How to Plan a Wedding Weekend Experience for Your Guests
The wedding weekend is trending among couples who want to extend their big event into a three-day celebration. In this blog, we will share our top tips on planning a wedding weekend experience that your guests will not soon forget.
What is a wedding weekend experience?
Wedding weekends turn a one-day event into a multi-day experience for the couple and their guests. The weekend is often a shared wedding getaway with pre-wedding activities, but can also include local events in the town where the wedding is held.
The trend was likely influenced by the delayed weddings and shutdowns during the pandemic, when couples were deprived of their big day. They built on the idea of destination wedding weekends to spend more time with family and friends, while also making the most of their big day.
Does a wedding weekend require a getaway?
No. Wedding weekends are more about the gatherings and events than the location. You can plan a wedding weekend in your hometown, at the wedding destination, or as a wedding getaway spent at the location of your choice.
Who pays for the wedding weekend?
If you’re holding a traditional wedding, payment for events follows those traditions. The groom’s family tends to pick up the cheque for the rehearsal dinner, while the bride’s family treats for the post-wedding brunch. The welcome party or kick-off event is usually planned by the couple, so they are expected to cover those costs as well as any additional activities.
There are also often optional events that guests cover themselves. That said, the traditional approach to covering the costs of weddings and associated events has become blurred over the years. So, it really depends on the couple.
Plan Your Wedding Weekend and Actual Wedding Together
You should discuss the idea of a wedding weekend in the early stages of your wedding plans. It takes just as long to book and plan activities for the weekend as it does for the wedding itself. You’re looking at a 12- to 18-month timeline to book venues, accommodations, events, and other related event vendors.
A smart way to keep things simple, affordable, and intimate is to book the welcome gathering, reception, and brunch at the same venue.
Include Your Wedding Weekend Plans in Your Invites
Since the wedding weekend is a relatively new trend, you’ll need to give guests advance notice that you’re including other events over a few days. You can either include the activities and schedule in the invitation itself or refer guests to a website where they can select the activities they wish to attend. RSVPing for each event is a must.
Who to Include in Wedding Weekend Events
All wedding guests can be included in your weekend plans. However, there are usually more intimate gatherings scheduled, such as the rehearsal dinner exclusive to the wedding party, closest friends, and immediate family. If the wedding weekend is exclusive to the wedding party and your closest family and friends, consider including slip inserts with the itinerary in their wedding invitations.
Tips When Planning Activities for Your Wedding Weekend
As the days before and on the wedding are so hectic, activities are typically scheduled for the day after the wedding. Some tips to create a memorable, hassle-free experience include the following:
- Begin the day with a farewell brunch followed by your choice of activities.
- Consider having the brunch at the same venue as the reception for convenience.
- Recommend a nearby hotel where guests can stay on your wedding night to limit travel.
- Choose an activity near the wedding venue to ensure you spend more quality time with your guests.
- Rent a bus or other group vehicle based on the number of guests attending to simplify travel, especially for activities like wine tasting.
How to Time Each Event for Your Wedding Weekend
The typical wedding weekend schedule is three days and includes the following events:
Day 1
The Welcome Party
Held on the day before the wedding, the welcome party is a relaxed, casual event where everyone on the guest list is invited. It can be held in any number of venues, from a family member’s home to the hotel where out-of-town guests are staying, and from a favourite restaurant or bar to the reception venue.
It doesn’t require a major investment. Cocktails and finger foods are fine. However, you can plan the type of party based on your wedding theme, preferred ambiance, and budget, whether it’s a retro pool party and backyard BBQ or a formal cocktail party at a swanky rooftop bar.
The Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner takes place after the rehearsal and is exclusive to the wedding party and immediate family. It can be held at a local restaurant, at your wedding venue, at the hotel where guests are staying, or even at someone’s home if the budget is limited.
Day 2
The Wedding Ceremony
All guests attend the wedding ceremony. It can occur at a place of worship or the reception venue.
Interim Activity
If there is a large gap between the ceremony and reception, some weekend weddings can include an interim guest activity. For convenience, the event can be held at the reception venue and might include:
- Cocktail party with light hors d’oeuvres.
- Wedding-themed scavenger hunt.
- Wedding- or couple-themed trivia.
- Immersive guest book with guests invited to write a private message, record a video clip for a social media channel, or take images to post on a wedding website.
- Venue tour and pictures exploring the garden, patio area, etc.
The Wedding Reception
In most cases, all guests attend the wedding reception.
Day 3
Farewell/Thank You Brunch
Usually, all guests are invited to this RSVP event. Guests who book an overnight stay tend to participate in this event, along with the couple, the wedding party, and the closest family and friends.
Farewell Activity
This is an RSVP event that can include your choice of activities, including:
- A post-wedding rejuvenation, such as a spa day, yoga, or a revitalizing smoothie tasting.
- A wine or craft beer tasting (keep in mind that many guests might be hungover, making this a risky choice!).
- A DIY craft project to create a wedding keepsake.
- Watching video clips captured at the guest book signing.
- Games such as a scavenger hunt, trivia, etc.
- Hiking on a picturesque, all-abilities-level trail.
- A boat cruise.
Contact Château Le Jardin
The wedding weekend is a bonding event that extends the celebration to create meaningful experiences for all.
Château Le Jardin is a flexible and accommodating wedding venue, ready to create memorable wedding weekends, from welcome gatherings and rehearsal dinners to wedding ceremonies and receptions, and farewell brunches and activities. Click here to learn more. You can also call us at 1-888-529-8573 or book a consultation online.