Your big day is sure to go by in a flash, but by adding in a couple other fun wedding weekend events, you can help extend the excitement both before and after it’s time to make your way down the aisle. Ready to get the party started? From welcome parties to group excursions, here are seven wedding weekend events guaranteed to make the celebration last at least a little bit longer.
Whether you’re having a destination wedding or even just anticipating a number of out-of-town guests, a welcome party is the perfect way to greet everyone while kicking off what is perhaps the first of several fun wedding weekend events you’ve got lined up. Worried about the extra expense? A welcome party doesn’t have to be elaborate and can entail anything from a simple cocktail hour at a local bar to an appetizer meet-and-greet at your hotel.
Another classic wedding weekend event, the rehearsal dinner allows you to enjoy a pre-wedding celebration with your wedding party and close family members. Just as is true of your welcome party, remember that the rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be an expensive affair, with couples going for everything from pizza parties to backyard BBQs. Some couples even choose to have a more inclusive welcome party in place of a rehearsal dinner, which is perfectly fine, too.
Unwind and enjoy a little extra time with your bridesmaids by scheduling a manicure and pedicure outing the day before the wedding. If it's allowed, bring along a bottle of champagne, and you’ll definitely leave feeling relaxed and ready to get the celebration underway!
Wondering what to do after getting manicures and pedicures? Why not host a bridesmaids’ luncheon as a special thank you for all of the girls’ love and support? This is also a great time to give them their bridesmaid gifts prior to the wedding, so don’t forget to bring them along.
Especially popular for destination weddings, group excursions give everyone a chance to mingle and take in some of the local sights and adventures. Guests who traveled to Hawaii for my sister-in-law’s wedding, for instance, loved being able to take part in fun activities like a night snorkel and 4th of July BBQ. Check out the fun ideas in your own area for a weekend that’s guaranteed to be a complete blast.
After you’ve said “I do,” snapped pictures with your sweetie and danced with dad, it’s time to sneak in a little extra excitement with your friends during the after-party! Thinking of hitting a bar? Going out to a club? Heading back to someone’s hotel room for drinks? Whatever you do, it’s sure to be a great addition to all of the fun you’ve already had during the reception itself!
Your wedding day may technically be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have one more round of fun with guests by hosting a farewell brunch the following morning. Say goodbye, share your thanks and talk about the amazing memories you’ve made throughout your fabulous and truly unforgettable wedding weekend.
Are you planning to tie in any of these wedding weekend events? Which of those mentioned do you think sound the most exciting?