What Is the Cheapest Day to Have a Wedding?

If you're trying to cut costs on your wedding, the day you choose can save you thousands-sometimes more than your entire bouquet budget. Most couples assume Saturday is the default, but it’s also the most expensive. The truth? The cheapest days to have a wedding aren’t just cheaper-they’re often more relaxed, more personal, and way less stressful.

Wednesday Is the Clear Winner for Budget Weddings

Wednesday is the most affordable day to get married across the U.S. and Canada. Venues, caterers, photographers, and florists all charge significantly less because demand is low. You’re not competing with 20 other weddings that weekend. A typical Saturday wedding might cost $15,000 for the venue alone. On a Wednesday, you could get the same space for $6,000 to $8,000. That’s a $7,000+ savings right there.

Florists notice the difference too. Wedding flowers on a Saturday can cost $2,500 or more for a full setup. On a Wednesday, you’ll often pay $1,200 to $1,800. Why? Florists have more time to prepare, they’re not rushing between multiple events, and they don’t need to pay overtime staff. You can get the same peonies, eucalyptus, and roses-but without the weekend markup.

Why Thursday and Sunday Are Also Great Options

If Wednesday doesn’t work for your family or guests, Thursday is the next best bet. It’s still a weekday, so vendors are more flexible. Many couples choose Thursday because it allows for a longer weekend getaway. Guests can fly in on Wednesday night, enjoy the wedding on Thursday, and leave on Friday without using vacation days. Venues often offer Thursday packages that include the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception-all at a flat rate.

Sunday weddings are rising in popularity for budget-conscious couples. While not quite as cheap as Wednesday, they’re still 30% to 40% cheaper than Saturday. Plus, guests are more likely to be available-no one’s rushing back to work on Monday. Florists love Sunday weddings too. They can use leftover arrangements from Saturday events, which means you get fresh flowers at a discount. Some florists even offer “leftover bouquet” deals: you pick from unsold arrangements at 50% off.

Why Friday and Saturday Are the Most Expensive

Friday and Saturday are the most expensive days for a reason: they’re the most popular. Venues book up a year in advance. Photographers charge premium rates. Even your wedding flowers cost more because demand is high and supply is stretched thin.

On Saturday, florists often need to bring in extra staff, rent additional coolers, and rush deliveries. That’s all baked into the price. A simple centerpiece that costs $45 on a Wednesday might jump to $75 on Saturday. A bridal bouquet that’s $200 midweek could be $350 on a weekend. It’s not about the flowers being better-it’s about the timing.

Friday night weddings are almost as pricey as Saturday. Many venues treat Friday like a weekend day. If you’re set on a Friday, aim for an early evening ceremony-before 6 p.m.-and you might avoid the peak pricing. But don’t expect big savings unless you’re booking at least a year ahead.

How Much You Can Really Save

Let’s break it down with real numbers from 2025 wedding data:

• Wednesday wedding: Average total cost = $18,500
• Thursday wedding: Average total cost = $20,200
• Sunday wedding: Average total cost = $22,100
• Friday wedding: Average total cost = $26,800
• Saturday wedding: Average total cost = $31,400

That’s a $12,900 difference between a Wednesday and a Saturday wedding. That’s enough to pay for your honeymoon, upgrade your dress, or add a live string quartet for your reception. It’s also enough to cover your wedding flowers-twice.

And here’s the kicker: couples who choose weekday weddings report higher satisfaction. They’re less rushed. Their guests are more present. The vibe is more intimate. You’re not trying to squeeze your whole day into a 6-hour window. You can have a slow morning, a relaxed lunch, and a sunset ceremony without feeling like you’re on a clock.

What to Watch Out For

Choosing a weekday isn’t all sunshine and savings. There are a few things to plan for.

• Guest availability: Not everyone can take time off work. Send invites early and include a note like “We’re celebrating on a weekday to keep things special and affordable-thank you for making it work!” Most people will understand.
• Vendor availability: Some florists and photographers only work weekends. Make sure to ask upfront. Many are happy to adjust, but you need to confirm early.
• Weather: Weekday weddings often happen in off-season months. If you’re planning a spring or fall wedding, have a backup plan for rain or cold. Indoor venues with natural light are ideal.

Also, don’t assume that “cheaper” means “lower quality.” A Wednesday wedding with fresh peonies, hanging greenery, and a minimalist arch can look more elegant than a crowded Saturday wedding with over-the-top arrangements that feel rushed. Less is often more-especially when it comes to flowers.

How to Negotiate Better Flower Prices

Even on a weekday, florists have overhead. Here’s how to get the best deal:

1. Ask for a “weekday discount”-many florists offer 15% to 25% off for Monday-Thursday bookings.
2. Use in-season flowers: Peonies in June? Expensive. Daisies in August? Affordable. Work with your florist to pick blooms that are naturally abundant.
3. Go for greenery: Eucalyptus, ferns, and ivy are cheaper than flowers and still look luxurious. They’re also easier to transport and store.
4. Reuse ceremony flowers: Move your aisle arrangements to the reception table. Swap out the bride’s bouquet for a smaller one after the ceremony.
5. Book a bouquet package: Some florists offer “Wedding in a Box” deals: one bouquet, two boutonnieres, and three centerpieces for under $800.

One couple in Portland saved $1,100 on flowers by choosing a Wednesday in October and using local sunflowers, lavender, and dried wheat. Their florist called it “a dream wedding to plan-no rush, no stress, and the colors were perfect for fall.”

Real Couples, Real Savings

Emma and Jake got married on a Thursday in May. They spent $14,000 total. Their flowers? $1,300. Their venue? $5,800. They flew their parents in from out of state, rented a vintage car, and had a 100-person dinner. They didn’t skimp. They just chose the right day.

“We thought we’d miss out on the ‘perfect Saturday,’” Emma says. “But the day felt more like us. The light was golden. The florist had time to hand-arrange every stem. We didn’t feel like a number on a calendar.”

They still got married in a dress, with a ring, under a floral arch. But they didn’t pay the Saturday price for it.

Final Thought: Your Wedding Day Is Yours

The cheapest day to have a wedding isn’t just about saving money-it’s about reclaiming your wedding from the industry’s hype. You don’t need a Saturday to have magic. You don’t need a $4,000 bouquet to feel loved. You just need the right day, the right people, and the courage to choose what works for you.

Wednesday might not be what your mom imagined. But it might be exactly what your marriage deserves.