Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

A friend's cousin is getting married and is very tight on money (and whatever money they do have, they want to put toward a house).

Her cousin is trying to decide between a friday afternoon wedding (with CH & reception) or a saturday afternoon wedding with cake, punch and appetizers (no sit down dinner, no CH, etc).

I've heard of plenty of Fri night weddings and even some Thurs night weddings but a Fri afternoon is a first...

thoughts?

At first I was against the Fri afternoon wedding thing but I guess I'd have to take off from work or take a half-day for a Fri night wedding... Sat is of course easier.... it would depend on my work schedule and flexibility

Message edited 7/4/2008 2:02:03 PM.

Re: Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

Did they look into a Sunday afternoon wedding? I think it'd be tough to do a Friday afternoon wedding because many people do work. At least with a Friday night wedding, people can come after work, or maybe just leave a little early. They don't totally have to take the day off.

If she does a Sunday afternoon wedding, most people probably are not working and the rates are usually cheaper.

Re: Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

If they're looking to keep the costs down and have less people the friday would work since the important people would try their best to go.

Maybe she can try doing it during the holiday weekend, the hotels will be more expensive but she would get the weekday rate.

Re: Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

My mother said this once--"If people take off for a funeral, why wouldn't they take off for a wedding?" To me, I would rather people attend an event in my honor that I am in attendance for.

People who are close and can plan advance will be fine. You're going to have a smaller party than otherwise on a Friday afternoon.

I also think that a cake/punch reception is fine, as long as it is noted on the invitation. I am cranky when I think I'll be eating a meal and there's not one there (you should have seen me at FH's job's holiday party last year), but that is just common sense.

Everyone knows that NY weddings are out of control and only jerks will be rude or upset about it.

Re: Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

I think the Sat. afternoon event would be great if the apps were abundant and "elegant." You know what I mean? If the appetizers were passed and different, and not just the pigs in a blanket kind, I think it could be very nice! (Nothing wrong with the pigs in a blanket, but if they want to make it a classy affair, I think the apps need to be unique and a little more upscale since there is no dinner, you know?)

And I think Fri is fine too! People will take off! But I think I would prefer a Sat. afternoon.

Re: Fri afternoon wedding v. cake/punch reception on Sat?

They should set their budget and look around to see what is available in that range. Shop around - they could find a cancellation or unfilled date - My brother was married around 11:00am on a SUnday at East Wind - they needed to fill the spot so they got a great deal -Many places have 4 hour receptions that are like long cocktail hours - No matter what their day will be great because the most important people will be there - heck one of my friends had a big bbq w/ a dj as their reception because it was their budget.