The Pros and Cons of Afternoon Weddings

When you picture a New Jersey wedding reception, you probably think of an evening event with cocktails, club lighting on the dance floor, and partying all night. However, you might be surprised to learn that more and more couples are opting for daytime receptions. 

Believe it or not, guests are just as eager to have a good time at 3 in the afternoon as they are at 10 p.m. However, depending on your vision for your wedding day, an afternoon affair may not be the right choice for you.

If you're on the fence about a daytime wedding, here are a few pros and cons to consider.

Pros of an afternoon wedding

1. Save money. Afternoon weddings are generally less expensive because people expect less food and drink during the day. Lunch portions are often lighter and smaller, and guests may consume less alcohol than they would at an evening reception.

2. More free time after the wedding. If a reception wraps up earlier in the evening, your guests may not feel rushed to head home to their babysitters or hit the hay. This leaves you plenty of time to mingle and chat, or enjoy some time with your closest friends and family members afterwards.

3. More natural daylight for photos. You'll have plenty of time before and after your daytime reception to capture gorgeous "golden hour" wedding photos.

Cons of an afternoon wedding

1. Super early start to the day. If your ceremony and reception start earlier in the day, your hair and makeup time will likely be 6 or 7 a.m., which is not ideal if you and your wedding party are night owls.

2. Casual vibe. Some couples prefer a laid-back, casual feel to their wedding reception, but if you want an elegant, formal affair, an evening wedding is probably better for you.

3. No all-night partying. If you envisioned guests hanging out and celebrating into the wee hours of the morning, an afternoon wedding probably won't be ideal for you.

Should we have a daytime wedding reception?

It depends entirely on what you want for your wedding day. No matter when you decide to have your reception, know that your friends and family will have a great time because they're there to celebrate you.

Read more of our take on afternoon weddings on the Hurricane Productions blog!