Sunday Weddings: Advice from a Wedding Planner

Picking a wedding date can be one of the most exciting – and challenging – parts of planning your wedding. Pick a popular month like June or August and you may find yourself competing for venues or overlapping dates with other weddings – that is, if you pick a Saturday.

So here’s a pro tip to ponder: ever considered Sundays? Whether you envision your wedding with spring flowers in bloom, under a canopy of crisp fall leaves or with a blanket of pristine snow outside, shifting your day from a Saturday to a Sunday has more advantages than you might realize. It’s a wedding trend that’s becoming a popular choice – and for good reason. Let’s take a closer look and see if a Sunday wedding is right for you.

Plan the perfect Sunday wedding ceremony

Be mindful of your guest's schedules

If family or friends have to travel for your wedding, a Sunday wedding has the upside of them being able to travel on a Saturday and not having to take time off from work on Friday. Often airfare is lower on weekends since there are fewer business travelers, and those who have to drive aren’t pressed for time.

There’s a flip-side, though, in that many people see Sundays nights as Monday-eve, and may be less likely to stay for an event that runs late. Having a wedding that ends earlier on a Sunday will help your guests enjoy sharing in your celebration without feeling rushed into their workweek.

Steer clear of holiday weekend weddings

We know what some couples are thinking – oooh, how about Memorial Day or the Fourth of July holiday so our guests are more likely to have a three-day weekend? It’s a thoughtful consideration, but keep in mind that AAA estimates around 42 million people will be traveling for Memorial Day each year, and everything from hotels to airfare to gas may show a higher price due to high demand.

Your own expenses are also likely to be higher because your caterer, photographer, stylists and other wedding experts will likely be charging a premium.

Be sure to spell out Sunday on your wedding invitations

It may seem like a small thing but choose wedding invitations with a format that lets you add not only the date but the day, and spell it out – literally. It’s a simple yet thoughtful way to make sure they save the right date.

Benefits of a Sunday Wedding

Budgeting for your wedding

Some of your top venue choices for weddings could be in high demand on Saturdays and, if so, will be priced to match. Mention you'd be willing to entertain a Sunday date and you may be pleasantly surprised by the rates. And that’s a beautiful thing, because not only might you get to have your preferred location at a better price you’re also likely to open up a lot more options for dates. Typically, Sunday night room rates are also lower, too.

Save on Sunday Weddings at Turning Stone, home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in CNY

Turning Stone Resort Casino in Central New York offers great options for couples looking to book a Sunday wedding. In addition to a range of venue styles, you’ll also find an expert wedding team, from wedding coordinators to chefs, pastry chefs to florists. With more than 20 restaurants, two golf courses and two spas, it’s a wonderful venue for a destination wedding.

Plan Your Wedding

Vendor options for Sunday weddings

While you’re likely to find some vendors whose websites list them as closed on Sundays, likely even more vendors will welcome the work and may even offer you a better rate versus Saturdays. This can work in your favor in another way – having their undivided attention – since professionals like hair stylists and photographers often book multiple weddings on the same day.

Watch your entertainment options open up

Have a favorite musician or band you’d love to have play at your wedding? Or maybe you have your eye on a venue you’d love to rent out that usually hosts live entertainment on Fridays and Saturday nights. Sunday for the win again, since Saturday nights not only book up sooner but would come at a premium in both cases. You’re also likely to have a lot less competition for top talent or venues, and more ability to customize your calendar that day. Sundays are starting to sound pretty sweet, aren’t they?

Have a month in mind for your wedding? Grab your calendar and give the wedding experts at Turning Stone Resort Casino a call and let us show you what you could save with a little Sunday flexibility and creativity.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR WEDDING

Frequently asked questions about Sunday weddings

Are Sunday weddings cheaper?

Sunday weddings can be cheaper since vendors and venues often have more flexibility than a traditional – but also more competitive – Saturday wedding. Sunday Brunch Weddings are another great way to keep your wedding budget-friendly. Any guests who have to travel home ahead of a Monday workweek will appreciate that, too. (Side bonus on the bar tab, guests who are headed to work the next day are also likely to order fewer drinks.)

Are Sunday weddings more casual or more formal?

Sunday weddings can be as casual or formal as you’d like, but a Sunday brunch wedding is ideal for a more casual Sunday wedding. It’s also unique and gives you lots of fun ways to get creative. Another bonus, brunch menus are also typically less than dinner when it comes to catering.

What religion gets married on Sunday?

Jewish weddings are often held on Sundays since weddings are forbidden on the Sabbath – also known as Shabbos in Yiddish or Shabbat in Hebrew – which runs from sunset Friday night to sunset on Saturday.

Is it ok to get married on a Sunday?

It’s your wedding, you can have it on a Tuesday if you’d like, so that decision is totally up to you and your future spouse. Obviously because of services that occur regularly, Sunday weddings at a church should be arranged well in advance. Jewish weddings are often on a Sunday since Saturdays are reserved as a day of rest.

What time should a Sunday wedding be?

The time of year, destination and indoor versus outdoor locations are all things that could influence your choice of a wedding time. Late-morning Sunday brunch ceremonies or afternoon ceremonies work well for Sunday weddings. This gives guests who want to attend church beforehand time to find a service. It also gives out-of-town guests the ability to get home before the start of another work week.

What's the most popular month to get married?

Ever wonder why June weddings are so popular? The name of the month itself comes from the Roman Goddess, Juno, who just happens to be the goddess of…care to guess? Weddings. From ancient mythology to old wives’ tales about luck and prosperity around June weddings, it’s no wonder it became such a popular month. If you have your heart set on being a June bride – or groom – that’s another great reason to ask about a Sunday option. The price difference alone may offer you the best of both worlds.

Explore Turning Stone for your Sunday wedding

It’s your turn to plan the wedding of your dreams – and the expert wedding team at Turning Stone Resort Casino is here to help. As one of the top five tourist destinations in New York State and home to world-class dining, spas and entertainment, you’ll find artisans, chefs and professionals working at the top of their game to help you create a truly special day. Give us a call today, and let’s talk about your wedding.

Call 888.361.7958 or send a note to weddings@turningstone.com.

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