George Boyle
A bridesmaids luncheon is a pre-wedding event that is usually hosted by the bride to express gratitude to her bridesmaids, friends, family, and other women who have supported her through the wedding planning process. It is an optional celebration that can take place in various forms, such as a lunch, brunch, afternoon tea, or even a spa day. The event provides an intimate setting for the bride to spend quality time with her loved ones, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories before the main wedding festivities begin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | For the bride to thank her bridesmaids and other women in her life for their support and hard work during the wedding planning process |
| Timing | Usually held in the days leading up to the wedding, sometimes the day before or the morning of the wedding |
| Host | Traditionally hosted by the bride, but can also be hosted by the mother of the bride, maid of honour, or another family member |
| Guests | Traditionally an all-female affair, including the bride, bridesmaids, flower girls, mothers of the bride and groom, sisters, sisters-in-law, and other close female relatives |
| Location | Can be held at a restaurant, hotel, or private home, or even at a spa or salon |
| Food and drinks | Can be a luncheon, brunch, afternoon tea, dinner, or any meal of the bride's choosing |
| Activities | May include gift-giving, cake with hidden charms, manicures, pedicures, or other spa treatments |
What You'll Learn
The purpose of a bridesmaids luncheon
A bridesmaids luncheon is a pre-wedding event that is traditionally an all-girls affair, although this is not a hard and fast rule. It is a chance for the bride to express gratitude to her bridesmaids and other close friends and family members for their support throughout the wedding planning process. It is also an opportunity for the bride to give gifts to her bridesmaids. The event is usually hosted by the bride, but sometimes the bride's mother or another family member may host it.
The bridesmaids luncheon is typically held in the days leading up to the wedding, often the day before, although it can also be held on the morning of the wedding itself. It can take various forms, from a simple gathering at home to a lavish event at a restaurant or spa. The menu is usually filled with lighter fare, but there are no rules, so brides can serve whatever they like, from tacos and margaritas to afternoon tea.
The bridesmaids luncheon is different from a bridal shower in that it is not centred on the bride. Instead, it is an opportunity for the bride to thank the women in her life who have supported her through the years and the wedding planning process. The guest list typically includes the bride, maid or matron of honour, bridesmaids, flower girls, the bride's mother, mother-in-law, sisters, and other close female relatives.
The main focus of the event is for the bride to acknowledge and thank her bridesmaids and other supportive women in her life. It is also a chance for the bride to distribute gifts to her bridesmaids, especially if she hopes they will use them on her wedding day, such as jewellery. The bride may also choose to make a short toast to her guests.
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Who hosts the event
A bridal luncheon, or bridesmaid luncheon, is a Southern wedding tradition. It is hosted by the bride to thank her bridesmaids and usually takes place the day before the wedding. However, there are no hard and fast rules about who can host a bridal luncheon. While the bride traditionally hosts the event, it can also be hosted by her parents, the groom's parents, or even a close friend.
The bride's maid or matron of honour usually organises the event if it is hosted by the bride's attendants. In some communities, the bride and her mother, or a close friend or relative, host the party as a token of appreciation for the bridesmaids' efforts and contributions. This is a wonderful idea, especially since being a bridesmaid can be time-consuming and costly.
The bridal luncheon is a great opportunity for the bride to exchange gifts with her bridesmaids. It is also a chance for the bride to thank her bridesmaids, mother, mother-in-law, and other women who have supported her through the wedding planning process.
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When to schedule the luncheon
The bridal luncheon is typically held in the days leading up to the wedding, often taking place the day before or even the morning of the wedding. This timing is ideal for a few reasons. Firstly, it allows all attendees, especially those from out of town, to celebrate together in one trip. Secondly, the day before the wedding is usually busy but less hectic than the morning of the big day, providing a more relaxed setting for the luncheon.
If you choose to host the bridal luncheon the day before the wedding, consider scheduling it in the late morning, followed by a trip to the salon for manicures and pedicures. This will give the bridal party some leisure time to relax and bond before the wedding festivities.
If you opt for the morning of the wedding, this works well for evening weddings, as it gives the bridal party time to connect while they get ready. For a morning wedding, you can incorporate the luncheon into the wedding morning festivities, ordering a nice lunch while everyone is getting their hair and makeup done.
Keep in mind that the bridal luncheon is meant to be a celebration of gratitude for the bridal party and other loved ones who have supported the bride. Therefore, when scheduling the luncheon, consider a time that allows for an intimate gathering where the bride can express her thanks without feeling rushed.
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Where to host the luncheon
There are no hard and fast rules about where to host a bridesmaids luncheon. It can be held anywhere that will make the bride and her bridesmaids happy. Here are some ideas:
- At home: A home-cooked or catered meal at the bride's home, her family's home, or a private home with a personal chef can be a great option for an intimate and meaningful gathering. Hosting at home allows for a more relaxed atmosphere and the ability to stay as long as you like. It can also be a good choice if the wedding is taking place near the home.
- Restaurant: A restaurant luncheon is a convenient option if you don't want to deal with hosting, cooking, and decorating. You can reserve a private room or choose a restaurant with a view to make it more intimate. Consider a chef's table at your favourite restaurant or a place with a special memory.
- Hotel: If the wedding is a destination wedding or if the bridesmaids are travelling from out of town, hosting the luncheon at a hotel can be convenient. You can choose a restaurant in the hotel with a private room or host it in the suite's common area.
- Outdoor space: A backyard celebration or a venue with a beautiful view can create an intimate and memorable atmosphere for the luncheon.
- Spa: A day of pampering at a spa can be a fun and relaxing option for the bridesmaids luncheon. This could include manicures, hand massages, or facial treatments.
- Other venues: Depending on the desired ambiance and activities, other venues such as a bar, a rooftop lounge, or a tea room can also be considered.
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What to do at the luncheon
A bridesmaids luncheon is a great opportunity for the bride to express her gratitude and celebrate her friendship with her bridesmaids and close family members. Here are some ideas on what to do at the luncheon:
Food and drinks
The focus of the event is to eat, drink and celebrate. It is usually a light meal with refreshments, but you can serve whatever you like. From a classic luncheon with salads, quiches and cakes to something more fun like tacos and margaritas, the menu is totally up to you. Don't forget the mimosas and champagne!
Gifts and speeches
The bride can use this opportunity to give her bridesmaids their gifts and thank them for their support. The bridesmaids don't need to bring a gift as they have likely already given one at the bridal shower. The bride may also choose to make a short toast, but this is not necessary.
Cake
A traditional cake with a hidden trinket baked inside is a fun activity. The person who gets a piece of cake with a special surprise is said to be the next to wed. This is called a cake pull or a charm cake.
Other activities
You can organise a DIY flower crown station, host a mini spa session with manicures or hand massages, or set up a photo booth with fun props. Alternatively, you could arrange a cooking class or a wine-tasting session.
Venue and timing
The bridesmaids luncheon is usually held the day before the wedding or the morning of the wedding. It can be hosted at a restaurant, a private room, or even at the bride's home.
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Frequently asked questions
A bridesmaids luncheon, also known as a bridal luncheon, is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride and her attendants, including bridesmaids and flower girls. It is an opportunity for the bride to thank her bridesmaids and other women in her life for their support and hard work during the wedding planning process.
Traditionally, a bridesmaids luncheon is an all-female affair, with the bride, her mother, mother-in-law, sisters, and bridesmaids in attendance. However, it is becoming more common to include the groom, his groomsmen, and other close friends and family members.
A bridesmaids luncheon is typically held the day before the wedding or on the morning of the wedding itself. It is often scheduled to accommodate out-of-town guests and can be held at a restaurant, private home, or even a spa.
