When is the Best Time of Day for Your Wedding

By Catie-Reagan Palmore

Posted: 01/11/18

Category: Wedding Tips

There's lots of things to take into consideration when choosing what time of day is best for your wedding. For starters, you'll want to pick a day of the week, as this will generally determine what time of day works best. Evening weddings are best on Fridays, morning weddings are best on Sundays, and Saturdays really any time can work in your favor. Factoring in how much time pre-wedding activities will take also determines the time your ceremony starts. Check out our list of pros and cons of each time of day so that you can pick the best time to tie the knot.

Morning

Pros

• Sunrise ceremonies on the beach or on a mountain can be absolutely breathtaking.
• Since morning weddings are less common, many vendors offer discounted rates. Plus serving brunch to your guests will save on your food costs. Guests will be less likely to drink alcohol, which will also save money.
• The first hour of light after sunrise is known as golden hour, where the sun is set low which radiates a gorgeous soft light. This is the ideal time for photographs as the lighting will be the most flattering at this time of day.

Cons

• During the reception, your guests may not be in the mood to start partying quite so early.
• There will not be a lot of time for getting ready and arranging last minute details unless your bridal party is willing to wake up super early. This could lead to tired and grumpy bridesmaids so make sure to have coffee and expresso shots on hand.
• Depending on how early your ceremony is, some vendors, especially hair and make up artists, may not be willing to book such early appointments.

Afternoon

Pros

• This is the best time of day for a wedding if there are young children you want to be a part of the wedding.
• For weddings on a budget, the afternoon is ideal because depending on timing you can get away with serving only hors d'oeuvres, which will be a fraction of the cost if you were to have a traditional sit down meal or even a buffet dinner.
• If you want your wedding to be more casual and intimate, afternoon weddings are the best since this is generally a more relaxed time of day. You can offer fun yard games for your guests.

Cons

• Particularly for outdoor weddings, the sun will be producing harsh lighting and dark shadows at this time of day. Especially if your wedding is in the hot summer months, your guests will be hot and sweaty, which does not always make for the best photographs.
• Since the afternoon is the hottest part of the day, your guests may be uncomfortable if the wedding takes place in the summer.
• Overall guests don't seem to enjoy themselves as much. Guests aren't as likely to dance at the reception. 

Evening

Pros

• Golden hour happens again during the last hour of light before sunset. Not only will this lighting do wonders for your wedding photographs, but it will also create a romantic atmosphere for an intimate candlelit reception.
• If you want your wedding to be a party your guests will never forget, opt for an evening wedding as nightime is when the champagne starts flowing and people rush to the dancefloor.
• You won't be rushed getting ready since you have the entire morning and afternoon for wedding day prep. Out of town guests will have ample time to arrive and get settled in before your big day.

Cons

• Since this is the most popular time of day for weddings, vendors can be more expensive and will book up quicker.
• It will be difficult to include children in your wedding as the reception will go way past their bedtime. Also, guests who have children at home may not be able to arrange babysitters, which means they either won't be able to make your wedding or will have to leave early.
• Your guests will be expecting a meal at some point. Sit-down dinners and even buffet style dinners can really eat into your budget. Also, guests will consume the most alcohol during evening weddings, which is both expensive and can lead to unforseen problems.