The Pros and Cons of Planning a West Michigan Holiday Wedding

The Pros and Cons of Planning a Wedding on a Holiday Weekend

When it comes to choosing a wedding date, those long holiday weekends can seem like the perfect fit: you have extra days off, festive energy in the air, and more time to celebrate with loved ones. But while there are definite perks, planning a wedding on a holiday weekend also comes with a unique set of challenges. If you're considering tying the knot over Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day, here's what you need to know to make the most of your special weekend.

The Perks of a Holiday Weekend Wedding

1. More Time to Celebrate: Holidays often come with a built-in three-day weekend. For guests traveling long distances, a holiday weekend offers more flexibility and less time off work, making it easier to say yes to your RSVP. Holiday weekends also come with a built-in recouperation time for everyone!

2. A Festive Atmosphere: Holiday weekends create a festive atmosphere where people want to celebrate. Here is a chance to layer in seasonal flair that makes your wedding feel extra magical.

4. Themed Wedding: A built-in holiday theme can be a lot of fun. You can lean into the holiday, and make it become part of your wedding story. This will carry into your anniversary celebrations for years to come.

The Cons

1. Higher Travel & Accommodation Costs: Holiday weekends are peak travel times. Flights and hotel rates may be significantly higher, and rooms may book up months in advance. Consider reserving hotel blocks early and offering a range of price points.

2. Vendor Availability & Pricing: Vendors often charge a premium for holiday bookings, and some may be unavailable altogether due to personal plans. Book early and budget for potential holiday surcharges.

3. Competing Plans: Holiday weekends can already be full of family traditions or travel plans. Be prepared for a slightly higher decline rate and communicate your date well in advance.

4. Limited Venue Access or Curfews: Some venues may have restrictions on noise, fireworks, or access due to holiday schedules. Always confirm logistics ahead of time, especially if you're planning something out of the norm.

Tips to Make Your Holiday Weekend Wedding Shine

Send Save-the-Dates Early – Give guests plenty of notice (at least 6–8 months in advance).

Secure Accommodations Early – Consider reserving blocks at multiple price points.

Consider a Welcome or Farewell Event – Make the most of the weekend with casual extras like a Friday night BBQ or Sunday brunch.

Show Gratitude – Acknowledge that guests may be giving up their own holiday plans to attend. Welcome notes or thoughtful favors go a long way.

Is a Holiday Weekend Wedding Right for You?

If you're a couple who loves to go big, entertain over a long weekend, or celebrate with family from afar, a holiday weekend wedding could be your dream scenario. Just remember to plan early, stay flexible, and communicate clearly with your guests and vendors.

At the end of the day, your love is the main event—no matter the date on the calendar.

Are you ready to Plan your wedding? Contact us to learn how Bell Tower Falls can make your wedding a timeless and magical event. Contact us to schedule a tour! https://www.belltowerfalls.com/contact

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