Save 15-25% with brunch, afternoon, or early evening celebrations
Sunday weddings have shed their reputation as "budget compromises" and emerged as intentional choices that offer genuine advantages beyond cost savings. The average Sunday wedding costs $26,000—about 16% less than Saturday's $31,000 average—but the appeal extends far beyond the budget line.
The Sunday wedding experience differs fundamentally from Saturday evening affairs, often for the better. Brunch weddings offer morning light that photographers love, mimosa-fueled celebrations with lighter atmospheres, and earlier endings that leave guests refreshed rather than exhausted. Afternoon Sunday weddings capture golden-hour beauty while allowing guests to return home before the Sunday night dread sets in.
For vendors, Sundays represent opportunity. A photographer who worked Saturday can take your Sunday wedding without calendar conflicts. Venues that sit empty on Sunday evenings actively court couples with discounted packages. This dynamic creates both availability and negotiating room that Saturday couples don't enjoy.
The guest experience, while different, isn't necessarily worse. Many guests appreciate the earlier timing—they can attend a beautiful celebration and still have Sunday evening to prepare for the week. Parents with children, guests with Monday obligations, and those who simply prefer not to stay out late often prefer Sunday weddings to Saturday marathons.
Morning ceremony with brunch reception. Mimosas replace cocktails, breakfast foods cost less than dinner. Beautiful morning light for photos. Guests are home by afternoon. The biggest Sunday savings option.
Early afternoon ceremony with cocktail reception or light dinner. Captures golden hour for photos. Guests can travel home same evening. Good balance of traditional feel and savings.
Late afternoon ceremony with dinner reception. Most similar to Saturday evening format. Earlier end time than Saturday (9-10pm vs. midnight). Smaller savings but easier guest adjustment.
| Category | Saturday | Sunday | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | $11,500 | $8,800 | $2,700 (23%) |
| Catering | $8,000 | $6,500 | $1,500 (19%) |
| Photography | $3,400 | $2,900 | $500 (15%) |
| DJ/Music | $1,900 | $1,500 | $400 (21%) |
| Flowers | $2,600 | $2,400 | $200 (8%) |
| Other | $3,600 | $3,400 | $200 (6%) |
| Total | $31,000 | $26,000 | $5,000 (16%) |
Sunday brunch weddings offer the deepest savings—up to 35% off Saturday rates. Morning catering costs significantly less than dinner service, alcohol consumption is lighter (mimosas vs. open bar), and many venues offer special brunch packages. A brunch wedding that would cost $31,000 on Saturday evening might run just $20,000-22,000.
The primary challenge with Sunday weddings is guest logistics. Monday work looms, and out-of-town guests face travel complexity. Here's how to address these concerns:
Sunday weddings work particularly well at certain venue types that complement the daytime celebration format and offer meaningful discounts.
Sunday timing opens opportunities with vendors who might otherwise be booked:
Always ask about Sunday-specific rates—many vendors don't advertise them but will offer 15-25% discounts when asked. Lead with your commitment to Sunday (not fishing for the cheapest day) and vendors often respond with better packages. Remember that you're helping them fill otherwise-empty calendar slots.
Sunday weddings save 15-25% compared to Saturday, with average costs around $26,000 versus $31,000 for Saturday events. Sunday brunch weddings offer even greater savings—up to 35% off—because morning catering and reduced alcohol consumption lower costs significantly. Total savings typically range from $4,000-8,000.
Sunday weddings typically follow one of three formats: brunch (10-11am ceremony, 11am-3pm reception), afternoon (2-3pm ceremony, 3-7pm reception), or early evening (4pm ceremony, 5-9pm reception). Brunch and afternoon weddings are most popular for Sundays because they allow guests to return home at a reasonable hour before Monday work.
Sunday weddings typically see 10-15% lower attendance than Saturday events. However, brunch and afternoon timing helps—guests can attend and still be home by early evening. Local guests attend easily; out-of-town guests may need to take Monday off or book late flights. Give adequate notice (3-4 months) so guests can plan.
Sunday brunch weddings have become increasingly popular and are far from tacky when done well. They offer charming, unique celebrations with mimosas, elegant breakfast menus, and soft morning light for photos. Many guests prefer the lighter atmosphere and earlier ending time. The key is execution—a well-planned brunch wedding feels intentional, not budget-driven.
Yes, most vendors offer Sunday discounts ranging from 15-30% off Saturday rates. Venues typically offer the largest discounts (20-30%), while photographers and DJs offer 15-20% off. Caterers may discount slightly less since food costs are similar regardless of day. Always ask specifically about Sunday pricing—it's often not advertised but readily available.
Brunch wedding menus typically feature elegant breakfast items: eggs Benedict stations, smoked salmon and bagels, French toast or waffle bars, fresh fruit displays, gourmet pastries, and mimosa bars. Heavier options like chicken and waffles or brunch burgers add substance. Most caterers offer brunch packages at 20-30% less than dinner service because ingredient costs are lower.
Be considerate of travel logistics: choose afternoon timing so guests can catch evening flights home, negotiate Sunday night hotel rates for those who prefer to stay over, suggest Monday morning return travel in your website FAQs, and give extra advance notice (6+ months) so guests can plan time off if needed. Some couples host a casual Monday brunch for guests staying over.
Ceremony length doesn't need to change for Sunday, but your overall timeline should be tighter. Brunch weddings typically run 4-5 hours total versus 6-7 for Saturday evenings. Keep ceremonies focused (20-30 minutes is perfect) and plan efficient transitions. Guests appreciate the streamlined approach, especially knowing they have Monday responsibilities.
Absolutely. Afternoon and evening Sunday weddings can include dancing, just plan to end earlier (8-9pm). Brunch weddings sometimes skip traditional dancing in favor of lawn games, cocktail hour-style mingling, or live acoustic music. If dancing is essential to you, a Sunday afternoon format (ceremony at 3pm, reception 4-8pm) preserves that experience while keeping the Sunday vibe.
Sunday weddings naturally lend themselves to slightly less formal attire. Brunch weddings often specify "garden party," "cocktail," or "dressy casual" rather than black tie. Lighter colors and fabrics work well for daytime celebrations. Your wedding party might choose tea-length dresses or lighter-weight suits. Communicate expectations clearly on your invitations to help guests dress appropriately for the timing.
Ready to save with a Sunday celebration? Use our tools to build a detailed budget breakdown.