Have you considered getting married on a weekday for your Smoky Mountain wedding?  For so many couples a weekday wedding isn’t considered. However, there are usually some great savings to getting married on a weekday!

Most wedding vendors love the opportunity to work during the week! Vendors in general, are often able to focus solely on that one weekday wedding rather than multitasking for multiple Friday and Saturday bookings.

Weekday Wedding Savings

A weekday wedding is a great way to save money! Almost all venues have lower rental or booking rates for a wedding from Sunday through Thursday. Other vendors such as photographers, videographers, and hair or makeup artists may be willing to offer a discount as well. Weekdays are thought of as off-peak booking dates year-round. Choosing a wedding date that falls during the week is an easy way to keep on budget!

Your florist, baker for the cake, or caterer may not be able to offer a discount due to the cost of supplies is consistent no matter the day of the week. Out-of-town guests may need to take additional days off of work to attend your wedding. Some of which may not be able to, which means fewer guests at your wedding. That will offer savings for these vendors. Just remember the people who are most important to you will attend no matter what!

Factors to Consider

There are many factors to consider when planning a destination wedding in the Smoky Mountains. Remember, if you already plan on being in the Smokies for multiple days, it doesn’t matter what day you choose.

There are peak traffic times on the Parkway and Dolly Parton Parkway. Consider your location as well as the time of the wedding and traffic patterns when planning. Any of your Smoky Mountain vendors can help you with this.

Since the pandemic, many schedules are much more flexible than before. However, guests still need plenty of notice. Send a “Save the Date” card out as soon as possible after you have decided on a date. At minimum send an email or text to let them know about the weekday wedding. In doing this they will have as much time as possible to book time off work and make travel arrangements.

Be sure to make the trip worthwhile for them. Encourage them to stay and schedule fun things to do with you and your fiancé/spouse. Schedule a Friday hike in the Smoky Mountains with a picnic lunch. Or a Saturday show with discount group tickets. You can even play mini-golf, go to Dollywood, or anything else. There is so much to do in the Smoky Mountain area!  Let them know that they are not coming to the Smoky Mountains just for a ceremony and reception. You will be joining them for a fun-filled vacation as well. Some of our hotels/cabins also offer group discounts. In this way, you will be saving money for them and yourself.

More Savings Ideas

Plan for an evening ceremony for those that are local to come after they get off work. By having an evening ceremony, you may be able to save money by providing appetizers and treats without providing a full meal if you choose a ceremony after 7 PM.

If you choose to plan your wedding quickly after getting engaged, weekday weddings are not booked out months or years in advance like Friday and Saturdays usually are. There is a great chance that you can still get the wedding of your dreams with short notice by choosing the weekday wedding.

If you are choosing to fly to the Smoky Mountains for your wedding, flights are usually cheaper on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Saving there means you have more of a budget for other things you may need or want. By sharing this information with your guests, they will truly appreciate your helping them with their budget as well.

Gatlinburg weekday weddings are not common, but they are definitely budget friendly. By getting married on a weekday, your budget will help you create your unique and fun wedding the way you want it. Whatever you choose, this is your wedding and your vision.

Written by Ellen Crivellone of Smokey Mountain Sounds and the Smoky Mountain Wedding Association– We would love to DJ for your celebration, call now for availability! 1-865-712-1854

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