I am sure there will be conflicting thoughts. I think....sure! Why not, it gives people more time to travel without taking time off of work. My intended thinks it takes away from everyones plans. I would love thoughts.
I see nothing wrong with it, especially if a lot of people have to travel. It's not a big holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, and I think people will appreciate not having to go back to work on Monday after traveling all weekend.
i agree with you, our wedding will be over the easter break. no one needs to worry about fighting a hangover after enjoying your big party! plus if you give plenty of notice your wedding will become people's plans. I'm from ireland, sorry if this sounds ridiculous but what and when is memorial day?
It may depend where you're from. In MN a lot of people utilize their 3-day weekends to head up north to their cabins...and often times anything that conflicts with a long/relaxing weekend "up north" is not looked upon very favorably.
I think I remember a similar post about 4th of July or maybe Labor Day weekend.
The responses were pretty much split- with the 'it's great and allows more travel time' and the 'costs more to travel on holiday weekend and messes up my other plans for that time' camps being pretty well represented.
I'm in the- I like to do other stuff with my long weekends than battle holiday traffic on the highway or pay extra to fly someplace. Mostly because my family has a cabin where we traditionally spend those long weekends.
That said- I would not miss a once in a lifetime event (like your wedding) for an annual event I could enjoy next year (like fireworks on the 4th). I think most people would agree with me.
That said, do consider travel if your guests have to travel great distances or in popular vacation spots. If people have to fly, the prices could be significantly higher than a non-holiday weekend. If people have to drive they may face massive traffic jams trying to get to your wedding- best case scenario being they had to leave early or made it just in time, worst case scenario being they missed part of your wedding due to a traffic jam.
Good luck! I'm sure what ever weekend you choose people will be there and enjoy themselves.
good point kenziegirl.. that's why we skipped Thanksgiving weekend. Our friends had their wedding the Saturday after Thanksgiving last year and (I know this could be very selfish) but it really irked me. We usually have loads of plans for Thanksgiving weekend that we do every year, and I don't necessarily think it's fair to ask people to travel on big holiday weekends. You make an extremely valid point about airfare--prices skyrocket for holiday weekends. That is asking a bit of out of town guests.
I am torn on the issue. I like having the extra travel day, but the extra cost of airfare kinda stinks. But I don't agree that Memorial Day is a big enough holiday to have to worry too much about guests missing normal plans.
@ Soon2bMrsMcC: Memorial Day is a holiday to commemerate members of the US armed forces who have died in war. The official holiday is on May 30th, but it is observed as a day off of work for most people on the last Monday of May each year.
As people have suggested, some will like it, some will be annoyed. The best way to decide is to consider if most of your guests generally have plans that weekend, and then, second, if many people will be traveling far. (If yes to the second, it's generally nice to have a long weekend as long as the answer to the first question is no.)
In my opinion, it's fine. Frankly, I've gone to weddings over the 4th of July weekends, and am invited to one on Dec. 28 and having one over Memorial Day weekend is way better than those.
We decided against doing this although we wanted our wedding in late May. Since we have only 4 people who will have to travel more than 2 hours (and all 4 of those people are students who will be on summer break), it didn't seem necessary to use the holiday weekend to give people an extra day for traveling, etc. Most people I know like to have that weekend, not for extensive traveling, but for an extra day to get together with friends locally, have a picnic, etc., so it seemed a shame to ask them to take their relaxing weekend and spend half of it at my wedding. We ended up picking the weekend following memorial day weekend, which will give me extra time the week prior to do any last minute wedding details. Personally, I'd be bummed to have to attend a wedding for any holiday - that's my time off that I'd like to spend doing what I want. :)
Just to add: I think if you give them plenty of notice (I am sending out save the dates 10 1/2 months in advance for my Halloween weekend wedding because I know people make plans that weekend, and almost all of the guests are out of town) people will be able to plan far enough in advance to hopefully skirt some costs. Plane tickets could still be cheaper if they buy them within a couple months of the wedding notice.
Is your wedding on Sunday then? If I was planning on coming anyway, I probably wouldn't mind, unless I had to take an extra day off on Friday to travel (if your wedding is on Saturday). If I was on the fence about coming, this would probably be the nail in the coffin.
I agree depends on where you live. In NJ most people go to the shore and that is their first weekend. I probably wouldn't mind as much if it was a Friday or Sunday wedding just so at least you can still some of the things you are used to.
Thanks everyone for your comments. As expected, the votes are pretty even for both sides. Here's the kicker, we want to get married in the spring, and the nicest venue in town that solves all problems is only available on May 23....does that make a difference to any of you who were against?
Yes that would definitely change my vote then! I mean if it would be your dream wedding you should just go for it then and just have family and friends convey that to people. You had your heart set on a spring wedding at this venue and this is all they had left. Wow Memorial Day is early next year. Good luck!
I'm still not a big fan of doing it, but considering the situation you're in, I say go for it. I'd send out save the dates early so people don't make plans before they know about your wedding, and I'd expect a few people to grumble a little because they can't plan a memorial weekend away. That being said, most of the people you invite will be delighted to come to your wedding and think it's a great getaway weekend for them if they're traveling. (And poo on those who can't get over their momentary disappointment to be excited for a wedding.) You can only go so far when it comes to doing everything with your guests in mind. If you plan accordingly though, give them plenty of notice, and maybe look around for extra things to do in your area for OOTers to make it an extra fun weekend, you'll seem like a great "hostess."
My good friend just booked her wedding for the Sunday of next Memorial Day and saved a ton of money. She immediately sent an email to all of her close friends and family letting them know that it was set for a holiday weekend and I think got a favorable response from most everyone. I have traditional stuff I do on Memorial Day every year but am thrilled to do something new this year and celebrating a good friend's marriage is always fun for me. :)
^^ I did the same thing.. let everyone know as soon as I booked that the wedding would be on Halloween so they had plenty of time to plan.. I didn't know what to expect but the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
I'm doing a May 24 wedding - so I clearly vote on the side of GO FOR IT!
Its your wedding - you should do it. People might appreciate the extra free time to explore your town or have a leisurely travel back home. Just get your save-the-dates out early and know that the people who truly matter will move heaven and earth to be there.
But you should take your dream wedding whenever possible. That's my 2 cents!
I know some people can't stand holiday weekend weddings but really, do what's best for you, your future FH and your family. Holiday weekends work best for my family so that's probably what we'll end up with. I know my friends might not appreciate it but I have to put my family first.
If people want to come they will. Just remember you might have a higher number of "no's" than normal.
I am sure there will be conflicting thoughts. I think....sure! Why not, it gives people more time to travel without taking time off of work. My intended thinks it takes away from everyones plans. I would love thoughts.
posted by lindsaysoprano Newbee: 5 posts 4 months agoI see nothing wrong with it, especially if a lot of people have to travel. It's not a big holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, and I think people will appreciate not having to go back to work on Monday after traveling all weekend.
posted by meggyg8r Worker bee: 98 posts 4 months agoi agree with you, our wedding will be over the easter break. no one needs to worry about fighting a hangover after enjoying your big party! plus if you give plenty of notice your wedding will become people's plans. I'm from ireland, sorry if this sounds ridiculous but what and when is memorial day?
posted by Soon2bMrsMcC Newbee: 8 posts 4 months agoWe went to one this year. it was a bummer because we had to skip out on the yearly parties and events we typically do over the weekend.
Some people may enjoy it, some won't.
One thing to keep in mind is that airfare is more expensive over the holiday weekends (labor, president's, memorial weekends).
posted by kenziegirl Worker bee: 152 posts 4 months agoIt may depend where you're from. In MN a lot of people utilize their 3-day weekends to head up north to their cabins...and often times anything that conflicts with a long/relaxing weekend "up north" is not looked upon very favorably.
posted by missx Worker bee: 57 posts 4 months agoI think I remember a similar post about 4th of July or maybe Labor Day weekend.
The responses were pretty much split- with the 'it's great and allows more travel time' and the 'costs more to travel on holiday weekend and messes up my other plans for that time' camps being pretty well represented.
I'm in the- I like to do other stuff with my long weekends than battle holiday traffic on the highway or pay extra to fly someplace. Mostly because my family has a cabin where we traditionally spend those long weekends.
That said- I would not miss a once in a lifetime event (like your wedding) for an annual event I could enjoy next year (like fireworks on the 4th). I think most people would agree with me.
That said, do consider travel if your guests have to travel great distances or in popular vacation spots. If people have to fly, the prices could be significantly higher than a non-holiday weekend. If people have to drive they may face massive traffic jams trying to get to your wedding- best case scenario being they had to leave early or made it just in time, worst case scenario being they missed part of your wedding due to a traffic jam.
Good luck! I'm sure what ever weekend you choose people will be there and enjoy themselves.
posted by rosychicklet Helper bee: 417 posts 4 months agogood point kenziegirl.. that's why we skipped Thanksgiving weekend. Our friends had their wedding the Saturday after Thanksgiving last year and (I know this could be very selfish) but it really irked me. We usually have loads of plans for Thanksgiving weekend that we do every year, and I don't necessarily think it's fair to ask people to travel on big holiday weekends. You make an extremely valid point about airfare--prices skyrocket for holiday weekends. That is asking a bit of out of town guests.
I am torn on the issue. I like having the extra travel day, but the extra cost of airfare kinda stinks. But I don't agree that Memorial Day is a big enough holiday to have to worry too much about guests missing normal plans.
posted by meggyg8r Worker bee: 98 posts 4 months ago@ Soon2bMrsMcC: Memorial Day is a holiday to commemerate members of the US armed forces who have died in war. The official holiday is on May 30th, but it is observed as a day off of work for most people on the last Monday of May each year.
posted by missx Worker bee: 57 posts 4 months agoAs people have suggested, some will like it, some will be annoyed. The best way to decide is to consider if most of your guests generally have plans that weekend, and then, second, if many people will be traveling far. (If yes to the second, it's generally nice to have a long weekend as long as the answer to the first question is no.)
In my opinion, it's fine. Frankly, I've gone to weddings over the 4th of July weekends, and am invited to one on Dec. 28 and having one over Memorial Day weekend is way better than those.
posted by mrstye Newbee: 9 posts 4 months agoWe decided against doing this although we wanted our wedding in late May. Since we have only 4 people who will have to travel more than 2 hours (and all 4 of those people are students who will be on summer break), it didn't seem necessary to use the holiday weekend to give people an extra day for traveling, etc. Most people I know like to have that weekend, not for extensive traveling, but for an extra day to get together with friends locally, have a picnic, etc., so it seemed a shame to ask them to take their relaxing weekend and spend half of it at my wedding. We ended up picking the weekend following memorial day weekend, which will give me extra time the week prior to do any last minute wedding details. Personally, I'd be bummed to have to attend a wedding for any holiday - that's my time off that I'd like to spend doing what I want. :)
posted by loveatfirstsightlover Worker bee: 62 posts 4 months agoJust to add: I think if you give them plenty of notice (I am sending out save the dates 10 1/2 months in advance for my Halloween weekend wedding because I know people make plans that weekend, and almost all of the guests are out of town) people will be able to plan far enough in advance to hopefully skirt some costs. Plane tickets could still be cheaper if they buy them within a couple months of the wedding notice.
posted by meggyg8r Worker bee: 98 posts 4 months agoIs your wedding on Sunday then? If I was planning on coming anyway, I probably wouldn't mind, unless I had to take an extra day off on Friday to travel (if your wedding is on Saturday). If I was on the fence about coming, this would probably be the nail in the coffin.
posted by rebecca Bumble bee: 1,247 posts 4 months agoI agree depends on where you live. In NJ most people go to the shore and that is their first weekend. I probably wouldn't mind as much if it was a Friday or Sunday wedding just so at least you can still some of the things you are used to.
posted by pinklau325 Worker bee: 150 posts 4 months agoThanks everyone for your comments. As expected, the votes are pretty even for both sides. Here's the kicker, we want to get married in the spring, and the nicest venue in town that solves all problems is only available on May 23....does that make a difference to any of you who were against?
posted by lindsaysoprano Newbee: 5 posts 4 months agoYes that would definitely change my vote then! I mean if it would be your dream wedding you should just go for it then and just have family and friends convey that to people. You had your heart set on a spring wedding at this venue and this is all they had left. Wow Memorial Day is early next year. Good luck!
posted by pinklau325 Worker bee: 150 posts 4 months agoI'm still not a big fan of doing it, but considering the situation you're in, I say go for it. I'd send out save the dates early so people don't make plans before they know about your wedding, and I'd expect a few people to grumble a little because they can't plan a memorial weekend away. That being said, most of the people you invite will be delighted to come to your wedding and think it's a great getaway weekend for them if they're traveling. (And poo on those who can't get over their momentary disappointment to be excited for a wedding.) You can only go so far when it comes to doing everything with your guests in mind. If you plan accordingly though, give them plenty of notice, and maybe look around for extra things to do in your area for OOTers to make it an extra fun weekend, you'll seem like a great "hostess."
posted by loveatfirstsightlover Worker bee: 62 posts 4 months agoMy good friend just booked her wedding for the Sunday of next Memorial Day and saved a ton of money. She immediately sent an email to all of her close friends and family letting them know that it was set for a holiday weekend and I think got a favorable response from most everyone. I have traditional stuff I do on Memorial Day every year but am thrilled to do something new this year and celebrating a good friend's marriage is always fun for me. :)
posted by roseskier1 Worker bee: 102 posts 4 months ago^^ I did the same thing.. let everyone know as soon as I booked that the wedding would be on Halloween so they had plenty of time to plan.. I didn't know what to expect but the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive.
posted by meggyg8r Worker bee: 98 posts 4 months agoI'm doing a May 24 wedding - so I clearly vote on the side of GO FOR IT!
Its your wedding - you should do it. People might appreciate the extra free time to explore your town or have a leisurely travel back home. Just get your save-the-dates out early and know that the people who truly matter will move heaven and earth to be there.
But you should take your dream wedding whenever possible. That's my 2 cents!
:x Broke-Ass Bride
posted by danathebride Worker bee: 173 posts 4 months agoI know some people can't stand holiday weekend weddings but really, do what's best for you, your future FH and your family. Holiday weekends work best for my family so that's probably what we'll end up with. I know my friends might not appreciate it but I have to put my family first.
If people want to come they will. Just remember you might have a higher number of "no's" than normal.
posted by Habibi Worker bee: 153 posts 4 months ago