Twilight Weddings: A New Way to Say "I Do

Twilight Wedding Ceremony at Hautbois Hall

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. From selecting the perfect venue to nailing down the decor, it's enough to make anyone want to elope! But fear not; we're not here to discuss teenage vampire franchises. Instead, we're about to introduce you to a clever way to reduce the stress of wedding planning – twilight weddings.

What Are Twilight Weddings?

Twilight weddings are a relatively new trend that has gained popularity in recent years. They take a departure from the traditional wedding format by starting much later in the day, often in the late afternoon or early evening. These weddings are a fantastic option for couples seeking a more relaxed and informal celebration.

Benefits of Twilight Weddings:

1. Romantic Setting: Twilight weddings have a charming and romantic ambiance. The soft, fading light at dusk creates an intimate and magical atmosphere for your vows.

2. Beautiful Photos: The unique lighting of twilight offers photographers a dreamy backdrop. Wedding photos taken during this time feature warm, glowing colours and a mystical quality that cannot be replicated during the day or night.

3. Effortless Hair and Makeup Preparation: Having a twilight wedding means saying goodbye to those early morning appointments with hair and makeup artists. The later start time lets you and your bridal party have a more relaxed morning, so everyone looks great without feeling rushed. And if you're planning your wedding on short notice, you'll probably have an easier time finding talented hair and makeup artists available in the twilight hours, when they might have more openings than during the busy morning rush.

5. Relaxed Atmosphere: Twilight weddings have a less formal and more laid-back feel, allowing you to express your unique style and personality through creative attire and decorations.

6. Cost-Effective: By scheduling your wedding in the middle of the week or out of peak wedding season ( November-March), twilight weddings can save you money. Venues are often more budget-friendly, and skipping the traditional wedding breakfast allows for savings on catering expenses.

Twilight Weddings: The Downside

1. Limited Daylight: Twilight weddings can be difficult for activities that need natural light, like outdoor games or daytime photos.

2. Weather Concerns: Outdoor twilight weddings can be affected by the weather, which could change your plans. Always have an indoor backup location or tents ready.

3. Timing Considerations: It's important to plan the timing of twilight weddings carefully to match the sunset. This can be tricky depending on the time of year.

4. Lighting Costs: Creating the right ambiance may require extra lighting expenses, like string lights, candles, or lanterns, which can increase your budget.

5. Guest Comfort: Some guests may find it uncomfortable to attend a wedding that goes late into the night, especially if they have young kids or other commitments, it might mean some family or friends only attending for a short time.

Twilight weddings are unique and magical, with their own advantages and challenges. Whether to have one depends on your personal preferences. If you like the idea of exchanging vows during a beautiful sunset and having a starlit reception, a twilight wedding could be perfect. It may also save money especially if you choose a mid-week celebration.