Discover the essential guide to hosting a memorable wedding welcome party. From understanding proper wedding etiquette to planning a pre-wedding event, this comprehensive post covers everything you need to know. Explore tips on timing the festivities, extending guest invitations, choosing a dress code, and even adding a unique theme to your welcome party. Get ready to kick off your wedding celebrations with style and create cherished memories with your loved ones.
Purity Weddings is a fine-art wedding photography and videography husband+wife duo.
Based in Los Angeles - available Nationwide.
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Kristina + Will's welcome dinner at Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado.
In the world of modern weddings, it's becoming increasingly popular for couples to extend their celebrations over multiple days. One delightful addition to the wedding itinerary is the welcome party—an event that sets the tone for the upcoming festivities. However, like any other wedding gathering, a welcome party calls for careful planning and adherence to specific etiquette. To ensure you navigate this pre-wedding event with grace, we've compiled a comprehensive guide answering all your questions.
1. UNDERSTANDING THE WEDDING WELCOME PARTY
A wedding welcome party is a lively pre-wedding gathering that offers guests a glimpse of the excitement to come. Unlike formal wedding events, this occasion is more relaxed and casual. It serves as an opportunity for the couple to engage with loved ones, while guests can mingle and forge connections. The welcome party can act as an alternative or addition to a traditional rehearsal dinner, taking place on a separate day.
2. TIMING THE FESTIVITIES
Typically, the welcome party is hosted the day before the wedding. When planning your welcome event, consider a few crucial factors. Determine whether you intend to hold a separate rehearsal dinner and, if so, select a suitable time. For destination weddings, take into account your guests' flight schedules to choose the most convenient timing. Additionally, allow everyone some downtime to rest before the party kicks off in full swing.
3. EXTENDING THE INVITATIONS
Generally, all guests invited to the wedding should be included in the welcome party celebration, especially for destination weddings. While the rehearsal dinner is typically reserved for close friends and family, the welcome party embraces a broader guest list. However, etiquette leaves room for flexibility, so feel free to make adjustments that align with your preferences and comfort level.
4. SENDING OUT INVITATIONS
The choice of how to invite guests depends on who you wish to attend the welcome party. If you want all guests present, consider including the necessary details on your wedding website or within your invitation suite. However, if you only wish to invite a specific group, it's best to send separate invitations or event cards to those individuals.
5. DRESS CODE RECOMMENDATIONS
Opting for a casual dress code ensures everyone feels comfortable and at ease. However, remember that there are no strict rules, allowing you the freedom to make your own choices. If you have a particular aesthetic or plan to host a themed welcome party, be sure to communicate the desired concept well in advance, giving guests ample time to prepare.
Planning a wedding welcome party is an exciting part of your wedding journey. By understanding the etiquette and guidelines surrounding this pre-wedding event, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your guests. So, embrace the casual elegance, extend heartfelt invitations, and prepare for an unforgettable gathering that sets the stage for your joyous celebrations ahead.
Purity Weddings is a modern wedding photography and videography team based in Los Angeles, owned as husband and wife. We travel all around, not just in California, but nationwide to capture beautiful moments on your wedding day. We believe our photographs and films together embody a unique visual memoir. We take pride in our photographs and films, which reflect a distinctive visual style that sets us apart from other artists. We like to create a clean look, accentuated by soft light and warm colors. Our vision unifies elements of fine art with the details of a documentary, so our images are sophisticated, authentic, and timeless.
We're inspired by all couples with a real love story to tell.
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