Leave Your Guests Wanting More: How to Create the Perfect Wedding Weekend
Just imagine your perfect wedding day:
Sipping bubbly while getting ready with your closest friends. Saying “I do” to the love of
your life. And partying with your people on the dance floor to the sounds of an”
enthusiastic band.
Sounds sublime, right?!
As a wedding planner, I strive to help you create a celebration that brings you all of the
joy – and then some. So why not go even bigger by turning your wedding day into a
wedding weekend?!
Instead of planning one day’s worth of celebrations, let’s extend the festivities to two –
maybe even three days!
Because, let’s face it, one day just goes by way too quickly. And celebrating love
deserves more than just 24-hours.
But I get it – planning one day is hard enough. And between your career and personal
time, you already have enough on your plate. So how in the world are you supposed to
plan a weekend full of engaging events?
For that, you have to keep reading…
Creating the Perfect Wedding Weekend
The perfect wedding weekend is about careful planning, organization, and
creating a memorable guest experience. So, you need someone to take charge and get
things done.
That’s where I come in!
Whether it’s planning a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon, groomsmen
outing, post-wedding breakfast – or something as simple as just putting together
thoughtful and personal welcome gifts for out-of-town guests – I’ve got you covered!
Welcome Party
Why you want one:
Usually held on Thursday, or Friday after the rehearsal dinner (presuming your wedding
is on a Saturday), a welcome party is a perfect event to host out-of-town guests
and/or family and friends you haven’t seen in a while. It also provides a casual
atmosphere where everyone can ease into the wedding weekend festivities.
Whom to invite:
Most couples invite all of their out-of-town guests. But other guests, like close friends
and family, are typically invited too.
Where to host:
Should your wedding take place at a hotel, I highly recommend asking your venue
manager about additional spaces around the property. Or if the hotel bar is available,
ask about full or partial buyouts.
But if your venue isn’t a hotel, here are some great options to consider:
Los Angeles:
West Hollywood:
Venice Beach:
Laguna Niguel:
Dana Point:
Ranchero Santa Margarita:
Costa Mesa:
Newport Beach
What to do:
No party is complete without food and drinks. But for a welcome party, you don’t need
much! Some light bites and beer, wine, prosecco, and a specialty cocktail will do just
fine.
To provide a great guest experience, consider providing monogrammed totes and
allowing guests to create their welcome bags from various preselected items (pain
relievers, snacks, hand creams, lip balm, etc.).
Or, to make sure your guests are well entertained, put on a game/trivia night (with the
facts being about you two.) Or organize a wine tour or tasting.
Planning the Rehearsal Dinner During the Wedding Weekend
Why you want one:
Now’s the time to show appreciation to your wedding party and to get everyone excited
and in the mood to celebrate the wedding day.
Whom to invite:
The wedding party and their partners/dates, and immediate family.
Where to host:
Like your welcome party, consider hosting our rehearsal dinner at the hotel where your
wedding reception is held. This way, out-of-town guests or local guests who book a
room can easily and conveniently get there.
However, should you want to show your out-of-town guests around, consider the
locations I mentioned above for a welcome party!
What to do:
Distribute wedding party gifts. Let your parents show an embarrassing slideshow of
childhood and relationship photos. And let VIPs make toasts, speeches, or share
personal stories. (Tip: By having your maid of honor and/or best man do their speeches
this night, you can shorten your wedding reception timeline!)
Last but not least, differentiate this menu from your wedding receptions. And to create a
different feel from your reception, pick a theme and ask guests to dress up for the
occasion – for example, an all-white party, a wester bbq, or a Tex-Mex fiesta.
Bridal Luncheon
Why you want one:
Before you tie the knot, schedule some bonding time with the ladies who have been by
your side. A bridal luncheon will give you a moment to be with your best gal pals and
thank them for their support.
Whom to invite:
Your bridesmaids and maid of honor should definitely be on the guest list. Other people
to consider are your mom, your future mother-in-law, the flower girl and her mom,
and your soon-to-be sister-in-law (s) (if they’re not already in the wedding party.)
Where to host:
If the hotel you’re hosting your reception at, or you’re staying at on your wedding night
has a restaurant, ask if they have a PDR (private dining room). If not, check out these
locations:
Los Angeles:
San Juan Capistrano:
Irvine:
Laguna Beach:
Newport Beach:
What to do:
Have a bite to eat, of course! And enjoy the company of good friends and family.
Now is also the perfect time to give your wedding party their gifts – like earrings or a
bracelet for them to wear day-of.
And if there’s time, or you’re looking to do something a little different, consider treating
everyone to an afternoon at the spa, a winery, or something more active, like yoga in
the park or an early-morning hike.
Groomsmen Outing
Why you want one:
Just as a bridal luncheon gives the ladies some time together, a groomsmen’s outing
gives the guys a chance to chill, have fun, and hang out before the big day.
Whom to invite:
The groomsmen, best man, your dad, your future father-in-law, and any soon-to-be
brother-in-law(s) (if they’re not already in the wedding party.) Depending on what outing
activity you choose, you might also consider asking the ring bearer and his dad.
Where to host and what to do:
Los Angeles:
- Peterson Automotive Museum
- Catch a basketball game at the Staples Center
- Catch a baseball game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim
Irvine:
Newport Beach:
- A round of golf at the Pelican Hill Golf Club
Guest Outing
Why you want one:
A wedding weekend becomes a mini-vacation when you incorporate fun activities for
your guests to engage in. Planning an outing gives everyone a chance to mingle before
the big night and become more acquainted (which always makes for a better party!). It’s
also, a great way to show your guests around town, and to show them an appreciation for
making the trip out.
Whom to invite:
This will largely depend on what kind of outing you choose, your budget, and the timing.
A good rule of thumb is to invite the wedding party, out-of-town guests, and close
friends and family.
Where to host and what to do:
Let me help you arrange group transportation, and head out to:
Los Angeles:
- Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
- The Getty Center
Temecula:
- Winery Tour
- California Dreamin’ Hot Air Balloon Rides
Santa Ana:
Irvine:
Laguna Beach
- Kayak Tour
Anaheim:
You can even get creative with transportation by renting something out of the ordinary,
like a vintage trolley!
Farewell Breakfast/Brunch
Why you want one:
A post-wedding breakfast or brunch is an excellent way to say your goodbyes (instead
of having to do so at the reception when you should be celebrating.). And spend a little
more time with loved ones before they head out of town.
Whom to invite:
Immediately family, wedding party, and out-of-town guests. Or really anyone you want-
Anything goes!
Where to host:
Should there be any event space or private dining rooms left at the hotel you and your
guests staying at, this could be a great place to host your breakfast/brunch. It’s an easy
ride down the elevator. And guests can either leave their luggage in their room or check
it with the front desk, instead of lugging it around with them.
If you’re looking for a change of scenery, however, here are some great options in the
area:
Los Angeles:
Newport Beach:
Orange:
Irvine:
Newport Coast:
What to do:
Relax, sip a mimosa or two, and enjoy talking about everything that’s transpired over the
past couple of days. For some, this is the best part of the weekend.
Now that you’ve got some ideas on how to make your wedding day a wedding weekend,
you need someone to help you organize them.
Ready to get started? Let’s do this!