Amazing wedding welcome party ideas: why, where, how and WOW!
When you’ve looked forward to something for a year and more, and your guests are excited and it’s going to be amazing, why should it all blow over in a flash? Wedding welcome parties are the friendly, relaxed version of a longstanding US tradition: the rehearsal dinner (but, skip the rehearsing and just have fun!) Welcome parties are an excuse to get together with all your favourite people the day before your wedding, so what’s not to LOVE?!
This article is inspired by luxury UK and destination wedding planner Elegante by Michelle J. Read Michelle’s excellent advice and ideas here: How to Throw a Wedding Welcome Party in Style!
5 reasons to throw a wedding welcome party
- Adding a welcome party to your celebrations extends your wedding weekend – yay!
- You’ll have time to catch up properly with all your guests, and you won’t feel rushed (or exhausted after a hundred five minute conversations).
- A relaxed party is a lovely way of welcoming guests, and will be really appreciated if people have travelled a long way to be with you.
- Wedding welcome parties can be relaxed and informal, which is especially nice if your wedding day itself will include ceremony and formal traditions.
- Seeing all of your guests the day before your wedding will help to calm your nerves before the big day!
Where should your wedding welcome party be?
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- If you can hire your wedding venue for the weekend, you could hold your welcome party there too. It will be simpler to arrange accommodation and simpler for your guests. Speak to your venue about a separate space for the welcome party, so you won’t be giving away all the surprises too soon!
- If your venue is booked for one day only, you can hold a welcome party nearby. Perhaps there’s a lovely country pub you could book out, or a restaurant around the corner. This could be more cost effective than hiring a wedding venue for 2 days and nights.
- If you’re travelling for a destination wedding, make the most of the location itself. A wedding welcome party somewhere close to your reception venue might have all the amazing views to introduce your guests to the wow factor and feel of the place!
“If you are marrying at a venue with several event spaces or that is also accommodating a large number of your guests, keeping everyone in one place can make logistics easier and has a ‘home from home’ feel. Popular venue choices for Elegante by Michelle J destination weddings include rooftop bars, hidden courtyards, hillside restaurants and infinity pools.” ~ Michelle Jacobs, Elegante by Michelle J.
Will your welcome party guest list be the same as for your wedding?
- There’s no right or wrong here: consider your budget, the time you can spend on making arrangements, and how you want to feel the night before your big day.
- Extroverted couples might enjoy the distraction of a big group the night before – so if budgets allow, invite everyone who can join you!
- If you’re more introverted or if either of you struggle with anxiety, a calmer get-together for close family and best friends is just perfect. Keep it low key.
- A wedding welcome party can be a really special event for close family, and a chance to catch up before the craziness and excitement of the wedding day.
- Do consider the work involved in organising a wedding welcome party! Will you need to manage RSVPs (e.g. to know how many meals to serve and seats to reserve) – and do you have time? A buffet-style gathering can be easier to arrange.
“Some couples choose to have informal Friday night dinners for close family, friends and bridal party/groomsmen as applicable, keeping the invitations to a minimum and creating an intimate atmosphere. Others choose to throw a party for all invited guests, with some even allowing a day in between the welcome party and the wedding to allow for full recovery from any sore heads!” ~ Michelle J.
How much should you budget for a wedding welcome party?
- Budget as much or as little as you wish: as a minimum though, you’ll need to pay for catering (per head). If you want a wow factor, budget for decor. For a more laid-back party vibe, you might not need any extras. Don’t forget to invite people – insert sheets with your main invitations will be enough. And remember your outfits!
- Styling can add up. Resist the temptation to style your wedding welcome party as thoroughly as your wedding day! Think understated florals, and optional extras such as place cards and menus. Catering will be the bulk of the cost, depending whether you’ll be having a full sit-down meal or nibbles… or pizza trucks!
Setting the scene for your big day!
- A wedding welcome party serves as a warm up act for the main event. (Think: Richard Ashcroft opening for Oasis gigs in 2025. Your welcome party’s your Richard. Make it epic…)
- Just as with your wedding, your welcome party should reflect your personalities. A homely vibe or glitz and glam – whatever will make your guests say, “this is so you!” means your welcome party will work in harmony with your wedding.
“Remember there is no pressure to do things a certain way just because you’ve seen it before, your cousin did it, or you think you ‘should’.” ~ Michelle Jacobs, UK and Europe luxury wedding planner
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