How to Choose Between a Saturday vs. Friday Wedding (Nashville Photographer's Guide)
How to Choose Between a Saturday vs. Friday Wedding (Nashville Photographer's Guide)
One of the first big decisions in wedding planning is choosing your wedding day. And increasingly, Nashville couples are considering Friday weddings as an alternative to traditional Saturdays.
After photographing weddings on every day of the week across Nashville venues, I can tell you: there's no universally "right" answer. But there IS a right answer for YOUR specific situation.
Here's everything you need to know to make this decision confidently, based on real weddings I've photographed and the actual experiences of Nashville couples.
The Saturday Wedding: Traditional Choice
Let's start with what most people default to.
Why Saturday Is Still the Most Popular:
Guest Attendance
People don't have to take time off work
Out-of-town guests can travel Friday, attend Saturday, leave Sunday
No one has to worry about getting home for work the next day
Less pressure on guests to attend
Vendor Availability
More vendors available (though also more competition for the best ones)
Standard pricing (you're not paying weekend premiums on top of Friday rates)
Vendors are in full wedding mode on Saturdays
Mental Association
Saturday feels like "the right day" for a wedding
Traditional, expected, no explanation needed
Parents and older relatives expect Saturday
The Saturday Reality Check:
Costs:
Venues charge premium rates (often 20-40% more than Friday)
Vendors charge weekend rates
Hotels and accommodations are more expensive
You're competing with other Saturday weddings for everything
Availability:
Top venues book 12-18 months out for prime Saturdays
Best photographers book even further in advance
Popular dates (May-October Saturdays) book fast
Less flexibility in dates
Guest Experience:
Travel is more expensive (flights, hotels at weekend rates)
Traffic getting to Nashville on Friday afternoon
Everyone else is also having events (multiple wedding conflicts)
Limited time for welcome events (everyone arrives Friday evening)
The Friday Wedding: Growing Trend
Friday weddings have gone from unusual to increasingly common, especially in Nashville.
Why Friday Weddings Are Becoming Popular:
Cost Savings
Venues often offer 20-40% discounts for Fridays
Vendors may have lower rates or be more negotiable
Hotels and travel are cheaper for guests
Catering costs sometimes lower
Overall budget savings: $3,000-$10,000+ typically
Better Vendor Availability
Top photographers have Friday availability when Saturdays are booked
Premium venues have Friday openings
Favorite wedding planners more available
More negotiating power with vendors
Extended Weekend Feel
Guests take Friday off, making it a 3-day weekend
More time for welcome events Thursday night
Less rushed schedule overall
Feels like a destination wedding experience
The Friday Challenges:
Guest Attendance:
Some people can't or won't take time off work
Teachers, healthcare workers, retail employees have limited flexibility
Parents with young kids may struggle with Friday
Older relatives less likely to attend
Travel Logistics:
Out-of-town guests need to travel Thursday or Friday morning
Friday afternoon flights are expensive
More PTO days required for guests (Thursday-Sunday instead of just travel days)
Commute traffic for local guests leaving work early
Perception:
Some people still see Friday as "not a real wedding day"
Older generation may consider it inconsiderate
You'll have to explain/defend the choice repeatedly
Cost Comparison: Real Nashville Numbers
Let's talk actual dollars based on what we see with Nashville couples.
Typical Saturday Wedding Costs:
Venue: $5,000-$15,000
Photography: $3,500-$8,000
Catering: $8,000-$15,000 (150 guests)
DJ/Band: $1,500-$4,000
Florals: $2,500-$6,000
Planner: $2,000-$4,000
Saturday Total: ~$22,500-$52,000
Typical Friday Wedding Costs:
Venue: $3,500-$10,000 (20-40% less)
Photography: $3,000-$7,000 (some photographers offer Friday rates)
Catering: $7,000-$13,000 (same or slightly less)
DJ/Band: $1,200-$3,500 (some Friday discounts)
Florals: $2,500-$6,000 (usually same)
Planner: $2,000-$4,000 (usually same)
Friday Total: ~$19,200-$43,500
Average Savings: $3,300-$8,500
Where the Savings Come From:
The biggest savings are in venue costs. Nashville venues like Cheekwood, Riverwood Mansion, and The Hermitage Hotel often have different Friday pricing.
What Usually Costs the Same:
Florals (flowers cost the same any day)
Hair and makeup
Dress and attire
Invitations and stationery
Wedding planners (though some offer Friday discounts)
Guest Attendance: What Actually Happens
This is the biggest concern couples have about Friday weddings. Let's look at real data.
What We've Observed:
Saturday Wedding Attendance:
Average RSVP "yes" rate: 75-85%
Declines mostly from: distance, cost, conflicts with other events
Friday Wedding Attendance:
Average RSVP "yes" rate: 65-75%
Declines mostly from: work conflicts, childcare, travel logistics
Who Attends Friday Weddings:
Close family (they'll make it work)
Best friends (they'll take the day off)
Retired guests (no work conflict)
Local guests (easier commute)
Self-employed or flexible-schedule guests
Who Often Can't Attend:
Teachers (can't take Fridays off easily)
Healthcare workers (shift work)
Retail/service industry (weekend is busy time)
Parents with young kids in school
People with strict PTO policies
The Reality Check:
If you have 150 guests on your Saturday list, expect 110-125 to attend.
If you have 150 guests on your Friday list, expect 95-115 to attend.
The Delta: About 15-20 fewer guests on Friday
But here's what matters: The people who come to your Friday wedding REALLY want to be there. They've made an effort. That creates different energy.
Vendor Availability: The Hidden Advantage
This is where Friday weddings really shine.
Saturday Vendor Reality:
Prime season Saturdays (May-October) at top Nashville venues book:
Venues: 12-18 months out
Photographers: 12-24 months out
Planners: 10-16 months out
Florists: 10-14 months out
If you're planning a wedding 6-9 months out, your Saturday options are limited.
Friday Vendor Reality:
Even prime season Fridays have availability:
Venues: 6-12 months out (sometimes less)
Photographers: 8-14 months out
Planners: 6-10 months out
Florists: 6-10 months out
Real Example:
A couple contacted me in January wanting an October wedding. All my Saturdays were booked through October of the following year. But I had three Friday dates available that October.
They chose Friday, saved $6,000 on venue costs, got their dream venue at Cheekwood, and had 120 of their closest people there instead of 150 casual acquaintances.
The Negotiation Factor:
Vendors are often more willing to:
Negotiate rates for Friday dates
Customize packages
Throw in extras
Be flexible with contracts
Why? Because their Saturdays book solid but Fridays have gaps. You have more leverage.
Venue Considerations by Nashville Location
Different Nashville venues have different Friday vs. Saturday dynamics.
Downtown Nashville Venues:
Friday Advantage:
The Hermitage Hotel: Less competition with conventions
Union Station: More availability
Noelle Nashville: Better Friday rates
Friday Challenge:
Downtown traffic on Friday afternoon
Parking harder for guests leaving work
May compete with bachelor/bachelorette parties (Nashville is a popular Friday destination)
Estate and Garden Venues:
Friday Advantage:
Cheekwood: Significant Friday savings
Riverwood Mansion: Better availability
Outdoor venues: Better weather flexibility (move to Saturday if forecast is bad)
Friday Consideration:
Some garden venues close early on Fridays (check end times)
Historic and Cultural Venues:
Friday Advantage:
The Parthenon: Lower permit fees
Museums and galleries: Less crowded
Better photography opportunities with fewer tourists
The Guest Experience Factor
Let's talk about what your wedding day is actually like for guests.
Saturday Guest Experience:
Arrival:
Fly in Friday evening or Saturday morning
Typical hotel checkout Sunday
2 nights accommodation needed
Friday evening available for rehearsal dinner
Day Of:
Morning and afternoon free
Arrive at wedding with no work stress
Stay as late as they want
No pressure to leave early
Logistics:
Weekend hotel rates (higher)
Friday flights (expensive)
Rental car for full weekend
More expensive overall for guests
Friday Guest Experience:
Arrival:
Many fly in Thursday evening (extra night)
Or Friday morning (rushed, expensive flights)
Or take Friday off and drive in
2-3 nights accommodation potentially needed
Day Of:
Take full or half day off work
Rush to get there from office
May leave earlier (work next day)
Some guilt about taking time off
Logistics:
Cheaper flights (Thursday evening or Friday morning)
Cheaper hotel rates (Thursday night)
Extended weekend feel
More total time in Nashville
The Surprising Truth:
Guests who attend Friday weddings often say it feels more special — they made an effort, it's a longer celebration, and there's more time for welcome events and post-wedding brunch.
Timeline and Photography Considerations
As a photographer, here's what I notice about Friday vs. Saturday weddings.
Golden Hour Timing:
Summer Fridays:
Sunset around 8 PM
Can do ceremony at 5:30 PM and still get golden hour portraits
Reception starts around 7:30 PM
Perfect timeline for photos
Winter Fridays:
Sunset around 4:30-5 PM
Need to do first look to get couple portraits
Earlier ceremony time (3-4 PM) helps
Tighter timeline overall
Saturday Timelines Are More Flexible:
Can start later (6 PM ceremony in summer)
More buffer time built in
Less pressure for guests rushing from work
Friday Timelines Need Precision:
Start time matters more (guests coming from work)
Can't push back ceremony 30 minutes casually
Need to respect guests' Saturday morning obligations
Earlier send-off time often needed
What Works Best for Photos:
Friday advantage:
Less competition for Nashville photography spots
Downtown less crowded for portraits
Vendors are more relaxed (not rushing to next Saturday wedding)
Saturday advantage:
More timeline flexibility
Can extend into late evening
Weather backup days easier
The "Destination Feel" of Friday Weddings
One unexpected benefit couples report about Friday weddings:
Extended Celebration:
Thursday:
Welcome drinks or casual dinner
More intimate time with traveling guests
Sets tone for the weekend
Friday:
Wedding day
Guests already in town, settled, relaxed
Not rushing from Friday flights
Saturday:
Post-wedding brunch
Activities with guests
More time to actually visit with people
Feels like a weekend-long party
Sunday:
Travel day
Guests leave relaxed, not rushed
Vs. Saturday Wedding:
Friday:
Guests arrive late, scattered
Quick rehearsal dinner (not everyone there)
Saturday:
Wedding day
Guests leave Sunday morning (rushed)
Result:
Less total time together
More stressful for out-of-town guests
Feels more transactional
Real Example:
One couple chose Friday at Noelle Nashville. They did:
Thursday: Welcome drinks on rooftop bar (casual, 50 people)
Friday: Wedding (100 people)
Saturday: Broadway brunch and Honky Tonk tour
Sunday: Farewell breakfast
Their guests said it felt like a mini Nashville vacation, not just attending a wedding.
Who Should Choose Friday
Friday is ideal if:
✅ You're budget-conscious and want to save $3,000-$10,000
✅ Your guest list is mostly local (within 2 hours)
✅ You want your dream vendor who's booked on Saturdays
✅ You're planning 6-9 months out and Saturdays are limited
✅ Your closest people have flexible work schedules
✅ You want a more intimate guest list anyway
✅ You're comfortable with slightly lower attendance
✅ You want to create a destination weekend feel
✅ Your priority is the vendor team over maximum attendance
Real Couples Who Chose Friday:
The Budget Savers: Used Friday savings to upgrade photography and honeymoon
The Vendor Lovers: Got dream photographer who was Saturday-booked
The Intimate Celebrators: Wanted 80 people, not 150
The Quick Planners: Planning 8 months out, Saturdays were gone
The Extended Weekend Hosts: Wanted 3-day Nashville celebration
Who Should Choose Saturday
Saturday is ideal if:
✅ Guest attendance is your top priority
✅ Most guests are traveling from far away
✅ You have many guests with inflexible work schedules
✅ You're planning 12-18 months out (plenty of Saturday availability)
✅ Budget isn't a primary concern
✅ Family expectations are strong for traditional Saturday
✅ You want maximum timeline flexibility
✅ Your vendors have equal Saturday/Friday rates anyway
✅ You want that "classic wedding day" feeling
Real Couples Who Chose Saturday:
The Far-Flung Families: Guests from 10+ states, needed weekend flexibility
The Traditional Celebrators: Parents strongly preferred Saturday
The Teacher Bride: Her coworkers couldn't attend Friday
The Planner-Aheads: Booked 18 months out, Saturday was available
The Maximum Guest Counters: Wanted everyone possible there
The Hybrid Approach: Friday Night, Saturday Vibe
Some Nashville couples are doing creative compromises:
Late Friday Evening Wedding:
Ceremony at 7-8 PM (after most people finish work)
Cocktail hour and dancing until midnight
Treats Friday like Saturday evening
Local guests can come straight from work
Still gets some Friday cost benefits
Works well at downtown venues like:
The challenge:
Very late timeline for out-of-town guests
Lose golden hour for photos (need first look)
Less time for welcome events earlier
What to Ask Venues About Friday Pricing
When touring Nashville wedding venues, ask:
Critical Questions:
"What's your Friday vs. Saturday pricing difference?"
Get specific numbers, not percentages
Ask about Friday evening vs. full-day Friday
"Are there any timing restrictions for Friday weddings?"
Some venues have earlier end times on Fridays
Check load-in/load-out times
"How many Fridays do you actually book per year?"
If they rarely do Fridays, they may be more negotiable
If they book many Fridays, it's a proven day
"Can we see photos from a Friday wedding here?"
Confirms they welcome Friday events
See what the timeline looks like
"Is everything included on Friday that's included on Saturday?"
Some venues limit services on Fridays
Confirm staff, amenities, access is the same
Red Flags:
❌ "We don't really do Friday weddings" (they might not support you well)
❌ Venue closes at 10 PM on Fridays (too early for full reception)
❌ "Friday discount" is only 10% (not enough savings to be worth it)
❌ Limited vendor access or setup time on Fridays
The Decision Framework
Here's how to actually decide:
Step 1: Make Your Priority List
Rank these from 1-8 (1 = most important):
Cost savings
Guest attendance numbers
Vendor availability (getting your dream team)
Timeline flexibility
Traditional expectations
Guest travel logistics
Planning timeline
Extended celebration weekend
Step 2: Analyze Your Guest List
Count how many guests fall into:
Within 2 hours (likely to attend Friday): _____
2-6 hours away (maybe Friday): _____
Flying in (Friday more challenging): _____
Inflexible work schedules (can't do Friday): _____
Step 3: Check Vendor Availability
Contact your must-have vendors:
Dream venue
Top photographer choice
Preferred wedding planner
Ask: "Do you have [preferred date] available as a Friday or Saturday?"
Step 4: Run the Numbers
Get actual quotes:
Venue cost: Saturday $_____ vs. Friday $_____
Total estimated savings: $_____
What could you do with that money? _____
Step 5: Talk to Your Partner and Close Family
What matters most to each of you?
What will you regret more: lower attendance or higher cost?
Can you handle potential family pushback on Friday?
Making It Work: Friday Wedding Success Tips
If you choose Friday, here's how to maximize attendance and minimize issues:
Communication Strategy:
Send Save-the-Dates Early:
8-10 months out for Friday (vs. 6-8 for Saturday)
Clearly state "Friday, [date]" prominently
Give people maximum planning time
Provide Clear Information: "We're excited to celebrate with you on Friday, [date]! We know it's a weekday and appreciate those who can make it. The ceremony begins at 6 PM."
Offer Solutions:
List nearby hotels with Friday night rates
Suggest carpooling options
Provide Thursday arrival suggestions
Share flight booking tips
Set Realistic Expectations:
Don't apologize for choosing Friday. Instead: "We're having an intimate celebration with our closest family and friends on Friday evening. We hope you can join us!"
Create Value for Guests:
Plan welcome event Thursday evening
Organize post-wedding brunch Saturday
Share Nashville activity recommendations
Make it worth their time to visit
Timeline Considerations:
Start ceremony at 6 PM earliest (gives people time to arrive from work)
Or go later: 7-8 PM ceremony for dinner-and-dancing vibe
Build in buffer for guests arriving from work
Real Nashville Couples: Friday vs. Saturday
Sarah and James: Chose Friday
Why:
Saved $8,000 on Cheekwood venue
Got dream photographer who was Saturday-booked
Most guests local (Nashville and surrounding areas)
Wanted intimate celebration (80 guests)
Result:
72 of 85 invited guests attended
Used savings for amazing florals and upgraded photography
Created 3-day Nashville weekend celebration
Zero regrets
Michael and Ashley: Chose Saturday
Why:
60% of guests flying in from out of state
Many teacher friends who couldn't take Friday off
Parents strongly preferred traditional Saturday
Planning 18 months ahead (Saturday availability good)
Result:
135 of 160 guests attended
Paid premium but got exactly what they wanted
No family pushback
Worth it for them
The Lesson:
Neither couple made the "wrong" choice. They made the RIGHT choice for their specific situation.
The Honest Truth From a Nashville Wedding Photographer
After photographing both Friday and Saturday weddings across every Nashville venue, here's my take:
Friday weddings photograph beautifully. The light is the same, the emotions are the same, the love is the same.
The couples who choose Friday tend to:
Care more about vendor quality than maximum attendance
Value experience over tradition
Make decisions based on what they want vs. what's expected
Create really intentional, personal celebrations
The couples who choose Saturday tend to:
Prioritize family and friend attendance above all
Follow traditional expectations
Want maximum flexibility and options
Create larger, more traditional celebrations
Both create beautiful memories and amazing photos.
What actually matters for your photos:
The light at your venue (indoor vs. outdoor matters more than day of week)
Your timeline (first looks help on both days)
Your relationship with your photographer
The genuine emotion of your day
The day of the week? Doesn't show up in your photos at all.
Questions Couples Always Ask
"Will people think it's weird we're doing Friday?"
Increasingly, no. Friday weddings are common enough now that most guests have attended one. Focus on the people who matter, not what random people think.
"Should we explain why we chose Friday?"
Only if asked. Don't pre-emptively defend your choice. Simply: "We're getting married Friday, [date]! Hope you can make it!"
"What if our VIPs can't attend Friday?"
Talk to them directly before booking: "We're considering Friday, [date]. Would you be able to attend?"
If they can't and they're essential, that might inform your choice.
"Can we change from Saturday to Friday after booking?"
Some venues allow it (especially if it's far in advance), but:
You may lose deposits
Vendors may have booked your Friday to someone else
Save-the-dates may be sent
Make this decision early.
Final Thoughts: There's No Wrong Choice
The wedding industry tries to make you believe there's a "right" way to do everything. Saturday vs. Friday is not about right or wrong — it's about right for YOU.
Choose Friday if the benefits (cost, vendors, intimacy) outweigh the challenges (attendance, logistics).
Choose Saturday if maximum attendance and tradition outweigh the premium costs and competitive booking.
Either way, focus on what you can control:
Creating a beautiful day
Surrounding yourself with people who love you
Working with vendors you trust
Making memories that last
The day of the week is just logistics. The marriage is what matters.
Ready to Work With a Nashville Wedding Photographer Who Shoots Both Days Beautifully?
At Heck Designs and Photography, we photograph stunning weddings on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and every day of the week. What matters to us is capturing your story — not what day it happens on.
We often have Friday availability when our Saturdays are booked, and we'd love to help you create beautiful photos regardless of which day you choose.
View our Nashville wedding portfolio to see our work across all days of the week, or contact us to check availability for your date — Friday, Saturday, or any day in between.
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