After you and your fiancé have chosen a wedding date and venue, you’ll need to decide what time of day the two of you want to get married. It’s important to choose the right time because this will affect nearly every other aspect of your wedding. So, what’s the best time of day to exchange vows?
Check with the Venue
First and foremost, check with the venue to determine how much time they allow for weddings. Some venues offer both half-day and full-day rentals, whereas others charge by the hour. Once you determine which dates and times are available at your preferred venue, you can narrow it down to a more specific time.
Length
How long do you intend for your wedding to last? The average wedding (ceremony and reception) lasts for 3 to 4 hours. Assuming you want a traditional wedding, it’s a good idea to allocate at least this amount of time.
Temperature
You’ll want to consider the temperature when choosing a time of day for your wedding. Being that we’re currently in the middle of summer, you may want to schedule your wedding when it’s relatively cool. This is particularly important if you plan on getting married outdoors.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the hottest time of day is around 3:00 PM. The sun reaches its highest point in the sky at 12:00 PM, at which point heat continues to build. It’s not until 3:00 PM (or shortly thereafter) when heat begins dissipate. So if you are worried about the summer heat, consider planning your wedding around the peak times of 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Sun Glare
Something that many couples overlook when choosing a date for their wedding is sun glare. No couple wants to be blinded by the sun while standing underneath the alter on their big day. To prevent this from happening, visit your wedding venue on the specific time when you want to get married, checking to see where the sun shines.
Food and Beverages
It’s no uncommon for couples to spend up to $60 per guest on food and beverages — sometimes even more. If you are worried about going over your budget, consider scheduling your wedding for earlier in the day. If your wedding takes place around 5:00 or later, guests may “expect” you to serve them dinner. On the other hand, planning your wedding for earlier in the day allows you to serve lunch and/or hors d’oeuvres, which costs less than dinner.
Photo credit: Sarah Banana