Are you considering an all-weekend wedding but wondering if it’s the best fit?
Weekend-long celebrations may be popular, but they’re not for everyone. At Zion Springs, we’ve hosted weddings since 2010 and helped couples create events that feel true to their style.
This guide provides expert wedding planning tips to help you determine whether a single-day wedding suits your priorities—whether that’s efficiency, cost savings, or simplicity. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which format best complements your celebration.
Why Choose a One-Day vs. All-Weekend Wedding?
When comparing a single-day wedding to an all-weekend celebration, each option offers distinct experiences in planning, guest commitment, and overall enjoyment. Zola’s First Look Report 2023 highlights a trend toward streamlined, personalized celebrations, making single-day weddings especially appealing.
Here’s a quick look at how each format compares:
- Single-Day Wedding: A focused, meaningful celebration—perfect for couples who want to concentrate on a single impactful day.
- All-Weekend Wedding: Suited for couples seeking quality time with guests, complete with welcome dinners, brunches, and multiple events over a leisurely weekend.
| Pro Tip: A single-day wedding lets you celebrate life’s big moments with clarity and focus, simplifying your budget and planning. |
Comparing Costs: One-Day vs. All-Weekend Weddings
Whether you dream of a single, standout day or a full weekend celebration, finding budget-friendly wedding options is often a priority for couples. Here’s a breakdown to help you see how each format affects the budget
- Accommodation Savings: With a one-day wedding, you can often skip or limit guest accommodations—a significant expense for multi-day events.
- Catering and Meals: A single-day wedding usually involves one main meal, unlike an all-weekend wedding that may require multiple meals across different events, such as brunches and welcome receptions.
- Vendor Hours: Vendors often charge by the day or hour, so a single-day wedding reduces costs by focusing their services into a shorter time frame.
| Pro Tip: For a memorable and budget-savvy celebration, a single-day wedding means you can go all out on the unforgettable details—think stunning décor, a gourmet meal, or top-tier entertainment—without the added costs of a full weekend affair. |
Who Might Prefer a One-Day Wedding Over an All-Weekend Celebration?
Single-day weddings appeal to couples who value simplicity and a focused celebration that leaves a lasting impact. Here’s why this format might be perfect for specific lifestyles:
- Busy Professionals: Couples with packed schedules benefit from a single-day wedding, which provides a refined celebration without needing extended time off. A brunch or afternoon-to-evening event offers a memorable experience within a practical timeframe.
- Budget-Conscious Couples: Opting for a single-day celebration helps keep costs in check by reducing expenses for guest accommodations, additional meals, and extended vendor hours.
- Those Seeking a Relaxed, Enjoyable Day: A single-day wedding creates a calm, focused atmosphere where couples and guests with busy schedules enjoy the celebration in a way that feels easy and stress-free.
- 2:00 pm: Guest arrival
- 2:30 pm: Ceremony
- 3:00 pm: Cocktail hour and photos
- 4:00 pm: Reception begins
- 6:30 pm: Dinner and toasts
- 8:00 pm: Dancing
- 10:00 pm: Send-off
| Takeaway: A single-day wedding simplifies the planning process, creating a well-organized and enjoyable celebration for you and your guests. By prioritizing an efficient timeline and coordinating in advance, you’ll enjoy a seamless day. |
One-Day vs. All-Weekend Weddings: Which Celebration Style Suits You?
Here’s a quick look at the differences between a one-day vs all-weekend wedding, giving you a snapshot to help decide which style fits your celebration.
| Factor | Single-Day Wedding | All-Weekend Wedding |
| Cost | Lower due to fewer meals, accommodations, and event setups. | Higher, covering additional meals, lodging, and planned events. |
| Planning Intensity | Simpler, with fewer logistics and fewer coordination needs. | More involved, often requiring detailed scheduling and event planning. |
| Guest Commitment | Easy for guests with limited availability or for same-day travel. | Greater commitment, typically involving overnight stays and extended time. |
| Experience | Focuses on a single, impactful day of celebration. | Ideal for extended bonding, offering multiple events to enjoy together. |
Curious about real-life experiences from couples deciding between one-day and all-weekend weddings? This Reddit discussion dives into the pros and cons of both options, with insights from people who’ve planned both types of celebrations. Hearing others’ perspectives can provide helpful context as you think about which wedding format best suits you.
One-Day Wedding Styles: Elopement, Minimony, and Full Celebration
A one-day wedding can take various forms, it doesn’t mean limiting the possibilities—it simply offers a variety of ways to shape your day around what matters most to you. At Zion Springs, our one-day wedding options are crafted for flexibility while capturing the essence of a celebration, whether it’s an intimate elopement or a lively gathering with loved ones.
In this section, we break down each type of one-day wedding style, helping you explore options that may align with your vision, guest list, and personal priorities:
- Elopement: An elopement is ideal for couples desiring an intimate, romantic celebration. Perfect for just the two of you (or a few close loved ones), elopements allow you to focus entirely on each other in a meaningful setting.
- Minimony: Ideal for smaller gatherings, a minimony lets you celebrate with a close group of family and friends. It combines a heartfelt ceremony with a cozy dinner, offering intimacy without extensive planning.
- One-Day Wedding: This traditional single-day wedding includes a full ceremony and reception, ideal for couples seeking a classic celebration within a manageable timeframe.
Michelle and Connor chose an intimate single-day celebration at Zion Springs. Here’s what they shared about their experience:
“If you’re thinking of eloping or having your wedding at Zion Springs, do it. Our day was seamless, fun, intimate, and the most magical day and it was because of the Zion Springs Team. We were really at ease throughout the process and waking up on our wedding day we felt excited, yet calm and peaceful…and just right. The day was even more beautiful than we could ever have imagined.” ⸺ Michelle and Connor
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Day vs. All-Weekend Weddings
Q: Will a one-day wedding feel rushed?
Not at all—careful planning makes a single-day wedding just as fulfilling as a multi-day event. Many couples arrange pre-ceremony photos and use a detailed schedule to make the day enjoyable.
Q: What should I consider when choosing vendors for a one-day wedding?
Look for vendors experienced with single-day events. These professionals understand how to optimize timing, ensuring the day runs seamlessly without compromising quality.
Q: How do setup and breakdown times differ for a one-day wedding?
Single-day weddings often require tighter setups and breakdowns, impacting decor and vendor choices. Collaborate with your venue and vendors to ensure everything is ready on time and wrapped up smoothly.
Q: Can I still host pre-wedding events, like a welcome dinner, with a one-day wedding?
Absolutely! Many couples plan a relaxed gathering the night before or a brunch the following day, extending the celebration without committing to a full weekend.
Finding the Right Wedding Format for You
Choosing between a single-day and an all-weekend wedding depends on your budget, guest needs, and the experience you envision. With helpful wedding planning tips and focusing on affordable options, you can find the perfect format to celebrate your big day.
This guide highlights the advantages of a single-day wedding, offering simplicity and budget-friendly choices that make every moment count.
At Zion Springs, we’re passionate about helping couples find the perfect fit for their wedding vision and considering the extended feel of an all-weekend wedding. Our article “Who is an All-Weekend Wedding a Good Fit For?” explains why some couples choose a multi-day celebration.
Explore our website’s Answers and Advice section for more wedding inspiration and planning tips.
