Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, and deciding on a time and date can be tricky. One option to consider is a brunch wedding, which has become an increasingly popular choice for couples. A brunch wedding is a unique and memorable way to celebrate your special day and offers several advantages over a traditional evening reception. For example, with more people rescheduling their weddings due to the COVID pandemic, Saturday evenings are booking up fast, making morning ceremonies and brunch receptions an appealing option.
Brunch weddings also tend to be more flexible, with more venues and vendors available on weekend mornings than on popular Saturday nights. This flexibility is especially beneficial for couples planning their wedding within a tighter timeline. Additionally, a brunch wedding can be a cost-effective option, as brunch menu items and packages are often less expensive than dinner options, and you may not need a full open bar.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when planning a brunch wedding. The earlier start time may require a more rigorous preparation schedule, and some guests may not be able to attend due to work commitments. The reception will also have a more casual feel, and you may need to adjust your décor and entertainment plans accordingly.
Ultimately, the decision to have a brunch wedding on a Saturday or any other day is a personal one, and there are benefits and drawbacks to weigh.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Day of the week | Saturday |
| Time of day | Morning |
| Advantages | More venues and vendors available; more flexibility; can be cheaper; more memorable; unique; trendy; fun; appealing; relaxed; daytime celebrations are growing in popularity |
| Disadvantages | May be challenging for guests who work weekends; less time with family and friends; more casual; may need to adapt decorations and food choices; shorter duration |
| Food | Pancakes, mimosas, tea, chicken and waffles, muffins, oysters, doughnuts, fresh fruit, bagels, croissants, eggs benedict, lobster omelets, cinnamon rolls, crepes |
| Drinks | Mimosas, Bloody Marys, bellinis, screwdrivers, coffee, espresso |
| Entertainment | Photo booth, lawn games, caricature artist, live string musicians, couples' games, tarot card readings, dance party |
| Attire | Casual, pastel-hued suits, slacks, sports coats, patterned dresses |
Guest attendance
Firstly, it's important to note that a brunch wedding is typically more casual than an evening wedding. This means that guests may be more likely to attend if they don't have to travel or take time off work. However, some guests who work on Saturdays may find it challenging to attend, especially if they work in the mornings.
Invitations and Guest List
When creating your guest list, it is generally advised to include immediate family, grandparents, and the wedding party, along with their plus-ones. If budget and space allow, you may consider inviting all your wedding guests to the brunch. However, if you are having a more intimate gathering, it is recommended to avoid mentioning the brunch on your wedding website or invitations to avoid hurt feelings among those who are not invited.
Timing and Location
The timing and location of your brunch wedding should also be considered when thinking about guest attendance. Typically, brunch weddings take place in the late morning or early afternoon, so guests will need time to pack or check out of their hotels beforehand. Choosing a location that is convenient for the majority of your guests is essential, and it is recommended that the venue accommodates at least 75% of your guest list.
Post-Wedding Brunch
If you are having a post-wedding brunch the day after the wedding, this will also impact guest attendance. This is a great option if you have a lot of out-of-town guests or if your wedding is at a destination location, as it gives you more time to celebrate with your guests before they head home. However, if you know that most guests are staying for the weekend or have time to enjoy the destination after the wedding, you may want to hold off on the post-wedding brunch so they can have that extra time to themselves.
Budget
Budget is also a factor when considering guest attendance. If you are on a tight budget, you may need to be more selective with your guest list or the food and drink options provided.
In conclusion, when planning a brunch wedding, it is important to consider the impact on guest attendance and make decisions that align with your budget, venue, and overall wedding vision.
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Wedding timeline
A brunch wedding on a Saturday is a great option if you're looking for something a little different. It's also a good choice if you're working with a smaller budget, as venues tend to be cheaper if you avoid peak times. You can also save on catering, as breakfast foods are less expensive than dinner, and your guests are likely to drink less alcohol.
Morning of the Wedding:
- 7:00 am: Hair and makeup begin.
- 9:00 am: Bridal party photos and first look photos (if desired).
- 9:30 am: Guests begin to arrive.
- 10:00 am: Ceremony starts.
After the Ceremony:
- 10:30 am: Coffee and mimosa hour. This is a good time for couple and family photos or to mingle with guests.
- 11:00 am: Guests are seated for the meal.
- 11:15 am: Grand entrance and first dance.
- 11:25 am: Welcome toast from the parents or host.
- 11:30 am: Meal is served.
During the Meal:
- 12:15 pm: Best man and maid of honor make their toasts.
- 12:30 pm: Special dances.
- 12:40 pm: Cake cutting.
After the Meal:
- 12:55 pm: Bouquet and/or garter toss.
- 1:00 pm: Open dance floor.
- 1:50 pm: Last dance and grand exit.
After the Reception:
- 2:00 pm: Couple departs for photos (if they haven't already been taken).
- 2:30 pm: All guests depart.
This timeline can be adjusted to fit the specific needs and desires of the couple. For example, if the ceremony and reception are at different venues, you may need to adjust the timing to allow for travel between the two locations.
A brunch wedding is a unique and fun option that can be tailored to be as casual or formal as you like. Enjoy planning your special day!
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Wedding attire
A brunch wedding on a Saturday is a great idea! It's your wedding, so the day is entirely up to you.
A brunch wedding may tend to feel a bit less formal than an evening reception. However, it is still important to settle on a level of formality and go from there when selecting attire.
For warmer months, a sundress or chic matching set, a midi dress, or a nice romper can be a good choice for women. Men can opt for linen shorts, polo shirts, or short-sleeved button-up shirts. Jeans are okay, too, as long as they fit well and aren't distressed. For cooler months, a sweater dress or a cashmere turtleneck with jeans, or a nice sweater with fitted jeans or trousers can be a good choice for both men and women.
If you're the host, you can indicate a specific dress code for the wedding brunch. If not, guests should pay close attention to the season, venue, and dress code selected for the wedding.
If you're unsure, there is no harm in asking the couple or a member of the wedding party.
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Wedding decor
A brunch wedding is a great way to celebrate your special day, and the décor is an important part of setting the right atmosphere. Here are some ideas for a Saturday brunch wedding décor that will make your celebration elegant, fun, and memorable:
Colour Scheme and Centrepieces
Go for a soft colour palette with pale pastels, natural textures, and subtle accents. Feathery greenery, linen textiles, and natural wood accents will add an elegant and whimsical touch to your brunch wedding. For centrepieces, fresh fruit and citrus fruits can be a vibrant and elegant choice, bringing a fancy feel to the tables. You could also opt for a green-and-orange foliage centrepiece, with warm colours like pale peach, ideal for an autumn brunch wedding.
Table Settings and Catering Displays
For a casual yet elegant look, use wildflowers in mason jars as centrepieces, or opt for a catering display with a food bar instead of a traditional sit-down meal or buffet. A bagel or biscuit bar, an omelette or crepe station, or a waffle bar will be a fun and interactive way to serve your guests. For a unique touch, set up an açai bowl bar with various toppings, or a doughnut wall with additional pastries and treats.
Lighting and Backdrops
If your brunch wedding is taking place outdoors, consider providing parasols as a practical and pretty wedding favour. These will look charming in photos, with guests swanning around holding a bellini in one hand and a parasol in the other. For an indoor wedding, paper lanterns can add a soft and whimsical touch to the décor.
Invitations and Favours
For a brunch wedding, simple and sweet invitations are the way to go. A delicate design, such as a simple ribbon or bow framing the wedding details, will set the right tone for a casual yet elegant affair. For wedding favours, consider something brunch-themed, like locally produced honey or homemade jam. Coffee mugs can also serve as both escort cards and favours, especially if you have an espresso station set up nearby.
Remember, a brunch wedding gives you the opportunity to get creative and think outside the box with your décor choices, so have fun and let your personality shine through!
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Food choices
A brunch wedding reception is all about the food. Here are some ideas to make the experience the best it can be.
Opt for a waffle wedding cake
Try something a little different, like a waffle wedding cake or even a wedding pancake. This can be in addition to a traditional wedding cake, but if you want to stick to the brunch theme, a waffle cake or pancake is fun and innovative.
Include a mimosa bar
Mimosas are one of the drinks people crave when they go to brunch, so you should have a dedicated bar for them! To mix things up, include some of your favorite flavors other than orange. Grapefruit, strawberry, black cherry, and guava are a few fan favorites when orange won't cut it.
Have a Bloody Mary bar
The second drink of choice during brunch? The Bloody Mary. Many people are fans, so it's a good idea to have it as a drink option. If it's not your thing, at least have it on the menu.
Serve breakfast appetizers
Similar to having a salad appetizer before steak, you can include breakfast snacks and appetizers before the main course, too. These “snacks” can be anything from fresh fruit, doughnuts, bagels, cinnamon rolls, or scones (with tea, of course).
Arrange for food stations
Brunch weddings can be a more relaxed affair. Instead of waiters, you may want to have different food stations for main breakfast meals. An omelet station, a French toast station, and a crepe station are quite common during brunch. Make sure to have your guests' favorite brunch food by having it all!
Provide more than breakfast food options
Not everyone loves breakfast foods, so it's best to have at least one option that doesn't revolve around syrup and eggs. Salmon or steak are great ideas for your non-breakfast option, and they both work well with a few breakfast foods.
Offer elevated parfaits
This may seem like a simple dish, but an elevated parfait can actually be quite filling. Adding in edible flowers, real honey, and fresh fruit can blow a normal grocery store parfait out of the water. The extravagant ingredients will have your guests raving.
Serve coffee mid-ceremony
Some people aren't morning people, and you don't want any cranky guests at your wedding ceremony. Serving coffee and espresso mid-ceremony, or opening a coffee bar or cart, before the ceremony will have your guests feeling warm, happy, and awake.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can do a brunch wedding on a Saturday.
Brunch weddings are a great way to save money, as they are typically less expensive than evening weddings. They also offer more flexibility with dates and venues, as morning weddings are less common.
Brunch weddings offer a lot of room for creativity with food and drinks. You can have a doughnut, coffee, and mimosa hour, followed by interactive food stations such as an omelet station, bagel bar, or waffle bar. For dessert, you could offer cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, or crepes instead of a traditional wedding cake.
Brunch weddings tend to be more casual and may have a shorter duration, so it's a good idea to plan alternative entertainment options such as lawn games, photo booths, or caricature artists.
A brunch wedding calls for a more casual dress code. Guests can wear slacks and a sports coat or a patterned dress. The couple can also choose to go with a specific theme, like a garden party.
