Surprise Midweek Wedding – Is It Right For You?

Surprise midweek weddings are the new Saturday weddings giving couples more choices, flexibility, and cost-saving options. While getting married on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday can be beneficial. What are the challenges of weekday surprise weddings?

What is a surprise wedding? It’s a wedding kept secret by hosting it as another occasion, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other special gathering. Planning the ceremony midweek is exciting, yet stressful. How many guests should you invite to your surprise weekday wedding?

Don’t worry! That’s why I’m here to help. I’ve put together a list of exceptional surprise midweek wedding ideas just for you. This way no will feel offended about not being invited to your surprise wedding. Let’s find out if midweek weddings are right for you, here we go!

Surprise Midweek Weddings

Pros and Cons

midweek wedding with bride and groom holding hands and officiant at ceremony.
Surprise Weddings in Amsterdam! Beeckestijn Velden-zuid Vola & Adama

Monday Midweek Wedding

Surprise weddings are traditionally celebrated on Saturdays and Fridays, filled with joyful festivities and gatherings of family and friends. However, a growing trend is Monday weddings, offering an alternative for couples tying the knot. This shift has been reflected in recent data from Statistics Netherlands. While Monday may seem unconventional for a surprise wedding ceremony, a weekday can be a savvy option. Savings on venues and other wedding costs can be made. Benefit financially by planning a midweek wedding – Monday can be one of the best money-saving decisions you’ll ever make.

Midweek wedding celebration with bride, groom family and friends at a weekday wedding venue.
Weekday weddings. Multi-day weekend weddings. The Drop – Custom Suits Made to Measure

Tuesday – Cheaper Midweek weddings

According to Hitched, midweek weddings have seen a remarkable increase in popularity, rising by 42% in the past two years; says ‘Hitched’. To marry on Tuesday with a surprise midweek wedding could be the best day of your lives. From your dream honeymoon to luxury weekday wedding venue getting married on Tuesday can save you money.  Start planning a weekday wedding. Don’t delay get your invitations out today!

 ceremony seating ideas at the Andaz hotel Amsterdam on the prinsengracht.
white chairs set up for weekday ceremony and midweek celebrations at ©Andaz Hotel Amsterdam | Angelabloemssaatphotography

Wednesday – Midweek wedding

Celebrate your surprise wedding on a Wednesday to create a memorable midweek wedding day. Opting for a Wednesday wedding can result in significant savings on the venue, catering, attire, photography, and entertainment. These cost reductions may provide additional funds for pre-wedding festivities or the honeymoon. It is worth noting that many sporting events occur on Wednesdays. This means couples may wish to incorporate an engaging sports theme into their wedding such as football, tennis, Formula 1, or or major league sports.

Dutch blue bicycle with tin cans and multicoloured flowers in a wooden basket parked on the prinsengracht Amsterdam
Midweek weddings flexible off-peak weekend wedding packages don’t break the bank! ©Andaz hotel Amsterdam

Thursday – Midweek wedding

Thursday weddings can provide guests with more time to celebrate throughout the weekend. Couples planning a midweek wedding might consider scheduling it 12 to 24 months in advance. Choosing the fourth day of the week may also reduce costs, allowing for increased spending on other aspects of the celebration. An extended gathering can help attendees spend additional time together and create lasting memories. This approach can turn a wedding into a longer occasion that goes beyond the ceremony itself. Read more about Thursday weddings here!!

ceremony set up, chairs on a black and white checkered floor het Ketelhuis Strijp-S, Eindhoven
Weekday weddings outside Amsterdam – het Ketelhuis Strijp-S, Eindhoven.

Friday – Combined midweek wedding

If you marry on Friday, you can merge the perfect weekday ceremony with a surprise midweek wedding celebration abroad. A luxury wedding venue may come at a higher cost. But the good thing is friends and family traveling from afar can save money by attending your multi-day wedding festivities. Let’s face facts, Saturday is the most obvious choice to host your wedding. And your guests are happy to celebrate your joyous day with you. [Above all, the next day you can talk about the excitement of the day.] Be budget-conscious and opt for a multi-day celebration if your budget allows.

Multi-day Weekend Weddings

Weekday wedding with bride, groom and officiant at exclusieve venue. LorenLauren_vow_renewal_Amsterdam_©VictoriaMenting_Mywed.webp

 

Surprise Weddings on Saturday 

Ensure your surprise wedding on Saturday is truly memorable. It is important to recognise that weekday weddings may lead to lower guest attendance, which can be a significant disadvantage. Many family members and friends might have difficulty arranging time off from work, and midweek travel could prevent some guests from attending. Therefore, if a midweek celebration does not suit your needs, consider hosting your surprise wedding on a Saturday. Discover how to pull of your surprise wedding here.

The bride and groom walk onto a Dutch wooden boat docked at canalside in Amsterdam near Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht Hotel.
Midweek weddings in Amsterdam can hold a special meaning for many couples – get out your calendar now! © Andaz Hotel Amsterdam off-peak wedding dates

Surprise weddings on Sunday 

While weekday weddings can be appealing, they may inconvenience guests due to travel and work commitments. A Sunday wedding avoids these issues, offers more availability, and is an emerging trend. Combining a midweek surprise with a relaxed Sunday celebration lets you spend extra time with loved ones and potentially save on costs. Source: Brides.com. The Knot has everything to know about Sunday Weddings, from timeline to planning tips. Get planning your surprise wedding now!

Luxury midweek wedding package with man and woman in Amsterdam for an unforgettable experience.
Teresa & Scott – weekend wedding. IMAGELANA photographer in Amsterdam

Surprise Midweek Wedding in the Netherlands

Are you considering a surprise wedding weekday in the Netherlands? Before you start planning don’t miss your chance to win up to €10,000 for your big day! To participate, fill out your details.  Good luck!

 

 

Over to you…

Please leave your thoughts about weekday weddings in the comment box below.

5 Comments

  1. Tiff Gregers

    How great that you talk about how a Monday can be a great day for a wedding for your guests. I am getting married to my love this year. I will find a reputable wedding package service in the area to make it easier.

    • Clover Jean

      Hi Tiff Gregers, Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. So, you’ve decided to get married during the week? That’s a good idea, budget wise. There are lots of reputable midweek wedding package services to choose from for you and your wedding guests. Get swiping and scrolling on the internet, I’m sure you’ll find one that’s right for you. Good luck!

  2. Tiff Gregers

    How interesting that you talk about how midweek weddings can have great benefits. I am engaged and getting married this year. I will find an excellent wedding location in our area.

  3. Frank Lambert

    The midweek wedding is a relatively new trend in the wedding industry. Weddings are traditionally held on Saturdays, but this trend has seen people getting married in the middle of the week. Thank you for your article. It was beneficial.

    • Clover Jean

      Frank, thanks for your message. You are absolutely right about weekday weddings. Getting married midweek is ideal for couples who want a different type of wedding, something extra special and save money, too. It’s a win win situation for them and their guests!

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