Sunday Brunch Weddings in a semi destination?

cat1121

I posted a few days ago about getting married on Sept 11. My partner isn't too keen on the idea, but it's the only weekend open at our venue in Sep.
Speaking of venue, it's about a two hour drive from where I live now, and I had always envisioned everyone coming up for the weekend and hanging out anyway. It's 5 hours for his parents, and 10 hours for all his extended family. Most of my friends/family are local or will be travelling anyway.

What do you ladies think of a beach BBQ Saturday night (I'm dying for fireworks if I can work it out) and then a 10am wedding on Sunday followed by brunch? Still gives everyone time to get back on Monday or even catch a late flight Sunday night.

It's kind of growing on me, but I don't want to just fall in love with my own ideas.

I'm not really planning on any day after activities that anyone would feel obligated to attend.

JessAndTrav

It sounds fine. Your guests are coming a long way for your wedding, so having a fun brunch could be fun.

ExpatPumpkin

My rule of thumb for DWs is make it worth their time and travel.  Since you're having an activity on Saturday night, I think the Sunday brunch will be fine...

Any reason why you can't get married on Saturday night and still have the brunch, though?  People will probably be more celebratory on Saturday night.  On Sunday they might be too anxious about getting home - especially if they have a long drive - to really stick it out and enjoy the whole wedding reception.  I'd hate for people to start leaving early on you...

The more that I think about it, I think you should having the wedding on Saturday and a brunch on Sunday.

sarah0725

Are you trying to avoid making people take off on Friday, so that they can drive or fly on Saturday morning and make it in time for the BBQ? If so, that all sounds like a good and uncontroversial plan.

thesuninherhead

I agree that it sounds like a good idea.

SparrowSong

I think it sounds like a lot of fun.

cat1121

Thanks to everyone who responded.

The whole reason for the non Sat wedding is to not have the actual anniversary on Sept 11. I'm neutral about it, but my honey is from a military family and has strong feelings and I want to respect that.

I'm not a huge wild partier and I kind of like the idea of it feeling more like an extention of having everyone over to our house, minus the part where I cook.