There’s something about an evening wedding that’s extra glamorous, extra chic. While it doesn’t matter what time of day you get married, for nighttime nuptials, unique planning is in order. Read on for charming ideas.
As soon as you say “evening affair,” an element of formality enters your wedding. You don’t have to make your ceremony black tie, but expect people to dress more formally than, say, a beach or backyard wedding. The other factor that pops up is expense, as reception halls, restaurants, etc., are almost always more expensive at night than in the daytime. Vendors, too, are likely to be more expensive, for the simple reason of supply and demand.
The fashion pros are numerous: you can wear anything from a ball gown with a long train to a mermaid dress. A tiara is appropriate, as are veils of all lengths. Color-wise, white or off-white is great for you, and you should consider darker hues for the wedding party. If you do have a groom that’s fashion-forward, nighttime is when he can go all out and wear white tie and tails. In a more relaxed affair, an elegant suit works too.
If your nighttime affair is on a weekend, most of your guests will be staying at a nearby hotel. You need to make sure transportation is available for anyone who imbibes too much, and you’ll also need to hire a coat check. Weekday weddings in the evening are great fun (and usually cheaper), but know that many out-of-town guests will RSVP “no,” as it tends to require a day off from work. Also, most guests won’t stay very late, as they need to work the next day, and have to get home to children and baby-sitters. On a nice note, that means less drinking, which cuts your budget considerably.
Depending on whether you want children to attend, or an adults-only wedding, nighttime is a plus or a minus. Children get antsy and tired and might have a hard time staying up late. Re-think flower girls and ring bearers if the ceremony is after six, as the children might be exhausted after the rehearsal and dress-up.
When it comes to choosing nighttime vendors, you do need to make sure that everyone you hire is accustomed to working for an evening affair. Double check that the photographer understands the lighting requirements, and that your makeup artist knows how to fix your face for the evening. Since many nighttime affairs are both indoors and out, everyone involved needs to know how to handle both elements. For yourself, that means an elegant jacket or wrap. Notify guests on the invitations if any part of your ceremony will be held outdoors.
Read more: Make Sure They Really Save the Date, Planning a Formal Wedding, Reasons & Solutions for Planning Becoming a Chore
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