Feeling bamboozled about late afternoon weddings? An evening wedding ceremony is a romantic and intimate way to say, ‘I DO’ as the sun sets below the horizon and the stars light up the sky. Planning a wedding at night has pros and cons!
A morning or middle of the day wedding ceremony takes place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you are night owls who want to stand out from the crowd. The timings for a late afternoon wedding ceremony requires thinking out of the box.
As an evening wedding ceremony celebrant, let me share my expertise and insight. Then you can decide if a nocturnal marriage celebration is right for you. Read on and find out about the pros and cons of planning a unique wedding in the evening!
Evening Wedding Ceremony – Pros and Cons
Museum Schokland NL©Arjen Keers
1. Evening wedding ceremony reception
Pros: Did you know an evening wedding ceremony is called a golden hour wedding? It’s perfect, if you don’t want a long day of celebrating, yet like the idea of your faces lit by flickering candle and full moon light.
Cons: A late afternoon wedding celebration surrounded by loved ones is without a wedding breakfast.
2. Evening wedding ceremony budget
Pros: Every penny counts. And because you’re sensible you’ll keep an eye on your wedding budget.
Cons: A budget is vital and important to help you organise, remember and oversee a planning schedule. Be prepared to scrap some stuff to keep within your budget.
Jay & Sarah © Amandadrost Photography
3. Legal evening wedding ceremony
Pros: There are no restrictions to get legally married after the sun goes down.
Cons: To marry or register a civil partnership outside the hours of 8am to 6pm you must contact your local registrar. And you may have to pay a premium at night.
4. Evening wedding ceremony costs
Pros: The average cost of an evening wedding is €15000 to €35000 depending on your budget. Here’s a wedding budget breakdown.
Cons: Between 6pm and 8am you may incur higher costs to obtain your wedding license. Whether you plan a late afternoon or midnight wedding find out more…
Rock in your evening wedding dress by Awbridal. com
5. Planning for an evening wedding
Pros: Getting married at dusk (twilight wedding) can be exciting, fun and beautiful. But, it requires good preparation. Use this 12 month wedding planning guide.
Cons: From the ceremony timeline, food, children and the older guests, start planning early so that you are not faced with any extra costs and surprises.
6. Evening wedding ceremony timeline
Pros: An evening wedding ceremony (golden hour wedding) starts from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM because it’s the last hours before sunset and the first hours after sunrise.
Cons: An evening wedding provides the perfect light to capture stunning wedding photos. But finding a golden hour photographer can be a challenge. Start searching for the ideal photographer now!
Magic hour wedding © IMAGELANA Photography in Amsterdam
7. Evening-Only Wedding Guest List
Pros: an evening-only wedding guest list means you don’t have to decide on day & evening guests.
Cons: a late afternoon marriage celebration can put pressure on who to invite (within reason).
8. Nighttime Wedding Venue
Pros: There are many more options for evening wedding venues midweek.
Cons: Weekday wedding celebrations may come with an extra expense, because the venue may have to hire evening staff.
Late afternoon wedding – Mel & Glenda
Late afternoon wedding at the beach
9. Nighttime wedding without kids
Pros: An evening party can be exciting and fun but what do you do with the kids?
Cons: Contact a babysitter or ask a close family or friend to keep an eye on them. Let the little guests be entertained during your evening event.
Hortus Botanicus – Amsterdam Charlotte Amy Photography
10. Wedding banquet
Pros: Create a special buffet, drinks bar and sweets table, this way guests can help themselves when they get hungry and thirsty throughout the event.
Cons: An evening wedding banquet, breakfast, dinner or feast doesn’t have to be served.
© sparklers online.com
Evening wedding timeline – pros & consBased on evening ceremonies starting between 6pm and 9pm. | |
| Evening wedding begins First look photos Guests arrive | 18.00 hrs |
| Music, bubbles, drinks, canapes, cocktails & snacks. | 18.00 hrs |
| Ceremony – I Do/Vows/Rings | between 19.30 – 20.30 hrs Ceremony lasts 30 – 45 minutes. |
| Private moment for 2 | 21. 00 hrs |
| Reception drinks & snacks | 21. 15 hrs |
| Speeches, toast & roast | 21. 15 hrs |
| Cake Cutting | 21. 30 hrs |
| Opening Dance | 22. 00 hrs |
| It’s Party Time! | 22.00 – 24.00 hrs |
Rene F Photography
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