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AIBU?

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Original poster

Which is preferable - weekday wedding or child free wedding?

208 replies

overgrowngrass · 23/02/2024 11:59

We are currently planning our wedding and shocked at how much everything costs. At the moment it looks like we might opt for either a weekday wedding to save costs, or have the wedding on a Saturday but without inviting children. The wedding will be in school holidays, if a weekday, as we have close family who are teachers.

As a parent, which is preferable?

YANBU - child free weekend wedding is preferable
YABU - I like to bring my kids, have it on a weekday

OP posts:
Tinkeytonkoldfruit · 23/02/2024 12:11

@Usernamefoundunderthebed has it right. You need to decide who your priority people are to attend. For example, I know within my close friendship group it would be easier and preferable to take a day or twos leave than find child care and also we would all want each others children there. I would work out who are the people you absolutely don't want to the wedding without, either you will already know what would be their preference or can ask them - rather than a bunch of randoms on MN who will all give you different answers! 😁

Cheeesus · 23/02/2024 12:10

Neither. Don’t want to use A/L and don’t have anyone to leave children with.

AnneLovesGilbert · 23/02/2024 12:09

It’s not that straightforward. If you want people to be there plan the event you can afford which is as convenient for your guests as possible. Weddings are what make them, if your budget is small have a low key celebration. That’s what we did. Still married and wouldn’t have changed a thing.

BeardieWeirdie · 23/02/2024 12:09

Weekday weddings are so inconsiderate towards guests. Presumably not everyone lives around the corner from you, attending a wedding will take two days off work.

StripeyDeckchair · 23/02/2024 12:08

Elope with both sets of parents as witnesses and have a party at the weekend inviting all.

Usernamefoundunderthebed · 23/02/2024 12:08

Which of your guests MUST be there? If they have children then that answers your question.

TinyYellow · 23/02/2024 12:07

I’m not sure the choice is that simple. How far away the wedding is would make a difference and the availability of childcare which propel often struggle for if their trusted babysitters are at the wedding and it’s going to be a long day.

Lots of parents wouldn’t want to take their child out to school or take a weekday off work, so if you go for a weekday, make it in school holidays so that people don’t have to waste an extra days holiday.

For me, I’d prefer to bring children to family weddings but have no problem leaving them home for friends weddings.

chipsandpeas · 23/02/2024 12:05

have it on a weekend, unless every single guest is a teacher there will be someone who has to take annual leave to attend