Inviting Guests To The Post-Wedding Brunch: A Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it's also an exciting time for couples to celebrate their love and spend time with friends and family. A post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the festivities and create more lasting memories with your guests. Whether you're looking for an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, here's a guide to help you navigate the process of inviting guests to your post-wedding brunch.

Who to invite: Immediate family, grandparents, wedding party, and their plus-ones

A post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the wedding celebration and spend some extra time with your guests before they head home. It is especially popular for weddings where most guests are from out of town.

If your budget allows, you can invite all your wedding guests to the post-wedding brunch. However, this is not necessary or expected. As a rule of thumb, you should invite immediate family, grandparents, the wedding party, and their plus-ones. If you gave someone a plus-one to the wedding, extend this to the brunch too.

If you are considering adding friends or extended family to the guest list, it is important to keep consistency in mind. Once you start adding some people, you may find that you invite everyone to avoid hurt feelings. If you are going to invite extended family members such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, it is advisable to do so for both sides of the family. The same goes for friends—if you want to add some friends to the list, it is best to invite all friends from both sides, as well as mutual friends.

If you are keeping the guest list small, there are a few ways to invite your selected guests. You could include an insert in the invitations destined only for those invited to the brunch, or send out a separate invitation for the brunch. You could also send an evite to more easily track RSVPs. If you are inviting your entire wedding guest list, you can put something about it on your wedding website or even on your wedding invitations.

Where to host: A convenient, relaxing venue, like a restaurant, hotel, or house

When deciding where to host your post-wedding brunch, it's important to choose a venue that is convenient and relaxing for you and your guests. Here are some options to consider:

Restaurant

Renting out a restaurant is a great option for a post-wedding brunch. This can be especially convenient if you choose one of your favourite brunch spots, as you already know and love the food. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a more low-key and casual event. Keep in mind that renting a restaurant may require a minimum spend, so be sure to discuss this with the restaurant manager beforehand.

Hotel

If many of your guests are staying at the same hotel, hosting the brunch there can be a convenient option. This eliminates the need for guests to travel to another location, and they can simply walk over from their rooms. Hotels often have banquet halls or patios that can accommodate a large number of guests, and some may even offer a brunch package with the rooms.

House

For a more intimate and relaxed setting, consider hosting your post-wedding brunch at a house. This could be your own home, or the home of a family member or friend. A house provides a comfortable and familiar space for you and your guests to gather. You may also have more flexibility with the menu and decorations when hosting at a house.

When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the number of guests you plan to invite and ensure that the space can comfortably accommodate them. It's also a good idea to choose a location that is easily accessible and convenient for your guests, especially if they are travelling from out of town.

Remember, the key is to create a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere where you and your guests can connect and spend quality time together before everyone parts ways.

When to host: The morning after the wedding, typically between 11 am and 1 pm

Hosting a post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the celebration and spend some extra time with your guests before they head home. Typically held the morning after the wedding, between 11 am and 1 pm, here's everything you need to know about planning this event.

When to Host

The best time to host a post-wedding brunch is usually the morning after the wedding, typically between 11 am and 1 pm. This timing allows your guests to have a relaxed morning and a good night's sleep after the late-night festivities. If your wedding celebrations ran late into the night, consider starting the brunch at a later time, such as 1 pm, to give everyone a chance to rest.

Duration of the Brunch

A post-wedding brunch usually lasts for about 2-2.5 hours. This duration provides a good window for guests to arrive, enjoy the meal, and socialise before they need to depart. It's a good idea to allow guests to drop in at their convenience during this time frame, especially if they have travel plans.

Planning and Invitations

When planning a post-wedding brunch, it's essential to give your guests enough notice. Send out separate invitations specifically for the brunch, and include the time, date, place, and what will be served. This will help your guests plan their schedules and RSVP accordingly.

Food and Menu Ideas

When it comes to food, you have two main options: a full-on meal or light bites. For a heartier option, consider a variety of breakfast and lunch items, including both sweet and savoury dishes. If you're serving light bites, you can make it more upscale or informal, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some specific menu ideas:

• Display a colourful donut wall or a stack of pancakes/waffles decorated like a wedding cake.
• Offer a selection of coffee and tea with various condiments and takeaway cups.
• Host a mimosa bar with different types of juice and fresh fruit garnishes.
• Serve a variety of snacks like wrapped biscottis, protein bars, croissants, and bagels for guests who are in a hurry.
• For a full meal, consider items like candied bacon, an omelette bar, rosemary potatoes, oatmeal, sandwiches, and salads.

Decor and Vibe

The decor for a post-wedding brunch can be minimal yet stylish. Table decor, balloons, and centrepieces can add a festive touch to the event. Consider a photo backdrop or a relaxed lounge area with floor cushions for guests to chill and socialise. Here are some specific decor ideas:

• Use a large chalkboard sign to designate the party area or mini versions as serving dish markers.
• Display foods in cocktail glasses and tiered trays for an elegant presentation.
• Match your decor to your wedding theme, such as using macrame hangers with potted succulents for a boho-style celebration.

What to serve: A full meal or light bites, with a variety of food and drink options

When it comes to the menu for your post-wedding brunch, there are endless options to choose from. You can serve anything from a full meal to light bites, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some detailed suggestions for what to serve at your post-wedding brunch:

Full Meal Options

If you want to serve a heartier meal, here are some ideas:

• Local specialties: Offer regional favourites such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, or biscuits. This is a great way to showcase the special aspects of your wedding location.
• Sit-down meal: Scrambled eggs, potatoes, bacon, and toast are crowd-pleasers and provide a more substantial option.
• Breakfast pizza: A unique twist on the classic pizza, topped with eggs, hash browns, and Canadian bacon.
• Chicken and waffles: A perfect combination of a breakfast staple and a savoury dinner dish. Don't forget to offer a variety of syrups and butters!
• Omelette bar: Set up an interactive station where guests can create their own omelettes with various fillings like bacon, peppers, and cheese.

Light Bites and Snacks

If you prefer lighter options or want to offer a variety of snacks, consider the following:

• Avocado toast: A trendy and classic combination of bread and avocado, which can also be made healthier by replacing the toast with thinly sliced sweet potato.
• Bagels: Rainbow bagels will brighten up your spread, but you can also offer classic options like sesame, everything, or cinnamon raisin.
• Acai bowls: A healthy and customizable option that your guests can design themselves with various toppings such as chia seeds, goji berries, and fresh fruit.
• Breakfast poutine: A Canadian favourite, made with hollandaise sauce, a cracked egg, and bacon.
• Pastries, donuts, and croissants: These sweet treats are perfect for guests who want something quick and easy to eat.
• Fruit and cheese platters: A grazing table filled with fresh fruit, cheeses, nuts, and dips is a sweet and healthy option for your guests.

Drink Options

Regarding drinks, it is essential to offer a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Mimosas: A classic brunch drink, but also consider setting up a build-your-own mimosa bar with various juices and berries.
• Coffee and tea: These are essential for a brunch gathering, offering both hot and iced options.
• Bloody Marys: Another popular brunch cocktail, especially if you want to offer something beyond mimosas.
• Prosecco: For a touch of elegance, offer your guests a glass of Prosecco to sip on.
• Mocktails, juice, and non-alcoholic options: Ensure you have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks, including fresh juices and mocktails, for guests who prefer them.

Remember, the beauty of a post-wedding brunch is that there are no hard and fast rules. You can get creative and choose options that reflect your personality and taste preferences.

How to invite: Use digital invites or word of mouth for casual events, and paper invites for formal events

When it comes to inviting guests to a post-wedding brunch, there are a few options to consider. The formality of the event will dictate the type of invitation that is most appropriate.

For casual post-wedding brunches, digital invites or even word of mouth are acceptable forms of invitation. Digital invites can be sent via email, text message, or shareable link. This option is more cost-effective and allows for easy tracking of RSVPs. It is also a good way to go if you are short on time, as there is no need to worry about printing and postage.

For more formal post-wedding brunches, paper invitations are the way to go. This option allows you to choose from a variety of designs, themes, and colours to match your wedding aesthetic. Paper invitations also serve as a physical reminder for your guests and can be easily displayed on refrigerators or bulletin boards.

If you are inviting guests to a post-wedding brunch that is held a few days after the wedding, it is important to send out separate invitations so that guests can plan accordingly and RSVP before the event. It is also important to note that the invitation should include the time, date, place, and what will be served so that guests can come prepared and excited.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that if you are only inviting a select few guests to the post-wedding brunch, it is best to send those individuals separate invitations rather than including the information on the wedding website or wedding invitations. This will avoid any confusion or hurt feelings from those who are not invited.

Frequently asked questions