Why Friday and Sunday Weddings Shouldn't Be Overlooked

Jess Williams
Jun 25
5 min read

When planning a wedding, most couples instinctively lean toward a Saturday date. But as more venues book up and vendor availability shrinks, many are starting to realize the beauty and benefits of choosing a Friday or Sunday wedding. At Avonlea Farms, nestled in the scenic Virginia countryside just outside Richmond, we’ve seen firsthand how weekday weddings are not just a smart decision—they’re an incredible experience.

Whether you're planning a large celebration or an intimate gathering, here's why Friday and Sunday weddings deserve your attention.

1. More Affordable Venue Rates

Let’s start with one of the biggest reasons couples are choosing a Friday or Sunday wedding: cost savings. At Avonlea Farms, our Friday and Sunday wedding packages come at a reduced rate compared to our Saturday pricing. You still receive full access to our stunning greenhouse, pavilion, lakeside ceremony spots, and premium amenities—but with more flexibility in your budget.

This gives you room to allocate those savings toward other important parts of your big day, like that dreamy photographer, an upgraded dinner menu, or even a honeymoon fund.

2. Better Vendor Availability

One of the most overlooked perks of a Friday or Sunday wedding is the ability to book your dream team of vendors. From popular photographers and DJs to florists and caterers, Saturdays are the most requested dates—and the first to fill up.

By choosing a Friday or Sunday, you open the door to more vendor availability and sometimes even lower vendor rates, since many offer discounted pricing for non-Saturday events.

3. Flexibility in Planning

With more availability comes more planning flexibility. Friday and Sunday weddings often mean:

More options when scheduling vendor consultations
Easier time securing your favorite officiant
Greater freedom to choose a time of day that fits your style

You’re less likely to feel rushed or pressured to book quickly. It allows you to plan more intentionally and with greater ease—especially if you’re working on a tight timeline or want a short engagement.

4. Easier for Traveling Guests

Let’s break a common myth: "Guests won’t come if it’s not on a Saturday."

The truth? If people love you, they will show up.

In fact, Sunday weddings can be easier on guests traveling long distances. Instead of taking a Friday off work to arrive by Saturday morning, they can travel on Saturday, attend your Sunday wedding, and fly home on Monday.

Plus, with Avonlea Farms located just 45 minutes from Richmond, under an hour from Fredericksburg, and under two hours from Washington, D.C., your guests have easy access to major highways and Richmond International Airport. We're also only 20 minutes from Lake Anna, a perfect place to turn your wedding weekend into a mini vacation.

5. More Intimate, Relaxed Vibe

There’s something undeniably magical about Friday and Sunday weddings. They tend to feel more intimate and relaxed, perhaps because they break from the expected. Guests are often more present, less rushed, and more engaged in the day.

Fridays are perfect for couples who want to roll into the weekend with a celebration and keep the party going with brunches or lake outings. Sundays lend themselves to soft, romantic ceremonies, golden hour dinners, and peaceful evenings with close friends and family.

At Avonlea Farms, we specialize in outdoor weddings with a feel of relaxed luxury. Whether you're planning a garden party reception or a candlelit ceremony in our greenhouse, Friday and Sunday weddings complement our venue's vibe beautifully.

6. Bonus Celebrations All Weekend

Having a Friday wedding? That means you have the entire weekend to celebrate! Couples often follow up with a Saturday brunch, wine tasting, or relaxing lake day.

Hosting a Sunday wedding? It gives you time to have a welcome dinner or rehearsal on Saturday, and your guests can enjoy a full weekend before the wedding takes place.

Our central Virginia location makes us a destination for weekend wedding experiences. We have:

Nearby hotels, B&Bs, and Airbnbs
On-site accommodations
Plenty of scenic spots for welcome dinners or morning-after brunches

Plus, with our gorgeous gardens, fishing pond, and rolling fields, Avonlea Farms is the ideal place for a weekend of connection, celebration, and love.

7. Secure Your Dream Venue Sooner

Let’s be honest: popular wedding venues book up quickly, especially Saturdays. If you're eyeing a specific timeframe like spring or fall 2025 or 2026, booking a Friday or Sunday can help you lock in your dream venue on your ideal date.

We’re proud to say that Avonlea Farms is one of the top wedding venues near Richmond, Charlottesville, and the DMV area, and our calendar fills fast. Fridays and Sundays offer couples a chance to join the Avonlea family without the long wait.

8. The Same Magical Experience (with Less Stress)

Some couples hesitate to book a non-Saturday date because they worry it will feel "less than."

Let us be clear: Every wedding we host is magical, no matter the day of the week.

With our experienced on-site staff, golf cart attendants, and full-day access starting at 9 a.m., your Friday or Sunday wedding will run as smoothly and beautifully as any Saturday celebration. We offer unlimited site visits, wedding coordination options, and personalized service every step of the way.

And because we’re family-owned and passionate about what we do, your event will always feel cared for.

9. A Different Kind of Celebration

Want to throw a memorable, unique celebration? Friday and Sunday weddings give you the freedom to get creative.

Host a Friday evening ceremony followed by a twilight cocktail hour in the gardens
Plan a Sunday brunch wedding with mimosas, waffles, and a jazz trio
Create a weekend itinerary with wine tastings, lawn games, and late-night bonfires

At Avonlea Farms, our sprawling property and flexible spaces give you the canvas to design your dream wedding—on your terms.

10. Still Get the Full Avonlea Experience

No matter the day, every couple gets:

Exclusive use of the venue for the day
Choice of ceremony locations (lakeside or beneath our historic oak tree)
Access to our greenhouse and pavilion reception spaces
Use of our pay-it-forward décor library
Access to our preferred vendor list for seamless planning
Full use of prep suites like Anne’s Suite and Gilbert’s Cottage
Parking attendants, golf cart service, and experienced staff to support your day

Friday and Sunday weddings aren’t a compromise. They're an opportunity to celebrate in a way that reflects your priorities, style, and timeline—without sacrificing beauty, quality, or experience.

Don’t Overlook Your Perfect Day

Whether you’re newly engaged and starting your planning journey or you’re pivoting to a new date that works better for your guests and your budget, Avonlea Farms is here to help.

We still have Friday and Sunday dates available for 2025 and 2026, but they’re going fast. If you want to experience a venue that combines rustic charm, relaxed luxury, and thoughtful hospitality—all just a short drive from Richmond and Charlottesville—then book a tour today and let us show you what a Friday or Sunday wedding can look like.

Your dream wedding might just fall on a Friday.

Or a Sunday.

And it might be even more perfect than you imagined.

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