Of course, the wedding ceremony and reception are the main event and what everyone has been waiting for, but don’t discount all the other events along the way and after! These events will get everyone excited for wedding day and are a great way to introduce the two sides of the family and groups of friends to one another. Also, it will keep the long road leading up to wedding day full of fun stops along the way!
Engagement Party
When It Happens
Most commonly, an engagement party would happen shortly after an engagement. It is the perfect way to kick off the celebrations.
Where It Happens
Depending on who is hosting the party (it could be yourselves, a set of parents, a friend… really any number of people!), the party could happen any number of places. It could be at the host’s home, at a local restaurant or brewery.
Who to Invite
Really anyone that is going to be invited to the wedding is an okay addition to the guest list.
Bridal Shower
When It Happens
An ideal time for a shower would be one to three months before the wedding day.
Where It Happens
Again, this depends on who is hosting. The host will most likely be a leading lady in the bride’s life, like the maid of honor or an aunt. They may choose to host at their house, a clubhouse or even a private dining space in a restaurant.
Who to Invite
All the important ladies in the bride’s life should be invited to the bridal shower. Again, the guest list should only be people who will be invited to the wedding.
Bachelorette and Bachelor Party
When It Happens
While a bachelorette and bachelor party can really happen any time, it’s best celebrated about two to three months before the wedding day. Give plenty of time to recuperate before the wedding!
Where It Happens
The options are limitless! There’s the typical Las Vegas and Miami for glitz, Nashville for a country twang or Charleston for a southern soiree. Keep in mind costs, where guests are traveling from and the vibe the group prefers.
Who to Invite
The bride and groom’s closest friends would be invited. No need for moms or Aunt Sallys – unless of course, they are some of the closest friends. The guest list doesn’t need to be limited to wedding party only, but it can be to get some bonding time for the group.
Rehearsal
When It Happens
More often than not, rehearsals take place the evening before wedding day. That way it is fresh in everyone’s mind for the next day.
Where It Happens
If possible, it should be at the ceremony venue, so everyone can see exactly what to expect on wedding day. If for some reason the venue is not available, try a nearby park or meeting space in the hotel that is hosting the wedding’s room block.
Who to Invite
All wedding party, parents, grandparents, ushers, flower girls, ring bearers and ceremony readers should be there. Basically, anyone who is part of the processional and ceremony itself.
Rehearsal Dinner
When It Happens
Typically, the rehearsal dinner will be the evening before the wedding, immediately after the rehearsal for a nice flow of events.
Where It Happens
It can really happen anywhere – a restaurant, brewery, clubhouse, country club or even someone’s house. It is up to the hosts, who are usually the groom’s parents.
Who to Invite
The wedding party and their plus ones, and any immediate family should be on the guest list. Check with the hosts if any extended family should be invited based on budget and venue capacity.
Post-Wedding Brunch
When It Happens
Post-wedding brunches usually happen… post-wedding! So, the morning after when everyone is hurting from all the dancing (and okay, maybe a little drinking) it is a nice little pick-me-up. It is also a nice way send off the newlyweds before they depart on their honeymoon.
Where It Happens
If there a room block where most guests are staying, that hotel is the most convenient option, but it could also be at an off-site restaurant or someone’s house.
Who to Invite
Typically, it is open to anyone who attended the wedding but, depending on the budget and the hosts, it could be limited to family.
Photo Credit: Samantha Laffoon Photography
