Tying the knot is not something you do every day, so many couples go above and beyond to celebrate their love and engagement. While planning the wedding seems to be a straightforward task, there are other events along the way to plan, enjoy, and further build up the excitement before the big day. As traditions evolve, some of these events, like the bridal shower and bachelor party, are more commonly known. However, more modern brides and grooms are putting their twist on these cherished events and adding more festivities to the list. That’s why the experts here at Conklyn’s Weddings & Events are breaking down the many events we host and attend prior to your wedding.
Engagement Party
The moment you become engaged and can call yourself “fiancé,” we suspect, is one of the most joyous, thrilling, and exuberant times of your life. As such, many couples start to prepare for their engagement party. Whether coordinated and planned by a parent, best friend, close family member, or yourself, every engagement party is one-of-a-kind. It can be a grandiose soiree in a beautiful venue that includes a catered meal, dancing, and a solid guest list, or a low-key gathering at home with a small circle of loved ones who cannot wait to share in this excitement. Unless you have plans to elope, have a destination wedding, or hold a small micro-wedding, those invited to your engagement party should find themselves on the guestlist for your big day.
Bridal Shower
Often thrown by the bridal party, the bridal shower was historically a time to shower the bride-to-be with everything she and her future husband would need to make their new house a home. Items like bedding, home decor, kitchen items, and more were typical gifts. Today, it is more common for couples to live together before they are engaged and, therefore, often have all the home goods they need before the bridal shower. These days, bridal showers are all about showering the soon-to-be-newlyweds with love and well wishes before their big day. You may even see bridal showers that include both the bride and groom and a mixed gendered guest list so that everyone can join in on the fun and celebrations.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
One of the less formal events that lead up to your wedding is the bachelor or bachelorette parties. Planned and hosted by members of your bridal party, fewer brides-to-be or grooms-to-be are finding themselves celebrating their “last hurrah” in Las Vegas or at clubs and bars. Instead, a relaxing few days in a cabin or Airbnb in a favorite location, a spa day, sporting event, art and wine night, or other creative and more modest festivities are taking place. Some couples are also requesting the presence of family members or other friends at their bachelor or bachelorette parties, so all of their loved ones can celebrate together.
Rehearsal Dinner
The night before the wedding is not left without one last event. Post-wedding rehearsal, a rehearsal dinner hosted by the parents of the groom traditionally takes place. However, some couples choose to plan and host this event themselves and can make it as grand as a rented venue with a caterer for their wedding party, friends, family, and out-of-town guests or as intimate as dinner reservations for just those involved in the wedding ceremony. Whichever way you choose, this will officially be the last event you attend with your “fiancé!”
Post-Wedding Brunch
For some couples, the final wedding event might happen the morning after officially becoming husband or wife. A post-wedding brunch isn’t a pretty well-known tradition yet, but some families believe it is a nice gesture and a relaxing way to finish off the busy weekend. Whether you host a small brunch at your home, make a big reservation at a diner, or rent another space at the hotel or venue, be sure to invite your wedding party and the guests who have traveled in to watch you tie the knot.
As you and your loved ones plan and coordinate details for the many events leading up to your big day, be sure to call your friends here at Conklyn’s Weddings & Events for a helping hand or to design stunning floral creations that will make your celebrations simply perfect.