How to Plan a FIERCE Wedding Weekend

Photo by: AJ Abelmam

Photo by: Colin and Laskin

Photo by: Anna Zajac

Weddings are a celebration! You have the opportunity to have all your loved ones in one place at the same time, but why stop at one day? If you are having a destination wedding for guests, or are worried you won’t get to see everyone during the non-stop wedding day then why not plan more of a wedding weekend instead? Not only does it spread out your ability to chat with everyone, but it can also make your wedding feel like more of a vacation for others. Here are two sample wedding weekend celebrations you could try:

You Booked a Friday Wedding

Thursday during the day:

Focus on some self care and relaxation. Maybe that’s a spa day with you and your partner. Maybe you hang out with your perspective wedding parties and celebrate together with games, food, or mani-pedis. Maybe it’s reconnecting with your family members and having a lighter lunch. Whatever you are doing, take this time to “charge up” for the weekend.

Thursday 4:00pm-5:00pm:

You confirmed with your venue and are hosting your rehearsal at your wedding venue. Anyone taking part in the processional and/or in any readings, bindings, songs, or bearing are included. You see the space, and walk through everything with your wedding planner and venue team.

Thursday 5:00pm-8:00pm:

All the guests involved in the rehearsal (and maybe a few more family members) move to the rehearsal dinner which is at a private club you’ve rented. A slide show of your relationship is playing as guests drink, dine, and celebrate your upcoming wedding.

Thursday 8:00pm-11:00pm:

You reserved an event space in the hotel you are staying at to host a welcome party with all the wedding guests that have arrived. You booked a karaoke DJ as the evening’s entertainment so you can sing your heart out! Guests can warm up to the party and celebrate together, while you have more of a chance to properly welcome all your guests before the day.

Friday: WEDDING DAY

You are waking up early, getting ready, doing first looks, getting married and celebrating!!

Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm:

You booked a smaller venue to host another brunch styled reception. You hired some musicians for some live entertainment, and you graze on some catered charcuterie and you drink some custom drinks! Guests can come and go as they choose.

Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm:

You’ve listed “Fun Things To Do” in the city on your wedding website so guests can take some leisurely time to explore the area. Maybe you’ve even booked a bus to transport guests to a certain activity or location. Whatever is planned or coordinated, this is the time where guests can stay longer if they desire or decide to head back home at their own pace.

Saturday 6:30pm:

You host one final dinner with your closest friends and family to close up the weekend.

Sunday:

Any lingering guests can return home, and you get to rest and live in the moment of being married.

Photo by: Anna Zajac

You Booked a SATURDAY WEDDING:

Friday during the day:

Focus on some self care and relaxation. Maybe that’s a spa day with you and your partner. Maybe you hang out with your perspective wedding parties and celebrate together with games, food, or mani-pedis. Maybe it’s reconnecting with your family members and having a lighter lunch. Whatever you are doing, take this time to “charge up” for the weekend.

Friday 4:00-5:00pm:

Due to your venue being booked the day before, you rented a separate space to host your rehearsal in. You booked a large Airbnb for all your wedding party needs, and it has space large enough to host everyone. Anyone taking part in the processional and/or in any readings, bindings, songs, or bearing are included. You see the space, and walk through everything with your wedding planner and venue team.

Friday 5:00-11:00pm:

You rented out a smaller concert venue that has meaning to you and your partner. You hire a live band to perform for you and your guests and you dance the night away. Guests can purchase drinks and finger food, dance their hearts out, and your family performs some silly and meaningful dances to celebrate the new chapter.

Saturday: WEDDING DAY

You are waking up early, getting ready, doing first looks, getting married and celebrating!!

Sunday 10:00am-12:00pm

You rented another restaurant to host a brunch with anyone who is able to stick around a bit longer. Gives you another chance to mingle with some of your guests you might not have gotten to truly see during your wedding. Other guests can take the time to leave early if they need.

Sunday Evening:

You and your partner rest up and embrace that “newly wed” feeling.

Photo by Sam Shultz

The best part about treating your wedding as a “wedding weekend” means you can do whatever you desire! You can make things as grand and festive as you want, or as intimate and meaningful as you please.

If you are interested in a wedding weekend but don’t know where to start, we can assist in planning! You can reach out here.