Wedding welcome party: the essential guide by Blanc’s team
Your wedding day should be all about you and your love story. However, it’s also a day to cherish the presence of your family and friends who are there to celebrate your big day. So why not greet your guests with a welcome party, especially if you’re going for a weekend wedding? Keep reading to uncover our essential guide on how to throw the ultimate welcome party.
How to greet your guests with a welcome party they won't forget
Let’s start from the beginning. The idea is to offer your guests a sneak peek into your big day and give them a chance to mix and mingle. This will set the tone for your wedding and also acknowledge the efforts your loved ones have made to be with you, especially if they’ve traveled from afar. It’s a beautiful way to make your guests feel included, valued, and to ensure that your wedding weekend becomes an unforgettable experience for all.
So how do you go about organizing your wedding welcome dinner? What shouldn’t be missing and what key factors should you consider?
Why you should start planning your welcome party right away
Whether your welcome party is going to be a lavish affair or a more intimate gathering, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of meticulous planning right from the start. While organizing the wedding itself can be quite an organizational feat, don’t underestimate the value of a well-planned welcome party.
It’s your chance to warmly receive your guests, enjoy their company, and express gratitude for their presence. Let’s see some details you should definitely factor into your planning.
Organizing a welcome party: get down to the nitty-gritty details
Typically, a welcome party is held the night before the wedding. However, it’s crucial to factor in the logistics of your guests’ arrival. This includes considering time zone differences and the proximity of their accommodations, ensuring everyone has time to settle in and relax before the festivities kick off.
But, who should be included in the guest list for your welcome dinner? If you’re having a destination wedding, extending an invitation to the entire group is a thoughtful gesture. Your guests have traveled a considerable distance to be with you, and treating them to a lavish dinner or a lively cocktail gathering can be a wonderful way to express your appreciation. If you prefer a more low-key affair, you could host an intimate dinner with close family.
Set the scene and plan the entertainment
Your welcome party, just like your wedding day, should be about who you are as a couple. Make sure to set the scene so that the pre-wedding festivities are in line with your vision for the wedding you’ve always dreamed of. The theme could be anything, from a welcome cocktail to a pizza party or a wild DJ set. It all depends on your vibe and mood.
Don’t forget that a welcome party is a chance for your guests to break the ice and get to know each other. You can simply plan a gathering with food and drinks, but you can also include some fun activities to do together. This will help your guests get acquainted with one another, so that the wedding day will feel more like a warm gathering of friends.
Your welcome dinner menu: what to serve?
If you’re planning on a welcome party, a good rule of thumb is to make it different from the wedding reception. So, if you’re going to have a formal wedding banquet, the welcome party should be something more casual and fun, such as food stations or a buffet.
If you’re not planning on a dinner, but rather an experience or an interactive activity, you can serve drinks, hors d’oeuvres, or bite-size desserts while your guests mingle and chat. This is also an opportunity to discover the local cuisine or to try your hand at cooking something as a group.
Whatever you choose it will be appreciated by your friends and family who made the trip to celebrate you!
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