Houseparty Weddings: The Intimate, Inclusive Trend

A wedding house party is a Southern tradition that allows couples to honour a large group of friends at their wedding. It is an additional group of family or close friends that the couple wishes to honour but cannot include in their wedding party due to its size. The house party is involved in most wedding-related activities, including the bridal shower, bachelorette party and wedding day pictures. They also typically have specific tasks such as distributing programmes and greeting guests.

Who is in the house party?

A wedding house party is a Southern tradition that allows couples to include and honour lots of loved ones on their big day. The house party is made up of friends or relatives of the couple who aren't as close as those in the bridal party. This could be old childhood friends, sorority sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, or more distant family members.

The house party is still involved in most wedding-related activities, including the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding day pictures. They can also help plan pre-wedding parties and get ready with the bride on the morning of the wedding.

On the wedding day, the house party usually has specific tasks such as distributing programs and greeting guests. They may also participate in the wedding day by handing out programs, giving a reading, monitoring the guest book, or making a group toast at the rehearsal dinner or reception.

The house party typically sits in the first or second row near the bride's family during the ceremony. They do not stand at the altar with the bridal party but are still very much a part of the wedding, helping to 'host' the ceremony and assist the couple.

What does the house party do?

The house party is a wedding tradition that originated in the South but has since gained popularity across the United States. It is a way for couples to include and honour additional friends and family members who are not part of the bridal party. The house party is typically made up of friends or relatives of the bride who are not as close to her as those in the bridal party. This could include old childhood friends, sorority sisters, or more distant relatives like cousins.

So, what does the house party do? Well, although they don't participate in the wedding ceremony, they are still involved in most wedding-related activities and have a variety of important duties. These can include attending and helping to plan pre-wedding events such as bridal showers and bachelorette parties, as well as taking part in wedding day photos. On the wedding day itself, they may be given specific tasks such as distributing programs and greeting guests, participating in wedding party portraits, handing out ceremony programs, monitoring the guest book and gift table, and giving a group reading or toast at the reception. The house party can also assist with cleaning and packing up after the reception and joining in the after-party celebrations.

In terms of attire, the house party usually complements the wedding colour scheme or wears a uniform look that differs from the bridal party. For example, if the bridesmaids are wearing gold dresses, the house party might wear blue or a blue and gold pattern.

What does the house party wear?

The house party is a wedding tradition that originated in the South, but has since gained popularity across the US. It is a way for couples to honour friends and family who are not part of the bridal party. The house party is involved in most wedding-related activities, including the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding day photos. They also help with planning pre-wedding parties and can get ready with the bride on the morning of the wedding.

So, what does the house party wear? Well, the options are endless! The house party's attire should complement the wedding colours or have a uniform look. For example, if the wedding colours are blue and gold and the bridesmaids are wearing gold, the house party may wear blue or a blue and gold pattern. The house party can also wear colour-coordinated dresses, so they are recognised as special but not part of the bridal party.

For an evening wedding with a cocktail attire theme, the house party can wear little black dresses to contrast the bridal party's floor-length gowns. Alternatively, the bride can let the house party choose their own dresses, as long as they match the wedding colour scheme. The bride can also differentiate the house party from the rest of the guests by giving them a small flower arrangement or a corsage to wear.

How do you ask someone to join?

Asking someone to join your wedding house party is a big deal, so it's important to be thoughtful and tactful. Here are some ideas on how to go about it:

Timing is Key

It's best not to rush into asking your house party. Take some time to consider your options and iron out the details. You'll also want to give your house party enough notice to plan and prepare, especially if they will be helping with pre-wedding events like bridal showers and bachelorette parties. For longer engagements, it's recommended to wait 8-12 months before the wedding, and for shorter engagements, 5-8 months.

Know the Details

Before asking, it's a good idea to have a clear vision of your wedding, including the colours, themes, venue, and any specific requests or expectations you have of your house party. This will help them understand what they're signing up for and make it easier for them to plan any pre-wedding events.

Be Clear About Responsibilities

It's important to explain the responsibilities and expectations that come with being part of the wedding house party. This ensures everyone is on the same page and avoids any miscommunications or hurt feelings later on. Let them know that while they won't be part of the ceremony, they will still play an important role in other aspects of the wedding.

Make it Personal

You can ask your house party in a way that suits you best, whether it's through a card, a phone call, a small gift, or a fun, creative idea like a personalised candle or a fortune cookie with a customised message. If your house party members are local, you may want to ask them in person. If they're spread out, a phone call, FaceTime, or Skype call is a more personal alternative to a text or email.

Ask Individually or as a Group

Traditionally, the best man and maid of honour are asked separately to avoid any jealousy from the rest of the bridal party. However, you can also ask everyone in the house party all at once by hosting a brunch or get-together. This can be a fun way to bring everyone together and build excitement for the wedding.

Do members of a house party receive gifts?

A wedding house party is a Southern tradition that allows couples to honour a large group of friends at their wedding without making them all bridesmaids or groomsmen. Members of the house party are still involved in most wedding-related activities, such as the bridal shower, bachelorette party, and wedding day pictures. They can also help plan pre-wedding parties and get ready with the bride on the morning of the wedding.

At the wedding ceremony, the house party does not enter with the bridal party. Instead, they sit in the first or second row near the bride's family. They can still participate by handing out programs, giving a reading, monitoring the guest book, or making a group toast at the rehearsal dinner or reception.

So, do members of a house party receive gifts? Yes, it is customary to give house party members a small thank-you gift as a token of appreciation for being part of the celebration. This gift does not have to be extravagant; a cute tote bag, a personalised mug, or a bottle of wine are all suitable options. A handwritten note expressing gratitude for their friendship is also a nice touch.

It is also worth noting that, while it is not required, members of the wedding party (including the house party) typically give a gift to the newlyweds. This gift can be individual or a group gift, and it is often something from the couple's wedding registry.

Frequently asked questions