Planning A Wedding: Events To Make Your Day Special

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, but it's important to remember that it's also a joyful time. There are many events to plan and traditions to uphold, and it can be a lot to manage. From budgeting and insurance to pre-wedding parties and the main event, there's a lot to consider. The first step is to decide on a budget and who will be paying for what. Then, it's time to get creative and think about themes, colours, and mood boards. There are also several pre-wedding parties to plan, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and rehearsal dinner. The wedding ceremony and reception are the main events, but don't forget about the after-party and post-wedding brunch!

Engagement party

An engagement party is a celebration in honour of the couple and is a fun way to gather loved ones and introduce families. It is also a great opportunity for the couple's inner circle to meet and bond in a more casual setting before the wedding.

Engagement parties typically take place a few months after the proposal, but there is no right or wrong answer. Some couples opt for a surprise engagement party immediately following the proposal, while others plan the event for a month or two after. If you're having a longer engagement, you can push back the date a bit. It's important to pick a date that doesn't conflict with other major events or busy times of the year, and to consider the availability of important guests, especially those who may need to travel.

Anyone can host an engagement party, and it can follow a wide variety of fun formats, including games and activities. The couple might have high expectations as they ride the giddy high of being newly engaged, so it's a good idea to get their input on the type of event they would like. For example, do they want a daytime or evening affair? Something casual like a backyard BBQ, or something fancier like a cocktail party? How large or small a party would they prefer?

Food is an important consideration. If you're throwing the engagement party at a restaurant, work with the event staff to create a menu that fits your budget. If you're hosting it at home, decide whether you want to cook the food yourself or hire a caterer, based on the extravagance and size of the menu. Be sure to get a price quote and confirm delivery, setup, and service details.

Bridal shower

A bridal shower is a pre-wedding event that is often one of the most exciting and cherished events for the bride. It is traditionally an all-female celebration, including the bride, her friends and bridesmaids, and close female family members. The bridal shower is usually hosted by the maid of honour, bridesmaids, or other members of the bridal party, although anyone can host it. It typically takes place two to three months before the wedding, but it can be held closer to the wedding date if that is the only time that works for everyone.

When planning a bridal shower, the first step is deciding on a budget. The host traditionally pays for the shower, so it is important to choose an amount that is affordable without compromising on spoiling the bride. The next step is to consult the bride about the guest list, date, time, location, activities, and any other ideas she may have. It is also important to ensure that the couple has set up their registry so that guests can purchase desired gifts. The bridal shower guest list should be limited to people who are also invited to the wedding.

The bridal shower can be held at a loved one's home or other venues such as restaurants, bars, country clubs, event spaces, or spas. The event usually includes food, drinks, games, and an opportunity for the bride to open gifts from her guests. Some classic bridal shower games include bridal bingo, wedding mad libs, and guessing trivia about the bride. These games help guests break the ice and provide entertainment. There can also be a short toast to congratulate the bride and thank the guests for coming.

The bridal shower can be themed to reflect the bride's interests, such as a vintage-style tea party or a tropical island-themed celebration. The decorations, gifts, food, and music should all be considered and purchased well in advance. A bridal shower playlist with romantic and age-appropriate songs can be created to provide background music for the guests.

Rehearsal dinner

The rehearsal dinner is a party that occurs immediately following the wedding rehearsal, usually the day before the wedding. It is traditionally hosted and paid for by the groom's parents, but modern couples often pay for it themselves. The dinner is a chance for the couple to spend quality time with their loved ones and for both families to unite and celebrate before the wedding. It is also an opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the wedding.

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner is typically smaller than the wedding guest list and includes immediate family members, the wedding party, and out-of-town guests. The officiant, readers, and ushers may also be invited. It is important to consider the budget when planning the guest list, as inviting a large number of guests to the rehearsal dinner can be costly.

The rehearsal dinner should be planned and hosted with attention to timing. Invitations should be sent out four to six weeks in advance, and the event should ideally be scheduled as close to the wedding as possible so that the wedding party has fresh memories of the rehearsal. The dinner usually lasts about two to three hours, and it is important to avoid extending it too late into the night, especially if the wedding day starts early.

While there are fewer traditions associated with rehearsal dinners compared to the wedding day, one idea is the wedding shower bouquet. The maid of honour or a bridesmaid saves the ribbons and bows from gifts opened during the wedding shower and creates a bouquet for the bride to carry during the wedding rehearsal.

Wedding after-party

Planning a wedding can be a stressful task, but it is also an exciting process. The wedding after-party is a chance to continue the celebrations and let loose after the main event. Here are some ideas and considerations to help you plan an unforgettable wedding after-party:

Budget and Venue

Firstly, it is essential to consider your budget. Planning a wedding can be expensive, and you may need to make compromises when it comes to pre-wedding events. Discuss with your partner and families which pre-wedding events are a priority for you, and allocate your budget accordingly. The wedding after-party venue will be a significant expense, so it is crucial to factor this into your budget.

If you are hosting your wedding at a venue with noise restrictions or early closing times, you may need to book a separate space for the after-party. Look for a venue with a separate event space or a large suite to accommodate your guests. It is also worth noting that high-demand locations and popular wedding destinations may be harder to book at short notice, so it is advisable to reserve the after-party venue as soon as you have confirmed the reception space.

To save costs, you could opt to have the after-party at the same venue as the reception. This option is more convenient logistically, but you may need to book a separate area to avoid awkward encounters with non-party guests.

Theme and Decor

When it comes to the theme and decor, the possibilities are endless. You can transform your venue into a nightclub with strobe lights, colourful uplighting, and swanky furniture. Alternatively, create a lush garden atmosphere with vibrant blooms and dense greenery. If you're feeling glamorous, drape luxe fabrics across the walls and ceiling to evoke a touch of old-Hollywood charm.

Food and Drinks

Your guests will need sustenance to keep the party going, so be sure to provide mouthwatering snacks and drinks. You can set up food stations or passed appetizers, and even include interactive displays like a candy cart or a champagne tower. Don't forget to include some fun cocktails on the menu!

Entertainment

Music is a pivotal part of any after-party. Hire a band or a DJ to keep your guests dancing all night long. If you want to add a unique twist, try a silent disco, where guests listen to music through headphones. This option is interactive, fun, and a great way to bypass noise restrictions.

You can also set up activities like casino games, a cigar-rolling station, or a photo wall for guests to pose in front of. For a truly memorable experience, surprise your guests with a secret after-party location, leading them through a foliage-covered tunnel to build anticipation.

Transportation and Accommodation

If your after-party is at a separate venue, especially one that is further away, consider providing transportation for your guests. This is especially important if you are keeping the after-party location a secret, as guests will need guidance on how to get there.

For destination weddings or weddings where most guests are from out of town, consider hosting a brunch the day after the wedding. This is a great way to socialise with guests and provide a more relaxed setting to say goodbye.

Other Considerations

• If you plan to have professional photography at your wedding, discuss after-party event plans with your photographer to include these celebrations in their service costs.
• Be courteous when considering the guest list for the after-party. Anyone invited to pre-wedding events should also be invited to the actual wedding.
• If you are the bride, consider the fact that you may be tired after a long day of preparations and celebrations. You may not want to host an after-party if you feel you won't have the energy to keep the festivities going.

With these ideas and considerations in mind, you can plan an extraordinary wedding after-party that your guests will remember for years to come!

Post-wedding brunch

A post-wedding brunch is a great way to extend the wedding celebration and spend extra time with your guests before they depart. It is especially nice for out-of-town guests or those staying in the hotel with the rest of the wedding party. The etiquette for a post-wedding brunch is more relaxed than the actual wedding, and you have creative freedom over the invitations, dress code, and menu.

There are no hard-and-fast rules for the menu, but a brunch buffet is a popular choice. Balance out carb-heavy pastries with some protein, like Spanish hams, chorizo, local cheeses, and fruits. You can also offer breakfast-in-bed boxes for guests who are in a rush to leave. Don't forget to offer hydrating drinks like ice-cold water, as well as adult sips like Prosecco or Mimosas.

When planning a post-wedding brunch, consider your budget and who will host the event. The newly married couple or parents of either half of the couple often serve as hosts. If you're on a tight budget, a casual farewell brunch can be a "nice to have" option, especially for destination weddings.

Frequently asked questions