Holiday Weekend Weddings Pros and Cons

Holiday Weekend Weddings: Pros and Cons


Thinking About Holiday Weekend Weddings?

Holiday weekend weddings can be a great way to extend the celebration and spend more quality time with loved ones—especially if many guests are traveling from out of town. However, choosing a holiday weekend comes with its own set of considerations. If you’re weighing whether this option is right for you, here are a few key factors to keep in mind.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of a Holiday Weekend Wedding

Consider the Holiday Itself

Not all holidays are created equal when it comes to wedding planning. While some weekends, like Memorial Day or Labor Day, may offer guests a built-in day off and travel flexibility, others—like Thanksgiving or Christmas—are often packed with personal traditions, family obligations, and sky-high travel costs. For example, hosting your wedding the day after Thanksgiving could mean guests must travel during the busiest travel day of the year or miss their own holiday gatherings altogether.

Know Your Guest List

Hoping for a more intimate celebration—or secretly wishing a few obligatory invitees decline? Choosing a holiday weekend might just do the trick. Guests may have standing traditions, budget concerns, or travel aversions that make a holiday weekend wedding less appealing. While this can work in your favor if you’re looking to trim the list, it could also result in fewer RSVPs from people you genuinely want to be there.

Bride and groom share a moment under the stars and lights at Terrain at Styer's wedding venue.

Photo credit: Terrain at Styer’s/Hoffer Photography

Plan for Guest Downtime

One of the perks of a long weekend wedding is the chance to plan more than just one event—but balance is key. Offer a few optional activities, such as a welcome mixer, a casual brunch, or suggestions for local attractions. Guests will appreciate the thought, but they’ll also value time to relax and explore on their own terms.

Give Ample Notice

Holiday weekends book up fast, both for travel and for personal plans. To give your guests the best shot at attending—and to show consideration for their time—send out Save-the-Dates at least 9–12 months in advance. The earlier you communicate your plans, the more likely your loved ones can arrange their schedules accordingly.

Budget Considerations for Everyone

Holiday weekends tend to come with elevated price tags—not just for you, but for your guests. Hotel rates, airfare, and rental cars often surge during popular travel periods. Be mindful of the financial impact on your friends and family, and consider reserving hotel blocks or providing travel tips to help ease the burden.

Final Thoughts

A holiday weekend wedding can be a memorable and meaningful experience, offering more time to connect with loved ones and celebrate in style. However, it also requires extra planning, clear communication, and consideration for your guests’ time, traditions, and budgets. If you approach it thoughtfully, your holiday weekend celebration can be the perfect blend of festive and unforgettable.