It’s time. You put your gown on and begin to line up. You see your soon to be spouse walk down the aisle. The wedding party, ring bearer, and flower girl follow, and now, it’s your turn. You take a deep breath in and look up – but what do you see? Figuring out what time of day you want your wedding to be can have an impact on not only what your everything will look like but also the ambiance of the entire wedding. If you envision sunsets, glow in the dark sticks on your dance floor, and sparkler exits, keep reading to find out why an evening wedding might be perfect for you!

Reason 1: Sleeping In

Who can say no to sleeping in?! When you have an evening wedding it’s nice to know that you have all morning and a good part of the afternoon to wake up, maybe have a few drinks here and there, get ready, and take some pre-ceremony photos with your wedding party before heading over for the ceremony.

_{Above: Courtney Simms Photography}

Reason 2: Kid Free Wedding

Reason two may not for everyone but it’s always nice to know that you have the option of a kid free wedding. When you have an evening wedding, parents will have an easier time finding a baby sitter for the children rather than during the middle of the day. Then, they can enjoy the party with peace of mind that they have someone to look after their little ones, while you have peace of mind that no decoration may break due to a little explorer wanting to get a closer look.

Reason 3: A Formal Affair

The love of your life is wearing a perfectly tailored tux, your gown is as radiant as the sun, and so why not have your guests match the occasion? When you have an evening wedding you can have the attire be as formal as you heart desires. You still have the option to make it casual but an evening wedding allows your guests to break out those suits and formal dresses that’s been in the back of their closet for an occasion like this!

Reason 4: Letting Go

With an evening wedding and the kids under the watchful eye of a babysitter, your guests will not only look good but feel good and let loose. The drinks will be flowing and the photographer may even be able to get some good shots of Uncle Berry trying to do the worm on the dance floor. An evening wedding also gives you the option to relocate to a local bar after the wedding comes to an end at the venue – keep the fun times rolling!

_{Right: Chelsie Darling Photography}

Reason 5: Overnight Guests

Mom and dad are from Michigan, Uncle Berry is from Utah and your fiancé’s family all live in Washington DC. When it comes to overnight guests and guests coming from a far, an evening wedding may be ideal for them. It gives them the chance to not only get into town for the wedding, but then also party all night long without worrying about getting back home. They’ll have a plush, comfy bed awaiting them afterward at their hotel or AirBNB.

You already have so many decisions to make when it comes to planning your dream wedding so don’t make the time of day another one! Read through the list again and envision the perfect day – do you see a sunset cocktail hour and a room with filled with uplighting? Then, an evening wedding might be just for you!