The Rise of the Weekday Wedding

Gone are the days when Saturday was the only acceptable day to tie the knot. Across New Zealand, couples are increasingly opting for midweek matrimony, with Thursday emerging as the standout favourite among weekday options. This shift represents more than just a scheduling preference—it’s a reflection of changing priorities, economic considerations, and a desire for more personalised celebrations.

The Financial Advantage

The most compelling reason behind the Thursday wedding trend is undoubtedly the financial benefit. Wedding venues and suppliers typically charge premium rates for Saturday bookings, particularly during the peak summer season. By contrast, a Thursday wedding can slash costs by as much as 30-40%, allowing couples to either save significantly or redirect those funds toward enhancing other aspects of their special day.

"We saved nearly $15,000 by moving our wedding from a Saturday to a Thursday," shares Emma, who married her partner James at a countryside estate in Canterbury last year. "With that saving, we were able to upgrade our honeymoon from a weekend in Sydney to two weeks touring the Pacific Islands."

Enhanced Availability

Another distinct advantage of Thursday weddings is the increased availability of top-tier venues and sought-after suppliers. The most desirable Saturday dates at popular venues often book out 18-24 months in advance, forcing couples into lengthy engagements or second-choice locations. Thursday slots, however, typically remain available much closer to the desired date, offering flexibility and reduced waiting times.

This extended availability applies not just to venues but to photographers, florists, caterers, and entertainment—all of whom may offer more attentive service when not juggling multiple weekend events.

The Long Weekend Opportunity

Thursday weddings create the perfect opportunity for a luxurious long weekend celebration. Couples and guests alike can take Friday off work, transforming the nuptials into a three-day weekend affair. This extended celebration time allows for more relaxed pre-wedding preparations, a leisurely recovery period, and even next-day brunches or activities that would be impossible with a traditional Saturday timeline.

Practical Considerations for Your Guests

While the benefits for couples are clear, successful Thursday weddings require thoughtful planning with guests in mind:

  • Send save-the-dates earlier than tradition dictates, giving guests ample time to arrange time off work
  • Consider starting ceremonies later in the day (4 pm onwards) to accommodate those who cannot take a full day off
  • Investigate group accommodation options for travelling guests
  • Prepare an informative wedding website with local transport links and accommodation recommendations

The Gift of Time

Perhaps the most unexpected advantage of Thursday weddings is the gift of time. Saturday venues often operate on strict timelines, with morning ceremonies needing to conclude promptly before afternoon bookings begin. Thursday bookings frequently come with more relaxed schedules and the potential for exclusive use of the venue for longer periods.

"Our venue was ours from Thursday morning until Friday noon," explains Charlotte, who married on a Thursday last autumn at a vineyard in Marlborough. "We didn’t feel rushed at any point, which made the entire experience so much more enjoyable."

When Thursdays Work Best

Thursday weddings are particularly well-suited for:

  • Couples working with tighter budgets
  • Those with significant numbers of self-employed or flexible-working guests
  • International weddings where guests will be travelling and taking time off regardless
  • Those seeking specific high-demand venues or suppliers
  • Couples who value a more intimate atmosphere with only their closest friends and family

The Future of Wedding Planning

The Thursday wedding trend signals a broader shift away from rigid wedding traditions toward more personalised, practical celebrations that prioritise the couple’s preferences and financial wellbeing. As work patterns continue to evolve post-pandemic, with more professionals enjoying flexible arrangements, the weekday wedding is likely to become increasingly normalised.

Whether you're planning your own nuptials or have received a Thursday invitation, embrace this sensible shift in wedding culture. After all, the day of the week matters far less than the lifetime of happiness it inaugurates.

Read some more of our articles in our Wedding Trends section for more insights.