Why midday might be the most magical (and underrated) time to say “I do.”
Move over golden hour, there’s a new wedding time slot stealing the spotlight. Lunchtime weddings are on the rise, and for good reason. They’re effortlessly elegant, budget-friendly, and open up your day for even more celebrating (or relaxing). Whether you’re envisioning a garden brunch or a long-table lunch under olive trees, this midday moment offers a refreshing take on the traditional wedding timeline. Here’s your complete guide to planning a daytime “I do” that’s anything but boring.
Photo by Amar Preciado
Why Choose a Lunchtime Wedding?
1. It’s Unexpected (In the Best Way) While most weddings default to late-afternoon ceremonies and dinner receptions, hosting your event during the day creates a sense of novelty. Guests will remember your celebration for its breezy, sun-soaked atmosphere and relaxed pace.
2. More Bang for Your Budget Venues and vendors often offer lower rates for daytime bookings. You might score your dream location at a fraction of the cost, especially on a weekday or Sunday. Plus, guests tend to drink less alcohol during the day, reducing bar expenses.
3. Endless Styling Possibilities Lunchtime weddings lend themselves to lighter palettes, garden-party vibes, and playful, chic fashion choices. Think linen suits, sun hats, wildflower bouquets, and citrus-spiked menus.
4. More Time to Celebrate (or Jet Off) You’re done by late afternoon, giving you the option to host a relaxed evening afterparty, enjoy your first dinner as newlyweds in private, or even catch a sunset flight for your honeymoon.
Photo by Carlos Santiago
Planning the Perfect Day: Step-by-Step
1. Start Early—but Not Too Early
Aim for a ceremony start time between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. This allows guests enough time to get ready and travel in, while keeping lunch from sliding too far into late afternoon.
2. Embrace the Light
Use natural light to your advantage. Outdoor venues, garden spaces, rooftop terraces, and glasshouses are perfect for midday ambience. A good photographer will thrive in this setting, just have a backup plan for shade if it’s summer.
3. Curate a Light, Luxe Menu
Forget the heavy three-course dinner. A lunchtime menu can be elegant and fresh. Think:
Champagne and oysters to start
Shared platters or a long-table grazing feast
Seasonal salads, artisan bread, and light proteins
Mini desserts, gelato carts, or a statement cake served with espresso
Brunch weddings are also a fun twist—think French toast towers, Bloody Mary bars, and croissant stations.
Photo by Valeria Boltneva
4. Dress the Part
Lighter colours and more relaxed fabrics shine at daytime weddings. Brides might opt for a minimalist slip dress, a short silhouette, or something boho and breezy. Grooms can ditch the tux for a tailored suit in soft tones like dove grey or sage. Encourage guests to follow a dress code that feels fresh but elevated—garden party, coastal chic, or summer formal.
Photo by Ksu&Eli Studio
5. Time Your Traditions
Some daytime weddings skip dancing altogether. Others lean into a lunchtime vibe with live acoustic music or a jazz band. You can still do speeches, the first dance, or cake cutting, just rework the schedule to suit the relaxed atmosphere.
Sample timeline:
11:30am: Guests arrive, welcome drinks
12:00pm: Ceremony
12:30pm: Champagne + canapés
1:15pm: Lunch is served
3:00pm: Cake, coffee, speeches
4:00pm: Farewell or transition to an optional evening event
6. Keep It Personal
Because lunchtime weddings tend to be more intimate and less formal, it’s the perfect setting to infuse more of you. Include hand-written place cards, curated playlists, or a custom scent at the tablescape. It’s all in the details.
Photo by Eugenia Remark
Things to Keep in Mind
Sun Protection: If you’re outdoors, have shaded areas, sunscreen, and even fans or parasols on standby.
Guest Expectations: Some guests may not be familiar with the format. A clear schedule in your invite or on-the-day signage helps them know what to expect.
Alcohol Strategy: You may not need a full open bar. Sparkling wine, spritzes, and a couple of cocktails often hit the right note.
Lunchtime Wedding Inspiration
A Provence-style garden party with rosé, linen napkins, and lavender fields
A beachside brunch with barefoot vows and mimosas
A city rooftop lunch with skyline views and a jazz trio
An estate lunch under the vines with long timber tables and wild florals
Photo by Dmitry Zvolskiy
A lunchtime wedding isn’t just a trend, it’s a vibe. It’s romantic without being overdone, luxurious without the late-night stress, and endlessly adaptable to your personal style. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant brunch or a relaxed Mediterranean-style feast, a daytime celebration might just be the most magical way to say I do.
Why midday might be the most magical (and underrated) time to say “I do.”
Move over golden hour, there’s a new wedding time slot stealing the spotlight. Lunchtime weddings are on the rise, and for good reason. They’re effortlessly elegant, budget-friendly, and open up your day for even more celebrating (or relaxing). Whether you’re envisioning a garden brunch or a long-table lunch under olive trees, this midday moment offers a refreshing take on the traditional wedding timeline. Here’s your complete guide to planning a daytime “I do” that’s anything but boring.
Why Choose a Lunchtime Wedding?
1. It’s Unexpected (In the Best Way)
While most weddings default to late-afternoon ceremonies and dinner receptions, hosting your event during the day creates a sense of novelty. Guests will remember your celebration for its breezy, sun-soaked atmosphere and relaxed pace.
2. More Bang for Your Budget
Venues and vendors often offer lower rates for daytime bookings. You might score your dream location at a fraction of the cost, especially on a weekday or Sunday. Plus, guests tend to drink less alcohol during the day, reducing bar expenses.
3. Endless Styling Possibilities
Lunchtime weddings lend themselves to lighter palettes, garden-party vibes, and playful, chic fashion choices. Think linen suits, sun hats, wildflower bouquets, and citrus-spiked menus.
4. More Time to Celebrate (or Jet Off)
You’re done by late afternoon, giving you the option to host a relaxed evening afterparty, enjoy your first dinner as newlyweds in private, or even catch a sunset flight for your honeymoon.
Planning the Perfect Day: Step-by-Step
1. Start Early—but Not Too Early
Aim for a ceremony start time between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. This allows guests enough time to get ready and travel in, while keeping lunch from sliding too far into late afternoon.
2. Embrace the Light
Use natural light to your advantage. Outdoor venues, garden spaces, rooftop terraces, and glasshouses are perfect for midday ambience. A good photographer will thrive in this setting, just have a backup plan for shade if it’s summer.
3. Curate a Light, Luxe Menu
Forget the heavy three-course dinner. A lunchtime menu can be elegant and fresh. Think:
Brunch weddings are also a fun twist—think French toast towers, Bloody Mary bars, and croissant stations.
4. Dress the Part
Lighter colours and more relaxed fabrics shine at daytime weddings. Brides might opt for a minimalist slip dress, a short silhouette, or something boho and breezy. Grooms can ditch the tux for a tailored suit in soft tones like dove grey or sage. Encourage guests to follow a dress code that feels fresh but elevated—garden party, coastal chic, or summer formal.
5. Time Your Traditions
Some daytime weddings skip dancing altogether. Others lean into a lunchtime vibe with live acoustic music or a jazz band. You can still do speeches, the first dance, or cake cutting, just rework the schedule to suit the relaxed atmosphere.
Sample timeline:
6. Keep It Personal
Because lunchtime weddings tend to be more intimate and less formal, it’s the perfect setting to infuse more of you. Include hand-written place cards, curated playlists, or a custom scent at the tablescape. It’s all in the details.
Things to Keep in Mind
Lunchtime Wedding Inspiration
A lunchtime wedding isn’t just a trend, it’s a vibe. It’s romantic without being overdone, luxurious without the late-night stress, and endlessly adaptable to your personal style. Whether you’re dreaming of an elegant brunch or a relaxed Mediterranean-style feast, a daytime celebration might just be the most magical way to say I do.
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