Rhiannon Hendricks
Brunch weddings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for couples who want to curate a unique daytime celebration and create a relaxed atmosphere for their guests. This type of wedding is ideal for those who want to skip some of the traditions of a typical evening wedding, such as a seated dinner and dancing. Instead, couples can choose from a variety of fun activities, including games, music, and a build-your-own mimosa bar. The timeline for a brunch wedding is usually shorter, lasting around 4-6 hours, with the ceremony often taking place in the late morning or early afternoon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time of Day | Late morning or early afternoon |
| Duration | 4-8 hours |
| Food | Light or decadent, e.g. smoked salmon cakes, mini quiches, candied bacon, balsamic strawberries, charcuterie boards, French toast, scrambled eggs, sausages, a waffle bar, fruit with yoghurt, muffins, and gooey caramel cinnamon rolls |
| Drinks | Coffee, tea, juice, and cocktails like mimosas, screwdrivers, or Bloody Marys |
| Activities | Games and lawn activities, e.g. yard games, music, dancing, and traditional dances |
| Photography | 5-6 hours of coverage recommended |
| Setup | 1 hour may be enough with minimal vendors, but check with your vendors |
| Dress Code | Depends on the formality of the event |
| Host | Usually the couple or their families |
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What You'll Learn
Brunch wedding timelines
Brunch weddings are a unique and intimate way to celebrate your special day. They are typically held during the daytime, in the late morning or early afternoon, and can be a truncated celebration with a more relaxed atmosphere.
Planning and Preparation
The timeline for a brunch wedding begins much earlier in the day than an evening wedding. It is important to consider how much time you will need for hair and makeup, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a stylist, and whether they will be doing hair and makeup for others in your bridal party. It is also important to clarify with your venue how early your vendors can arrive to set up.
Photography
If you are having a first look, you will need to plan time for this before the ceremony. You will also need to consider how much time you will need for photos with your partner, wedding party, and family, both before and after the ceremony. For an intimate brunch wedding with a small wedding party, 5-6 hours of photography coverage is usually enough.
Ceremony and Reception
The ceremony is usually held in the late morning, between 10 am and 11 am, followed by a cocktail hour and then the reception. The reception typically includes food, drinks, and activities or dancing. The reception can last around 3-4 hours, with food served around 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.
After-Party
Some couples choose to continue the celebration with an after-party, while others opt for a more low-key gathering, especially if guests are staying on-site. It is common for guests to leave after 3 hours of the reception, and the celebration may naturally come to an end as guests get tired.
A brunch wedding timeline allows for a more relaxed and intimate celebration, giving you space to connect with your guests and make memories in a unique way.
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Catering and drinks
Food Options
When it comes to the food, a brunch wedding offers unique menu possibilities. While you may want to include some breakfast foods, consider adding more "lunch" options as well, as some guests may not care for traditional breakfast fare. Think of your favourite brunch dishes and collaborate with your caterer on what might work within your budget.
- French toast bar with various toppings
- Waffles
- Bagels
- Frittatas
- Omelettes
- Fresh fruit
- Pastries
- Doughnuts
- Croissants
- Quiches
- Salads
- Tuna fish
- Deli meat with rolls
If you're looking for something more substantial, you could also offer:
- Chicken and waffles
- Sliders
- Pies
- Eggs
- Bacon
- Sausage
- Country potatoes
- Milk and cereal bar
Drinks
Coffee is an essential part of a brunch wedding. Consider setting up a customised coffee station with espresso drinks and a variety of coffee options. You can even add some alcoholic choices, such as liqueurs, to the coffee bar.
In addition to coffee, offer a selection of fruit juices for your guests to enjoy and use in mimosas or bellinis. If you want to offer something stronger, a Bloody Mary bar is a popular choice for brunch weddings. You can also stick to non-alcoholic beverages like tea, juice, and milk.
Catering Considerations
When choosing a caterer, be sure to ask about their experience with brunch weddings and request a menu tasting to ensure you're happy with the food. Discuss your budget and be clear about your maximum spending limit. This will help the caterer make creative suggestions that fit within your parameters.
Consider the style of catering you prefer, such as plated service, food trucks, or a cocktail reception with passed appetizers. The chosen style will impact the overall cost and atmosphere of your wedding.
Remember to confirm all the details with your caterer, including delivery times, service style, the number of servers, and who is responsible for setup and cleanup. A well-planned catering contract will give you peace of mind on your wedding day.
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Activities and entertainment
Brunch weddings are a great way to celebrate your special day in a memorable, intimate, and cost-effective manner. The activities and entertainment you choose for your brunch wedding can be creative and casual, reflecting the unique charm of a daytime celebration. Here are some ideas to delight your guests and make your wedding a memorable one:
Lawn and Garden Games
Set the scene for a delightful garden party with whimsical touches. Lawn games like yard games, bubble send-offs, and even a game of chess or backgammon can be a fun addition to your wedding. If your venue has camping onsite, guests can enjoy these activities throughout the day. You can also incorporate flower crowns, bohemian patterns, and floral ties for a whimsical garden party vibe.
Music and Dancing
Music and dancing are essential to any wedding, and a brunch wedding is no exception. Consider creating a Spotify playlist with your favourite tunes and ask a friend to DJ. This can be a fun and cost-effective alternative to hiring a wedding band. If you want to encourage dancing, allow guests to submit song requests. However, keep in mind that dancing may not be a priority for some guests, especially if it's a mid-morning wedding.
Coffee and Beverage Bars
Keep your guests energised and hydrated with a mid-ceremony coffee break. Set up a coffee bar or cart offering espresso, fancy coffee drinks, and even alcoholic additions. You can also include a mimosa bar, a fresh juice bar, or a Bloody Mary bar to add some festive cheer. Don't forget to offer non-alcoholic options as well!
Interactive Food Stations
Delight your guests with creative catering options such as silver platters, food stations, and a wedding cake drizzled in glaze. Consider a biscuits and gravy bar, a waffle bar, or a made-to-order eggs Benedict station. You can also offer a variety of breakfast favourites like avocado toast, quiche, fruit platters, pastries, and cinnamon rolls. Don't forget to include some lunch options as well!
Photo Ops and Memories
Encourage guests to capture memories by setting up a photo booth or displaying photos of the couple and guests during the cocktail hour. This will spark conversations and create a warm and intimate atmosphere. You can also provide personalised wedding favours, such as jam jars, bags of coffee beans with your wedding date, or to-go mimosa-making kits.
Your brunch wedding is sure to be a success with these fun and engaging activities! Remember, the key is to create a relaxed and intimate atmosphere where guests can mingle, enjoy delicious food and drinks, and celebrate your special day.
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Photography
Brunch weddings are a unique and intimate affair, with a sparkling morning ceremony followed by a relaxed reception. The reception can start anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with the entire event usually wrapping up by 3:30 p.m.
Planning and Timing:
As with any wedding, planning is essential. Understand the flow of the day and the key moments you need to capture. Brunch weddings may require an early start, so ensure you are well-rested and prepared the night before. Discuss with the couple their expectations and the style of photography they prefer. For example, will there be a “first look” before the ceremony, or separate shoots if there isn't one?
Lighting:
Composition and Perspective:
Play with composition by capturing a range of super-wide, mid, and textural close-up shots. Move around and experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most flattering and dynamic compositions.
Technical Skills:
Master the technical aspects of your camera, especially in low-light conditions, as some venues may have restrictions on flash photography. Know how to adjust your camera settings to accommodate for dim lighting while still capturing clear, sharp images.
Intimacy and Details:
Brunch weddings are often more intimate affairs, so capture the small details that make the day unique. From the invitations and rings to the finishing touches like the bride's shoes, these details are important mementos for the couple.
Venue Restrictions:
Some venues, particularly religious ones, may have restrictions on photography during the ceremony. Be sure to research the venue beforehand and discuss any limitations with the couple so you can plan your shots accordingly.
A brunch wedding offers a delightful twist on traditional wedding photography, allowing you to capture the beauty of the morning light and the intimate atmosphere of the celebration.
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Hosting and budgeting
Hosting a brunch wedding can be a more cost-effective option than a traditional wedding, but there are still several factors to consider when budgeting for the event. The venue, catering, and number of guests will all impact the overall cost.
Firstly, consider the venue. If you're looking to keep costs down, you might opt for a more affordable location, such as a garden, a backyard, or a cozy spot that fits within your budget. Alternatively, some couples choose to host their brunch wedding at the same venue as their main wedding, which can sometimes be more cost-effective.
Next, catering is a significant expense. A buffet is often more affordable than a seated meal, and a potluck-style brunch where guests bring a dish can also reduce costs. If you're providing alcohol, mimosas and Bloody Marys are popular choices for a brunch wedding, but these will add to your budget. You could also offer a coffee and tea bar, fresh juice, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages.
The number of guests will also impact your budget. A larger guest list means higher costs for food and drinks, and possibly a larger venue. It's important to get an accurate headcount to ensure you don't overspend or run out of food.
To save on costs, you might consider having friends or family assist with setup and coordination, doing your own hair and makeup, or using a photographer for fewer hours. Additionally, a brunch wedding naturally has a shorter duration, typically lasting around 3 hours, which can result in overall cost savings.
Finally, it's worth noting that the couple traditionally pays for the post-wedding brunch. However, some couples may receive contributions from family or friends as a gift, so open communication about expectations is essential.
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Frequently asked questions
Brunch weddings typically take place during the late morning or early afternoon, with some starting as early as 10 am. The length of the wedding is usually shorter than traditional weddings, lasting around 4-6 hours.
Brunch weddings are great for couples who want to skip traditions and curate a unique, intentional event. They are also more accommodating for guests with young children or travel plans, and they offer a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of food and drink options.
Brunch weddings can feature a variety of food and drink options, from light to decadent. Appetizers, homestyle favourites, desserts, and drinks such as coffee, tea, juice, and cocktails are all popular choices. A brunch wedding timeline may also include a cocktail hour and seated brunch with guests.
