Engagement Party

Purpose: Celebrate the engagement and introduce both families and close friends.

Timing: Typically held one to three months after the engagement.

Guest List: Close family and friends. Keep it more intimate compared to the wedding.

Venue: Consider a family home, restaurant, or casual event space.

Theme and Decor: Reflect your personal style and the wedding theme.

Food and Drink: A casual buffet, cocktail party, or sit-down dinner.

Activities: Speeches, toasts, and maybe a fun game or two.

Bridal Shower

Purpose: Shower the bride with gifts and good wishes.

Timing: Two to six months before the wedding.

Guest List: Close female family members and friends.

Venue: Someone’s home, a restaurant, or a private event space.

Theme and Decor: Feminine and festive, often with a theme like tea party, garden, or spa day.

Food and Drink: Light snacks, finger foods, desserts, and drinks.

Activities: Games, gift opening, and possibly a DIY activity or class.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Purpose: Celebrate the bride and groom with their respective friends.

Timing: One to three months before the wedding.

Guest List: Close friends of the bride and groom.

Venue: Can range from local activities like dinners and spa days to destination weekends.

Theme and Activities: Reflect the interests of the bride or groom. Ideas include a night out, a beach trip, a camping adventure, or a relaxing spa day.

Budget: Discuss and agree on a budget with attendees to ensure everyone is comfortable.

Rehearsal Dinner

Purpose: A more intimate gathering before the wedding day to thank those involved in the ceremony.

Timing: The evening before the wedding.

Guest List: Immediate family, wedding party, and sometimes out-of-town guests.

Venue: A restaurant, banquet hall, or family home.

Theme and Decor: Can be formal or casual, often reflecting the wedding theme.

Food and Drink: A sit-down dinner with toasts and speeches.

Activities: A rehearsal of the ceremony followed by dinner and toasts.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Purpose: The main event where the couple exchanges vows and celebrates with guests.

Timing: Typically late afternoon to evening.

Guest List: As many people as your venue can accommodate and your budget allows.

Venue: Ceremony at a place of worship, outdoors, or at the reception venue. Reception at a banquet hall, hotel, or other event space.

Theme and Decor: Reflect your personal style and wedding theme.

Food and Drink: A full meal with appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Options include plated dinners, buffets, or food stations.

Activities: Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dancing, speeches, and special moments like cake cutting and bouquet toss.

Post-Wedding Brunch

Purpose: A casual gathering the morning after the wedding to thank guests and say goodbye.

Timing: The morning after the wedding.

Guest List: Close family and friends, particularly those who traveled for the wedding.

Venue: The hotel where guests are staying, a family home, or a restaurant.

Theme and Decor: Relaxed and simple, often reflecting the wedding theme.

Food and Drink: Brunch buffet or light breakfast foods with coffee, tea, and maybe mimosas.

Honeymoon

Purpose: A romantic getaway for the newlyweds to relax and celebrate their marriage.

Timing: Immediately after the wedding or a few months later, depending on your schedule and budget.

Destination: Choose a location that suits both of your interests, whether it’s a beach resort, a cultural city tour, or an adventurous trek.

Planning: Book flights, accommodations, and activities in advance. Consider using a travel agent for complex itineraries.

Budget: Set a budget that includes travel, lodging, meals, and activities.