It’s the beginning stages of wedding planning. You’re already starting to look into venues but you seem to be stuck on answering a pesky question that keeps coming up, “what time are you looking to have your wedding?” Now comes the time to ask yourself – do you want an afternoon or evening wedding. Lunch or Dinner? Sunrise or Sunset? There are so many factors when it comes to choosing a time, so keep reading to understand the five reasons why some couples are saying “I Do” with an afternoon wedding.

Reason One: Brunch & Drinks

When it comes to afternoon weddings,  Lesner Inn begins the ceremony at 11:00am, which gives couples the option of a brunch menu for their wedding. With options like an omelet bar, chicken and waffles, mimosas and a bloody mary bar, guests will be sure to indulge and feast the entire time. If you want to throw some lunch items out there, you can have grilled salmon or grilled chicken on the menu. There are so many options when you combine breakfast and lunch, so why not customize it to the breakfast and lunch items that you crave!

Reason Two: Natural Lighting

Photographers feign over natural lighting! Get those Instagram worthy photos when the sun is just in the right spot to create some beautiful, colorful photos to cherish forever. The golden morning to afternoon glow will stay the entire wedding so you get all of the photos of guests mingling, eating hors d’oeuvres, and enjoying the bar. While your guests are having fun, you’ll have ample time to get your wedding party and newlywed pictures in, so enjoy cocktail hour with your guests if you want because you’ll have all day to get pictures of your big day!

_{Right: Jessica Boudreaux Photography}

Reason Three: Low Cost

If you’re a couple on a budget then doing an afternoon wedding can be an easy way to save a few dollars! Most venues have a higher price for evening weddings just because they do tend to be more popular, but why not step outside of “normal” and save some money while doing so! Daytime weddings are typically a money saver on the bar as well because most of your guests are drinking less. Then, you can always set up an after party to keep the fun and drinking going – and you don’t have to pay for that bar tab!

Reason Four: The Casual Look

An afternoon wedding allows you and your guests to come in a more causal outfit if that’s the style you’re going for. You could even but a breezy, light dress and let your guests know to wear button downs and sun dresses instead of a formal cocktail dress. If you want it to be more formal, then by all means, it’s your day! But, daytime weddings do give you that option of scaling attire down if that’s what you desire!

_{Left: Timeless Tides Photography}

Reason Five: Crunch Time to Nap Time

Once an evening wedding is over, most everyone heads their own direction and the couple is on their way to their hotel for the night. However, with an afternoon wedding ending during the day, you’ll have time to hug your guests goodbye and then have time to relax, maybe take a quick nap, and take in that YOU ARE MARRIED! Your happily ever after starts when you walk out the door, so why not take the time to take everything and everyone in who has come to celebrate you and fill your heart to the fullest. If you want to keep the party going, then set up an after party later that night and have your guests come back for a night out on the town!

No matter what time of the day you choose, your wedding day will be the best day! Try not to overwhelm yourself with this decision, instead read through the list again and just go with what feels best! It’ll be the perfect day because when love is involved then it all comes together in the end.