Rachael Fletcher-Beaumont was determined to keep the costs of her wedding in check when she got married last year. She believes that the term “wedding” often adds extra zeros to the cost of services.
The 34-year-old from Bradford and her husband Luke saved the most money by marrying on a Thursday instead of a Saturday. This decision reduced the cost of their wedding package by £3,000.
Their savings on the venue allowed them to spend more on other aspects of their wedding. Rachael confirms that it was definitely worth getting married on a Thursday.
Frugal Wedding
A Growing Trend
Rachael and Luke’s decision to wed midweek reflects a broader trend among couples when selecting their wedding dates.
Research from the Bank of England suggests that more couples are opting for budget-friendly midweek dates for their nuptials.
Wedding planning apps also highlight this shift in preferences.
According to Hitched, Monday, 23 September, is poised to be the most sought-after date for weddings this year.
The data indicates that Tuesday weddings have experienced the most significant surge in popularity, witnessing a 42% increase over the past two years.
Similarly, Bridebook, which aids in planning 70% of UK weddings, noted that in 2023, for the first time, less than half of weddings occurred on a Saturday.
Additionally, couples tying the knot on Tuesdays or Wednesdays tend to spend over a fifth less on their weddings than the average.
Holly Poulter, a wedding planner at Revelry Events, explains, “The initial instinct for couples is to opt for a Saturday wedding, but then they realize that saving a couple of grand is worth more to them than having it on a weekend.”
She attributes this trend to the upheaval caused by the pandemic, which prompted couples to shift to weekdays. This shift has endured as couples have become more flexible in their approach.
Disparities in Pricing
Hazel Barnes, 59, is set to marry on a Thursday in July next year in Datchworth, Hertfordshire, saving £3,000 in the process.
She describes the discrepancy in wedding prices across different days of the week as “disgusting” and “jaw-dropping.”
To further trim costs, Hazel opted to handle the decorations for the reception venue herself.
Hazel and her fiance, Dannie Sanderson, 63, are planning an intimate wedding. Although two guests cannot attend due to childcare issues, Hazel believes that the savings outweigh the inconvenience.
Sophie Wardle, 29, is another bride embracing the midweek wedding trend. She will marry on Thursday, 1 May next year, in Wetherby, West Yorkshire.
The couple chose a more affordable wedding package, which also allowed for a smaller guest list. Sophie reduced her original guest count from 70.
Acknowledging potential challenges, Sophie and her fiance sent out their wedding date nearly two years in advance to give guests ample time to schedule time off on a weekday.
Savings at Luxury Venues
While midweek weddings are popular among budget-conscious couples, it’s also possible to save at luxury venues.
For instance, getting married at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire on a Saturday during peak summer months would cost at least £20,950 plus VAT. However, the same wedding package on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday during the same period is offered at £8,500 plus VAT.
Fran Everist, director of sales and marketing at Hedsor House, notes a shift in behavior, with more couples willing to marry on any day of the week.
By choosing a weekday package, couples often redirect the saved funds towards indulgences like live bands or extravagant honeymoons.
Hazel capitalized on these savings by booking a luxury Rolls-Royce, while Sophie invested in pricier entertainment.
While midweek weddings are gaining traction, Holly Poulter emphasizes that weekend weddings will remain appealing to many couples despite the cost.
“These decisions always require a delicate balance between budget and guest obligations,” she explains.
“Couples are mindful of their guests’ time commitments, the need for annual leave, and possibly arranging childcare during the week.”
Despite potential inconveniences, Rachael Fletcher-Beaumont has no regrets about her unconventional choice of wedding day.
“The money we saved allowed us to personalize our wedding in ways we hadn’t imagined,” she says.
