Much like birthdays, weddings can easily stretch out to last a full weekend. You can tack on events that you host, other loved ones host or are just super casual and only require a quick reservation call. As always, customize it to your fiancé and your vibe and just make sure it’s not stressful or doesn’t make everyone hungover for your actual wedding events…
It might not be something that seems at all doable in your budget or may feel like “just another wedding task.” If that’s the case, feel free to skip it. I feel like that’s how I felt, but now I’m kinda thinking it would’ve been nice to spend more time with my favorite people. It’s been four years since our wedding and we haven’t seen some of those people since. Plus, during the actual ceremony and reception there is very little time to actually spend with your guests. You end up saying “hi” and “bye” to everyone and the rest all feels like a blur and not like quality time.
Other things to consider before completely saying “no” to this is how many people are coming from out of town and how long do they plan to stay in town. For some guests, the wedding requires taking time off, so they just extend beyond the wedding events to be able to spend more time on vacation or see family. Giving these people the opportunity to experience the city the wedding is in or spend more time with you is something they’d love.
On the other hand, your wedding party may be through with spending more money (if any of these require that) or taking more time off for your wedding events, so just be cognizant in how you ask or whether you ask at all.
As far as what day(s) to host these events, I think that’s entirely dependent on your wedding schedule and on what seems doable for all those you want to invite. I think some of these ideas below have specific date suggestions but all should be customized to what make sense. I do think having a night time event the date most of the out-of-towners arrive is a great way to kick it off, but again if it’s too scattered to matter you might pick a couple events and make them more intimate.
1. At-home BBQ
When it comes to time with family, I feel like there’s nothing more comfortable than hamburgers, hot dogs and solo cups. You can assign this to a family member who has been asking what they can do to help since you got engaged or your fiancé and you can host it yourself. I wouldn’t typically recommend taking more on, but if you feel the wedding weekend is basically running itself (or being run by a planner) and maybe you have a new home you want to show off… that might be a fun way to give back to all those who made the trek or to parents who have spend time and money helping you get the wedding ready.
2. Wedding Party Olympics
There are few things more memorable in life than friendly competitions. You can plan a full-on event with multiple competitions, team colors and awards or you can go more chill.
Here are some other ideas for a fun competition:
- Beer olympics (wouldn’t recommend for this weekend but throwing it out there in case your loved ones have iron livers)
- Jeopardy game
- (Board) game night
- Beach volleyball game
- Putt putt golf
- Bingo night
3. Excursion to a local landmark
Depending on where your wedding is, I think it could be so fun to be a tourist with the out-of-town guests. If it’s your own home town, you can book a show at your favorite theater, meet at a cool park or take them all to the zoo. Even if you just make reservations at a really good, local restaurant… giving them a taste of your hometown is a sweet, memorable experience.
If it’s a destination wedding and the location is new to every guest, there’s even more of an opportunity to site see together. You can see if you can get large group ticket discounts or even splurge and treat your guests to some sort of walking tour or boat ride.
I also love the idea of booking a local yoga class or going on a hike with loved ones. The more personalized it is to your fiancé and you, the better!
4. Morning after brunch
After a night of dancing and drinking, everyone’s going to need some eggs n’ toast, so why not coordinate it so it’s all together?! Pick a favorite brunch place and invite the wedding party and close family for a yummy meal.
I especially love these day-after events because it allows the bride and groom to hear about anything they may have missed and for people to talk about what they loved from the wedding. It kind of keeps the magic alive and drags out a typically one-day-thing for a few more hours.
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5. Welcome party
If you know that most guests get in a day or two before the rehearsal dinner, you can throw a little welcome cocktail party or even just have everyone meet at a nearby bar. It’s a fun way to get the party started and for people to meet one another before the rehearsal and wedding.
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