Holiday weekend weddings can be magical. Extra time to celebrate, more opportunities to connect with guests, and a built-in festive atmosphere can all elevate your wedding weekend. But they also come with unique challenges from travel costs to guest availability.
Below is a helpful guide to deciding whether a holiday weekend wedding is right for you.
Photo credit: Hotel West & Main
The Pros of Holiday Weekend Weddings
More Time to Celebrate With Your Guests
One of the biggest benefits of hosting your wedding over a holiday weekend is the longer celebration window. Guests typically have an extra day off, which means:
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More time for welcome parties, brunches, and group activities
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Less rushing between events
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A relaxed, destination-wedding feel—even if you’re close to home
Ideal for Out-of-Town Guests
If many of your guests are traveling, a holiday weekend wedding gives them the breathing room they need. Instead of quick in-and-out trips, they can enjoy:
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A full weekend itinerary
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More time exploring the area
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Quality time with family and friends they rarely see
- Flexibility with flight delays
A Natural Filter for Your Guest List
While it may sound funny, holiday weekends naturally “edit” your guest list. Those you invited out of obligation may decline due to travel, cost, or personal traditions. As a result, you’ll keep your celebration intimate and more intentional.
The Cons of Holiday Weekend Weddings
Higher Travel and Hotel Costs
Flights, hotels, and car rentals often surge around major holidays. This means some guests may struggle financially and ultimately choose not to attend your wedding.
Conflicting Family Traditions
Think about how important the holiday is to your guests. For example:
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A Thanksgiving-weekend wedding may require guests to travel on the busiest travel days of the year.
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A Labor Day wedding may interfere with long-standing family trips to the beach or mountains.
These conflicts can impact attendance and overall guest enthusiasm.
Busy Wedding Venues and Vendors
Holiday weekends are peak times for:
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Weddings
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Tourism
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Local events
This can make securing your dream wedding venue or vendors more competitive—and more expensive.
How to Successfully Plan a Holiday Weekend Wedding
Send Save-the-Dates Early
Holiday weekends book up fast—both for venues and for guests. Send your Save-the-Dates 9–12 months in advance (or even earlier) so guests can reserve the weekend before their calendars fill up.
Offer Light, Optional Weekend Activities
You don’t need to schedule every minute, but thoughtful suggestions go a long way.
Ideas for Guest-Friendly Activities
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A welcome cocktail hour
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Self-guided attraction list (parks, historic sites, local cafés)
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A casual brunch or after-party
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Nearby wineries, museums, or gardens
Aim for one or two hosted events and leave the rest flexible.
Communicate Clearly About Travel Costs
Be mindful that holiday pricing can create stress for guests. Helpful ways to ease the burden include:
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Reserving a hotel block early
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Sharing multiple lodging options at different price points
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Providing public transportation tips when possible
Is a Holiday Weekend Wedding Right for You?
A holiday weekend wedding can be the perfect choice if you’re prioritizing quality time, a multi-day celebration, and a festive vibe. And you’re prepared for possible guest limitations and higher costs.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed wedding weekend filled with meaningful moments, a holiday date might be the perfect fit.
