If it’s full of love, laughter, and your favourite people, it doesn’t matter if it’s a Tuesday or a Saturday.
That said, be mindful of guests with tight schedules – like parents of young children, shift workers, or those traveling far. If a weekday won’t work for key loved ones, you might need to rethink, or make extra arrangements for them.
But overall? More and more couples are reporting that weekday weddings feel more intimate, more relaxed, and more personal.
Recap
Why go midweek? More availability, lower costs, and changing guest habits.
How to make it work? Plan early, communicate clearly, and treat it like a mini-holiday.
Will it still be special? Absolutely, because what makes a wedding isn’t the day of the week. It’s the reason you’re all there.
