While planning your wedding, getting lost in the big details is easy. Odds are that your mind immediately thinks about your wedding attire, venue, vendors, floral arrangements, etc. While these are crucial, we’re here to remind you that the small details are just as important. This is especially true when it comes to your reception tables.
Designing your wedding table is like completing an intricate puzzle. You want every detail to piece together beautifully and create a memorable tablescape. You’ll want to play around with different colors, plate shapes, menus, and even centerpieces. If you’re unsure where to start, these wedding table settings will be the inspiration you need to pull off an unforgettable tablescape.
You can now cross ‘wedding table decor’ off your planning checklist. But that’s just the beginning. Trying to nail every decor detail on your wedding day can be overwhelming. That’s why we put together a wedding reception table checklist to ensure no detail gets overlooked.
Keep reading for tips and ideas on how to make your welcome part y a fantastic addition to the wedding festivities. Image by Heirlume Photography.
In recent years, more couples have embraced the idea of hosting a weekend of wedding celebrations. Attending a wedding can cost guests a lot of time and money, so why not make the most of the experience for your loved ones? This is where a wedding welcome party comes into play. It’s like the kickoff to the big celebration, getting everyone in the mood for the big day.
Think of the welcome party as the first chance to say hello to all your guests before the wedding. The best part is you can be creative with it. Some couples host this instead of the traditional rehearsal dinner, while others add it as an extra celebration after the rehearsal. You can even spread the festivities over a few days, with a rehearsal dinner on Thursday, a welcome party on Friday, and the actual wedding on Saturday.
With so many possibilities, it’s no wonder that welcome parties have become a regular part of wedding weekends. If you’re considering having one, you’re in the right place. Here, you’ll find tips and ideas on how to make your wedding welcome party a fantastic addition to your special weekend festivities.
A welcome party is like the exciting opening act of a grand wedding weekend. It’s a special celebration before the wedding itself, meant to kick off the festivities with a bang. The primary purpose of a welcome party is to give your family and guests a chance to meet and mingle before the main event. This gathering is typically more relaxed and informal than other wedding activities, creating an excellent opportunity for the couple to connect with their loved ones in a casual setting.
Who’s on the Guest List for the Welcome Party?
One important thing to note is that everyone invited to the wedding is usually welcome at the welcome party. In contrast, the rehearsal dinner is generally reserved for close family members and those directly involved in the ceremony. Sometimes, couples choose to have a formal rehearsal dinner followed by a more laid-back welcome party to include everyone else. If you have lots of out-of-town guests or you’re having a destination wedding, a welcome party becomes even more meaningful as it offers a chance to entertain those who’ve traveled to be part of your special day.
How to Let People Know About the Welcome Party?
You don’t need a whole new fancy invitation. Instead, you can include a little card inside your wedding invitations that mentions any extra wedding events, like a cool welcome cocktail party or a chill post-wedding brunch. This way, your guests will know there’s more to look forward to. You can also share the details on your wedding website.
Who Pays for the Welcome Party?
While the couple can cover the costs, it’s common for parents to share the expenses or for the side of the family that isn’t funding the wedding to take care of the welcome party. The budgeting details can vary based on your unique circumstances and preferences, so make the best decision for you and your loved ones.
When is the Best Time to Host a Welcome Party?
Usually, it happens the day before the wedding, and sometimes, if you’re feeling extra festive, it might even be two days before the big day. But here’s the deal: the timing of your welcome party depends on a couple of essential factors.
First, you’ve got to think about when your guests will be rolling into town. You want to ensure they’re there and ready to have a good time. Second, consider when you’re planning to host your rehearsal dinner. Depending on these factors, you can decide when to slot in your welcome party. It can happen after the rehearsal dinner, or you can use it as a replacement for the rehearsal dinner itself.
That’s totally up to you, but it should be close to all the other wedding events. Beyond that, you’ve got free rein. Some couples like to get creative and choose a place different from their wedding venue, adding a unique twist to the whole experience.
What Food and Drink Should be Served?
You may serve whatever you like, but having something to nibble on is a good idea, even if it’s just some tasty appetizers. It’s your chance to indulge in your favorite food, maybe even some dishes that didn’t make the cut for the wedding menu. Think about your favorite eats, dishes with sentimental value, or the cuisine you and your partner bond over on date nights.
Now, let’s talk drinks. You don’t have to provide alcohol, and you don’t have to foot the entire bar bill. But if you’re not covering the drinks, let your guests know in advance, either on the invitations or your website. Some couples start by offering one or two complimentary drinks per guest and then switch to a cash bar. It’s all about what fits your budget. Keep in mind that this party complements your reception, so enjoy it without going too wild. It’s all about ensuring your guests have a great time without feeling tired or unwell for the main event.
What Themes are Best for a Welcome Party?
There are no strict rules, so you can have fun with your ideas. You get to choose how the party looks and feels. It can be fancy, flashy, or relaxed and easygoing—it’s your call. You can let the location inspire how you decorate and set the mood. Feel free to do something completely different from your wedding’s style. For example, if your wedding uses a neutral color palette, add some bright and bold colors to shake things up.
Welcome Party Ideas
Pizza and Pasta Welcome
Kick off your wedding festivities with a delicious sunset feast featuring delectable pizzas and mouth-watering pasta dishes.
Opt for a low-key dinner featuring delicious hotdogs and sandwiches in a diner-style setting for a delightful contrast to a formal black-tie wedding.
Image by The Drakes. See more from this real wedding here.
Welcome Party Outfit Ideas
Welcome parties are typically relaxed, so wear smart casual attire like maxi dresses, minis, rompers, or jumpsuits. Consider the location and vibe unless there’s a specific dress code. Here are our top picks of wedding party outfits to help you look your best.
Now that you’re all set with the scoop on planning a welcome party, why not dive into our complete guide for crafting an unforgettable wedding weekend? We’ve got you covered, from entertainment options to reception after-party ideas that will keep the celebration going strong. Your wedding weekend is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we’re here to help you make every moment count.
When Richmond and Aja were still a new couple, they went on a fun Christmas trip to a resort in Mexico. But here’s the twist. The resort staff mistook them for another couple and gave them a special tour of the bridal lounge, complete with a look at the wedding packages. Fast forward to their engagement, they decided to tie the knot in the very place where the idea of marriage had first been introduced to them. And let us tell you, their celebration was stunning! They wanted to show off the amazing Caribbean views, so they chose understated decor and a soft color palette for their Atelier Playa Mujeres wedding. The result? A seamless blend with the natural charm of the location, creating a wedding day that resembled a true fairy tale.
With its unparalleled views of the sea and the surrounding tropical landscape, the luxury resort became the ideal venue for their special day. The rooftop deck, with a white aisle and altar adorned with pastel ground arrangements against an unobstructed ocean backdrop, was set for a romantic ceremony. The following beachfront reception effortlessly blended minimalist decor and natural elements. To create a dreamy atmosphere, they finished the look with an installation of greenery and chandeliers above a mirrored tablescape filled with candles, along with pink and gold accents.
Just when you thought this wedding couldn’t get any better, here comes the bride in her strapless gown with a sweeping train overskirt and the groom looking dashing in his classic tuxedo. If you and your partner are passionate about adventure, travel, and the beach, these breathtaking photos captured by Junebug member Lite Weddings are the inspiration you’ve been searching for. Keep scrolling to discover every element of their special day—from the stylish fashion to the stunning location.
A Vacation Mix-Up That Led Them to Choose an Atelier Playa Mujeres Wedding
Early in the relationship for a Christmas vacation, we went to the Atelier Playa Mujeres . We were mistaken for another couple, taken on a bridal lounge tour, and introduced to the resort’s wedding packages. We politely admitted to not being engaged, and the concierge insisted one day, we would be planning a wedding at the Atelier ourselves. They actually took photos of us in the exact spot where we were married. So naturally, it felt right to host our wedding at the place where marriage was first brought up.
Their Private Vows Allowed Them to Carve Out Some Alone Time Amidst the Wedding Chaos
The most memorable part of the day was our private vows. This allowed us a moment to freeze time on such a frantic yet highly anticipated day. We completely disconnected from what seemed like the rest of the world while we made our sacred promises to one another in complete exclusivity.
Turning Wedding Planning Into a Fun Bonding Experience
Planning may seem like a never-ending to-do list, but keep it light and turn it into fun activities. Use it as a time to bond with those positive people who want to assist in stressful times and laugh with you about it later. Celebrate the completion of tasks along the way with your partner. We used planning to incorporate our families and friends and further our understanding of each other’s styles, values, and cultures.
Hiring a Wedding Content Creator For Their Atelier Playa Mujeres Wedding Was an Added Bonus
In addition to hiring our dream photographers and videographers, Richmond and I decided to hire a wedding content creator as well. Our content creator, Dula Media, was able to capture behind-the-scenes and candid moments throughout our entire wedding weekend. The major perk to having a content creator was the quick turnaround time on raw, uncut, professional-quality footage. Dula Media took over my social media platforms and did all of the posting on my behalf during the wedding weekend and did collaboration posts after the wedding.
Focusing on Creating a Fun, Dance-Filled Reception
The aspect of our wedding that we are most proud of is the environment we created for the enjoyment of our reception. We wanted to maximize time on the dance floor, so we decided to avoid traditional activities like cutting a cake, bouquet, garter tosses, posed photos, etc. We both love a good party, which we bonded over upon meeting in college. So we wanted our reception to mirror that. Our favorite DJ from our college town knew exactly what to do to fulfill our vision.
A glance at this picturesque wedding in Mexico might inspire you to pack your bags and say your vows in this enchanting place. Explore our list of the dreamiest Mexico wedding venues to see more stunning locations like this one. And after, don’t forget to dive into our destination wedding guide, filled with all the information you need to turn your dream destination celebration into a reality.
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