|
Ten years ago, the idea of planning a weekday wedding
was unthinkable. Today, due in large part to the
substantial savings involved, it has become not only
commonplace, but has spurred another wedding industry
trend.
The concept of midweek weddings always has been
a part of European tradition, and Manhattan society
picked up on it at least two decades ago. The custom
has slowly made it's way throughout the country.
For Stephanie Alswang and her husband, photographers
in Livingston, New Jersey, it was a second marriage
for both of them. They wanted to celebrate grandly,
but cost was a major consideration. Additionally,
since weekends were their busiest times, with weddings
and other family celebrations that require photography,
a personal weekend wedding was virtually impossible.
The Alswangs represent the thousands of couples
a year who are opting for weeknight weddings. During
the week, couples are able to enjoy the elegance
of every weekend amenity, every desired extra, at
considerably lower pricing. The cocktail hour and
dinner menus are usually the same, the white glove
service is the same, and, of course, the facilities
are the same. Only the payment amount is different.
By opting for a Thursday "or any weekday" wedding
date opens a world of possibilities for couples and
parents who are planning an affair. For the majority
of couples who announce engagements a year or even
two years before a wedding, weekend dates at well-known
facilities throughout the major metropolitan areas
are already reserved, especially during the high-volume
months of April through November.
If the bride and groom and their respective families
are flexible, they can save themselves a lot of legwork
and phone work, and will not need to settle for vendor
alternatives. For a weeknight wedding, they have
a strong chance of obtaining their first-choice musicians
and others who can fulfill their wedding dreams.
It all falls into place.
Midweek also works well for couples who want weddings
with all the trimmings soon after becoming engaged,
and cannot book a weekend easily. Thursdays are usually
available within four to six months and off-season
midweek weddings are even more cost-effective.
For those getting married, and for those attending,
a weeknight wedding can add spark to a normal workaday
week. Generally, most invitees know about the date
far enough in advance to work out their personal
schedules. If they want to be there, they will. And
once the festivities begin, bridal parties and guests
are aware only of the elegant surroundings, and they
don't think about what day of the week it is.
When the Alswangs sent out their engagement announcements,
they included a "save the date" segment.
Their friends and family knew well ahead of time
that they were getting married on a Thursday, and
were able to arrange to travel earlier or to arrange
to leave work early, if necessary. There wasn't anyone
who could not come because of the date. In fact,
many of them were happy to start the weekend as early
as Wednesday, and they combined the wedding with
other vacation plans. It also allowed the newlyweds
to use Friday for tying up loose ends before leaving
on their honeymoon the next day.
Compliments of Barry
Ress
The Crystal Plaza
Go back to Articles
|
