It's ok to beat your MIL but why stick at a book, maybe you can get a tuna to smack her around with or some wet noodles.....

My sister got married on a tuesday because it was the only day she had free and most of the people she invited came - it's not that hard to get a day off work. If it's on a thursday night even better - lots of people will have a good excuse to take friday off too and have a 4 day weekend lol.

Outside might be nice but it's always nice to have some shelter if it's too hot or it rains.