The Ultimate Guide to Pre and Post-Wedding Events: 9 Celebrations You Can't Miss

Photography credit: Love Letter Film Co.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the number of events leading up to and following your wedding? Are you curious about which ones are necessary and which ones are just nice to have? Perhaps you’d like to take all wedding events off your plate and have someone plan them for you. Whether you’re excited to plan pre and post-wedding events or feeling a little stressed, we’re here to help. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the events leading up to a wedding––and those after.

What Is a Pre-Wedding Event?

A pre-wedding event is basically any celebration or gathering that happens leading up to the big day itself. It can range from something as immediate as the rehearsal dinner, where everyone involved in the wedding ceremony gets a run-through of the proceedings, to an event that happens right after you've said “yes,” like the engagement party.

The purpose of these pre-wedding events is multifaceted. They're great for breaking the ice between families and friends who might not know each other well, helping them bond before the wedding. Plus, they allow the couple to celebrate their journey to the altar with their loved ones in a more relaxed setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the wedding day itself. So, pre-wedding events are all about building connections, celebrating love, and just having some fun before the formalities kick in!

Pre-Wedding Events List

Engagement Party
Bridal Shower or Wedding Shower
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
Welcome Party
Rehearsal Dinner

Other cultural events like a Henna Party, Tea Ceremony, or Sangeet may take place, depending on the couple's heritage and customs.

What are Post-Wedding Celebrations?

Post-wedding celebrations are the fun stuff that happens after the "I do's." They're basically any kind of shindig that takes place after the official wedding ceremony. This could be the big, traditional wedding reception where everyone boogies down and feasts, or it could be a more laid-back brunch the day after the wedding. Sometimes, couples even throw a farewell party for guests who've come from out of town. The whole idea is to keep the good vibes going and spend extra quality time with loved ones, all while basking in that newlywed glow!

Post-Wedding Events List

Wedding Reception
After-Party
Post-Wedding Brunch
Day-After Activities

Again, these events can vary based on personal preferences, traditions, and cultures.

Are Pre and Post-Wedding Events Required?

Absolutely not! Pre and post-wedding events are totally optional. They can be a great way to spend more time celebrating with your loved ones but don't feel like you have to have them. Your wedding is all about you and your partner, so do what feels right for the two of you. If that means skipping the wedding shower or nixing the post-wedding brunch, then go for it. The most important thing is that you're happy and stress-free on your big day. There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to weddings!

9 Pre and Post-Wedding Events and Tips to Make Them Amazing

Whether you stick with traditional wedding events or include all nine celebrations in your wedding festivities, here are planning tips to ensure they’re fun, organized, and meaningful.

1. Engagement Party

Your engagement party is a festive gathering that usually happens shortly after you and your partner announce your plans to tie the knot. It's an opportunity for your families and friends to meet (if they haven't done so already), mingle, and share in the excitement of your upcoming wedding. Couples choose to throw an engagement party to launch the wedding festivities and celebrate the significant decision they've made to spend their lives together.

Engagement Party Planning Tips:

Decide on the Host: Traditionally, the bride's parents host, but nowadays, anyone can throw the party.
Set a Date: Ideally, the party should be within a few months of the engagement.
Make a Guest List: Only invite people who will also be invited to the wedding.
Choose a Venue: This could be someone's home, a favorite restaurant, or even a public park.
Send Invitations: These don't have to be formal––electronic invitations or simple cards work just fine.
Plan the Menu: Keep it simple with appetizers and drinks, or go all out with a full meal.
Consider Decorations: They don't have to be extravagant, but a few decorations can set a festive mood.
Don't Forget Entertainment: Music or games can help keep the party lively.
Have a Toast: It's a nice way for the hosts or the couple to thank everyone for coming and to express their excitement for the upcoming wedding.
Enjoy Yourself: The most important tip! This party is about celebrating love, so make sure you take time to enjoy it.

2. Wedding Shower

Your wedding shower is a pre-wedding celebration traditionally intended to "shower" you and your partner with gifts for your upcoming shared life. While traditionally for the “bride,” nowadays, it's quite common for both partners to participate in this celebration. It's a joyful occasion for your close friends and family to gather, share advice, and celebrate your upcoming vows.

Wedding Shower Planning Tips:

Choose the Host: Usually a close friend, sister, or mother of the bride hosts the bridal shower, but anyone close to the couple can host the event.
Set a Date: This should be within a few months of the wedding, but not too close to the big day.
Determine the Guest List: Typically, those invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding.
Pick a Theme: This could be something simple like a color scheme or more specific like a spa day or tea party.
Send Invitations: These should match the theme and tone of the event and be sent out well in advance.
Plan the Menu: Depending on the time of day, this could range from light finger foods to a full meal.
Organize Games and Activities: This keeps guests entertained and helps break the ice.
Consider Decorations: From flowers to banners, decorations can help set the mood of the shower.
Coordinate Gift Opening: Have a plan for the couple to open gifts so all attendees can see and share in the joy.
Show Your Appreciation: Don’t forget small thank you favors to give to your guests in appreciation for their attendance and gifts to you.

3. Bachelor/Bachelorette Party

Your bachelor or bachelorette party is an opportunity for you to let loose with your closest friends, marking the end of your single life and the start of your married journey. People host these parties as a fun-filled send-off into married life.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Planning Tips:

Communicate Your Preferences: Ensure the party aligns with what you want––not just traditional expectations––and communicate that with whoever is planning the event.
Choose the Right Date: Plan it a few weeks before the wedding to avoid last-minute stress.
Decide on the Guest List: Usually, it includes close friends and wedding party members.
Plan the Activities: This could range from a night out, a spa day, a weekend trip, or even a quiet dinner.
Set a Budget: Make sure all activities, food, and drink expenses are considered and shared among the attendees.
Send Out Invites: Make sure to give guests enough notice, especially if travel is involved.
Ensure Safety: If there's drinking involved, arrange for designated drivers or ride services.
Consider Accommodations: If it's an overnight or weekend event, think about where everyone will stay.

For those who don't resonate with this tradition, consider these non-traditional options:

Combined Party: Have a joint celebration with both partners and their friends together.
Activity-Based Party: Plan a day around a favorite hobby or activity, like hiking, a cooking class, or a wine tasting.
Volunteer Day: Spend the day giving back to a community or cause that's important to you.
Wellness Retreat: Opt for a yoga retreat or wellness spa day.
Quiet Night In: Have a simple gathering at home with board games, movies, and homemade food.

Remember, the goal is to celebrate this major life milestone in a way that feels right for you.

4. Welcome Party

Your welcome party is a pre-wedding event that's typically held for guests who have traveled from out of town to attend your wedding. It serves as a casual ice-breaker, allowing your guests to mingle and get to know each other before the main event. People host these parties to show appreciation for their guests' effort to be part of their special day and to set a warm tone for the wedding.

Welcome Party Planning Tips:

Choose a Casual Venue: Pick a relaxed setting like a backyard, local pub, or park to keep the atmosphere light and informal.
Keep it Simple: This isn’t the main event, so opt for simple food and drink options like a buffet or food trucks!
Send Invites Early: Include the welcome party details with your wedding invite or through a separate communication later.
Consider Entertainment: Light music or a few games can help keep the atmosphere lively and encourage mingling.
Provide Directions: Especially important for out-of-town guests, include clear directions or transport options to the venue.
Personal Touches: Small gestures like personalized welcome bags or a short, heartfelt speech can make guests feel appreciated.

5. Rehearsal Dinner

Your rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding event that typically takes place after the wedding ceremony rehearsal. It's an intimate gathering where you, your partner, your wedding party, and close family members come together to relax before the big day. This event allows everyone involved in the wedding to familiarize themselves with their roles, and it also provides an opportunity for two families to bond and celebrate together.

Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips:

Select a Convenient Location: Ideally, choose a venue close to where the ceremony will take place to make it easy for attendees.
Keep it Intimate: Limit the guest list to those directly involved in the wedding and immediate family members.
Choose a Different Atmosphere: To distinguish it from the wedding reception, opt for a different type of venue or cuisine.
Plan the Timing: The dinner usually follows the ceremony rehearsal, so consider what time works best for that.
Set a Budget: Remember, this is just one part of your overall wedding spending, so set a budget that doesn't strain your resources.
Send Invitations: Send out invites after your wedding invitations have been sent, about 4-6 weeks before the dinner.
Incorporate Speeches: The rehearsal dinner is the perfect time for heartfelt speeches and toasts that there may not be time for during the wedding reception.

6. Wedding Reception

Your wedding reception is the celebration that takes place after your wedding ceremony. It's an event where you, your spouse, family, and friends gather to celebrate your newly formed union. People host receptions to share their joy with loved ones, celebrate their commitment, and thank attendees for being part of their special day.

Wedding Reception Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Venue: Consider the size, location, and atmosphere of the venue to ensure it fits your vision and guest count.
Budget Wisely: Allocate funds for each aspect of the reception, such as food, drinks, entertainment, decorations, and vendors.
Plan the Menu: Cater to various dietary needs and preferences. Whether buffet-style or plated meals, ensure there's enough variety.
Arrange Seating Thoughtfully: Consider relationships and dynamics when assigning seats to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Organize Entertainment: Music or live performances can add to the enjoyment of the event. Ensure your chosen entertainment aligns with your theme and audience.
Schedule Speeches: Decide when speeches and toasts will happen, usually either at the beginning, during mealtime, or at the end of the reception.
Decorate According to Theme: Your decor should reflect your chosen theme and personal style.
Have a Contingency Plan: If you're planning an outdoor reception, have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

7. After-Party

Your wedding after-party is a more relaxed and intimate gathering following your wedding reception. It's an event where you, your spouse, and select guests continue the celebrations into the wee hours. People host after-parties to keep the fun going with their closest friends and family members, often in a more casual setting to wind down from the formalities of the day (or to keep the party going)!

After-Party Planning Tips:

Choose a Suitable Venue: This could be a hotel suite, a favorite local bar, or even a friend's house. Ensure it's somewhere that will be open late and can accommodate your group comfortably.
Keep the Guest List Limited: The after-party is typically for your closest friends and family, so keep the guest list short and sweet.
Provide Late-Night Snacks: After hours of dancing and celebrating, your guests will appreciate some light snacks or comfort food.
Arrange Safe Transportation: If the after-party is at a different location, arrange transportation to ensure everyone gets there and back safely.
Consider Entertainment: A playlist or a DJ can keep the party atmosphere going.
Dress Down: Encourage guests to change into something more comfortable for the after-party.
Communicate the Plan: Make sure your guests know the plan for the after-party - where it will be, what time it starts, and any other important details.

8. Post-Wedding Brunch

Your post-wedding brunch is a casual gathering that takes place the morning after your wedding. It's an event where you, your spouse, and typically your closest friends and family members come together to recap the festivities of the big day. People host post-wedding brunches to extend the celebrations, say proper goodbyes to guests––especially those who've traveled––and enjoy some relaxed time after the whirlwind of the wedding.

Post-Wedding Brunch Planning Tips:

Choose a Convenient Location: If many guests are staying at a hotel, consider having brunch there or at a nearby restaurant.
Keep it Casual: The vibe should be relaxed and informal, letting everyone wind down from the wedding day.
Plan a Simple Menu: Opt for classic brunch items that cater to a variety of tastes. Include both savory and sweet options.
Don't Forget Drinks: Coffee, tea, juices, and perhaps a mimosa or bloody mary bar are great additions.
Consider Timing: Aim to start late morning, giving everyone time to sleep in a bit after the late-night celebrations.
Send Invites: You can include this information with your wedding invites or send a separate invite to those you want to attend.
Remember Decorations: A few simple flower arrangements or other decorations can help make the event feel special––consider reusing the arrangements from your reception!

9. Day-After Activities

Day-after activities are events or outings planned for the day following your wedding. These activities provide an informal and relaxed setting for you to spend more time with your guests, especially those who have traveled from afar. They also serve as a stress buster, helping you unwind and relax after the hustle and bustle of the wedding.

Day-After Activities Planning Tips:

Consider Your Guests: Think about who will be sticking around for the day-after activities. If you have a lot of out-of-towners, they might appreciate a local tour or sightseeing trip.
Relaxation is Key: After a hectic wedding day, choose activities that are relaxing and not too strenuous. A group spa day, a beach outing, or a casual brunch could be perfect.
Keep it Casual: The formalities are over, so keep the day-after activities casual and fun. The dress code should be comfortable and relaxed.
Provide Food and Drinks: Whether it's a picnic in the park or a backyard barbecue, make sure there's plenty of food and drink for everyone.
Communicate the Plan: Make sure your guests are aware of the day-after activities. Include information in your wedding itinerary or send out separate invitations.
Consider the Costs: If budget is a concern, consider cost-effective activities like a potluck lunch at home or a visit to a local attraction.
Plan for Weather: If you're planning outdoor activities, have a backup plan in case of bad weather.
Capture the Moments: Consider hiring a photographer or encourage guests to share their photos from the day.
Remember to Relax: This is a day for relaxation and enjoyment, don't stress about everything being perfect.
Express Gratitude: Use this opportunity to thank your guests for their love and support throughout your wedding journey.

Professional Planning for Pre and Post-Wedding Events in Colorado

Planning a wedding is exciting, but juggling the coordination of pre and post-wedding events like the rehearsal dinner, day-after activities, and the ceremony itself can be overwhelming. This is where a professional wedding planner can make all the difference. Hiring a professional like Mountainside Events to handle these details not only ensures that each event is meticulously planned and executed, but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the celebration without the added stress of logistics.

At Mountainside Events, our full-service wedding planning package includes help with the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception, so you can focus on celebrating with your loved ones at other pre and post-wedding events. Ready to dive into planning all your wedding celebrations? Get in touch today, and let’s talk about the details!