How will a holiday affect the attendance at your wedding?

Question

As of right now, we are looking at May 23, 2009, which is the weekend of Memorial Day. Some have said we may have more people show up b/c 1. guests won't feel as though they are wasting their entire weekend on a wedding since they have an extra day (memorial day) to do whatever and 2. out of town attendants won't be rushed since many have the Monday off work. I was thinking it would decrease the attendance due to vacations.

Answer 1

My wedding was the same weekend this year (5/24/08) and we didn't have any guests that didn't attend because of the holiday weekend.  Those who didn't attend weren't able to because my husband's cousin got married on the East Coast and his relatives that were closer to that area went to his cousin's wedding instead of ours.

Answer 2

With Memorial Day I think it could go either way.  I think the attendance would be higher, if it were a major religous holiday I would think attendance would drop.

Answer 3

I don't think people will mind that much about a wedding with the holiday. If you let people know now, then they can plan for it. If you wait, then people might not change their minds.

by doing it on a holiday weekend, you will probably get more people, because anyone out of town, will be able to fly there, and spend a few days before going back to work.

Some people won't go, because of other reasons, but I think you will get more, than just on a regualar weekend. More days off, more days to travel.

Answer 4

My cousin had her wedding on the Easter long weekend and it increased the attendance numbers.  It is true that if provided a long weekend, there is less time to "take off" from work, thus it is more convenient for people

Answer 5

I think that in general a wedding that close to a holiday would decreas attendance. Many families have traditions on holidays like Memorial (beginng of summer traditions) and Labor Day (before school begins). However, since these Holidays arent what most would consider 'major' holidays I think you could make it work out. For sure send out a "Save the Date" card, magnet, email, etc. That way families can prepare to change traditions for that year or they can work you wedding into the normal family plans. It could work out well for you. Good Luck with wedding planning. Have fun with it. Dont be too stressed out!!!

Answer 6

i don't think that you will have a problem. my friend got married last year on memorial day weekend and there was still a large turnout. just plan to have your invitations out well in advance so that people can make arrangements accordingly.