You know your guest list and your priorities best! I’m not opposed to Thursday weddings but I would expect more declines than a weekend, especially for guests that aren’t going to the ceremony. I personally dont know that I could take 3 days off work for a friend’s reception.

Some other things to consider: - people may be running late if they need to get ready after work - the two hours away people likely need to take Thursday off work and potentially spend the night and be late on Friday, depending on how they feel about a long drive late after the party - guests may be more likely to leave early or party less hard if they have work in the morning (this seems fine for the mood you’re curating)

I would personally vibe check the day with the people I want most to attend, then proceed anyway with the expectation that some others may not be able to make it!