In the rush to find the perfect dress, secure the ideal venue, and draw up the guestlist, it can be easy to overlook one crucial wedding element: timing. The best time for a wedding depends on your preferences, though it will also affect many other decisions. To help you find the answer, take the following four factors into consideration.

What Time of Day Should You Get Married?

1. Venue Availability

Wedding venues book up well in advance, and your preferred location may only have specific times of day available around your targeted event date. This can be a major determining factor in the time of day you choose. Consult with the venue, see what's available, then adjust your plans as necessary.

2. Season

Think about the time of year the wedding will be held. It gets darker earlier in the fall and winter, so remember your guests’ comfort, especially if the venue is an outdoor one.

In the summer, the sun is at its most blazing between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Scheduling around these times will ensure attendees aren't sweltering or chilly. You want the focus to be on the joy of the occasion, not the temperature.

3. Lighting

Wedding photos will serve as permanent reminders of your special day. Understandably, these photos should be memorable.

Many couples and photographers prefer the look of natural light in their images. In general, natural light is most photo-friendly in the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours before sunset.

4. Food

Your preferred food should also figure into what time of day to hold the event. Maybe your dream reception has always involved a lavish, multicourse meal. Or maybe you don't want the food to be the centerpiece of the reception, so a light meal is more appealing. Perhaps you want the focus on the fun and celebration, with just drinks and hors d'oeuvres served.

A big meal is best for a late afternoon or evening wedding; a lighter meal for a lunch or early- to mid-afternoon event; and drinks and hors d'oeuvres are well-suited to an evening reception.

When looking for a wedding venue, turn to Manoa Grand Ballroom. They’ll ensure your day is special and memorable, no matter the time of the celebration. For five generations, they’ve provided the Honolulu, HI, area with venues and catering services for weddings, corporate events, and parties. Call (808) 946-6758 to make a reservation, or check out their amenities online.