New Years Wedding - During the day?

What you're referring to is like a punch bowl type of reception, and they are totally acceptable but you likely need to do it earlier. Usually at these you have lots of finger foods and drinks, but not alcohol and no sit down dinner. I would do it earlier, though, as 6pm is late if people have plans for that night and also late not to serve them dinner. Have it over by 4pm if this is the route you want to take. There is usually not a bar at these. If transportation is required to get from your ceremony to your reception, then yes you should provide it but it doesn't sound like that is the case. Hotels not necessary IMO!

Also consider you may still have a low turnout, as New Years Eve is a holiday many celebrate and this means that people will have traditions to follow, plans to make, parties to throw. Even though you want to get married during the day, peoples NYE night plans still require more than 2 hours worth of time [getting ready, travel, cooking a potluck dish, etc]. Venues and vendors frequently charge a holiday premium, so be prepared for that too.

Maybe an 11am ceremony start time and then reception from 11:30-3:30? You can serve a catered brunch (scrambled eggs, pancakes, sausage, biscuits, mimosas, fruit)? Another idea could be sandwiches, soups and salads. Your favors can be NYE related (party hats, noise makers) so they can take them home and wear/use them when they watch the ball drop, if that’s something your family and friends like to do.


I would still block out a hotel room just in case anyone decides they need to stay. Maybe you and your guests can go to the hotel bar later that night to continue the celebration and countdown until midnight. That would be super casual and everyone would pay their own drinks.

I agree with the other posters that I would recommend having it earlier than 1 or 2 and ending the reception before 6. If the reception ends at 6, people are going to expect a meal. I like Bird's idea of having a bunch. My biggest concern is if venues will already be booked for New Year's Eve.

NYE is kind of tricky since it's a pretty universally-celebrated holiday, plus it falls on a Saturday this year. That's going to almost guarantee costs for rentals, linens, catering, etc. will be jacked up way higher than usual. You'd also want to consider whether you'll have a lot of people traveling in for the wedding who would maybe want some kind of entertainment for later in the evening. You wouldn't necessarily have to host (read: pay for) that if the wedding is earlier in the day, but it would be one more thing to plan.

Costs will be higher as it's a holiday time. If you have a day time event you could serve a hot lunch instead of dinner. The bar could be lighter like mimosas, Caesars, beer etc. It could be shorter and end at around 2.

Downside is that a lot of people don't get NYE off, only NYD.

So I'm getting married on NYE this year- some perspective, most things have been way way way cheaper compared to summer and fall weddings (high season for weddings). It all depends on what kind of venue you're looking for

Another idea would be to have your ceremony at night and party and ring in the new year with all your family and friends! Maybe 8pm-1am

I just wanted to reach out and say Thank You, to everyone that replied to my post! I am very on the fence about new years now and have an opportu ity to have an all inclusive venue, on my preferred date, so as long as financing gets approved we are good to go!


Thank you all again, a million times over! I wish you all the very best of luck with all you are embarking on!

Go for it. In our social circles, people don’t celebrate NYE to the degree that they make plans before 6pm on Dec 31st. Any plans they do have are spur of the moment. A friend of mine wanted a NYE wedding but the only reason she went with New Year’s Day is that they would be taxed for the entire year prior as a married couple by marrying on the 31st. If that isn’t a concern, move forward with your plans. As far as a daytime ceremony/reception, I don’t understand why that would be an issue. If you have a cut off time, people who have plans already can still go do that, just as they would with any other daytime wedding before a different event.



For logistics, hotel and transportation are not your responsibility. Alcohol vs not is up to you but make sure guests do not open their wallets. For a midday wedding, I would go with a late lunch that is catered by a local favorite restaurant or heavy appetizers which actually are more food than a plated meal as each guest should getting 20-25 pieces per person of carving station, satay, egg rolls, bruschetta, spanakopita and other various heavy items where a plated meal is the equivalent of 8-10 max. Have a dj for dancing and you’re good to go. Have fun!