Celebrate All Wedding Weekend Long!
Weddings are full of joy, emotion, and celebration—but what if you could stretch out the festivities over an entire weekend? A wedding weekend is exactly what it sounds like: a multi-day event that turns your wedding into an extended celebration. It’s the perfect way to create lasting memories, give your guests time to relax and enjoy each other’s company, and make the most out of your special day. Keep reading to learn what a wedding weekend is and how to have one.
What Is a Wedding Weekend?
A wedding weekend is a celebration that spans multiple days, often including a series of events leading up to the ceremony and reception. Instead of having a single-day wedding, a wedding weekend incorporates activities like a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, bridal brunch, and other celebrations. The goal is to create a festive atmosphere that lasts all weekend long, giving everyone time to mingle, relax, and enjoy themselves before, during, and after the wedding.
How to Plan a Wedding Weekend
Planning a wedding weekend involves a bit more logistics than a single-day wedding, but it’s totally worth it if you’re looking to create a relaxed yet fun atmosphere for both you and your guests. Here’s a breakdown of how to plan the perfect wedding weekend.
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Find A Wedding Weekend Venue
First, you’ll need a venue (or multiple venues) that can accommodate your multi-day celebrations. Look for a location that offers enough space and amenities to host various events such as a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding ceremony. Many couples opt for destination weddings for this reason, as resorts or event spaces near scenic locales often offer packages that include multiple events over a weekend. Alternatively, you can host all events at one venue, such as a large estate, a hotel with a banquet hall, or a venue with outdoor space.
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Figure Out Your Budget
A wedding weekend can get pricey, but with careful planning, you can manage your finances and still host an amazing celebration. Start by figuring out the total amount you’re willing to spend on your wedding weekend. From there, break down the budget for each event—welcome party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and farewell brunch—making sure you allocate funds for each one.
Also, keep in mind that the more events you add, the higher the costs will rise for things like catering, décor, entertainment, and transportation. That said, you don’t have to go all out. With creative planning, you can have a beautiful and affordable wedding weekend without going overboard.
It’s also important to be transparent about potential costs for your guests. If you’re hosting a destination wedding, consider whether they’ll need to book hotels, transportation, and meals. Clear communication early on will help them plan ahead.
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Consider Hiring A Wedding Planner
While you can absolutely plan a wedding weekend yourself, having a wedding planner can make your life a lot easier. Wedding planners are experts at coordinating multi-day events, and they’ll help you stay organized, stay within your budget, and handle all the details. They’ll also be invaluable when it comes to working with vendors and helping you navigate any potential issues on the big day(s).
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Come Up With Your Itinerary
One of the most important aspects of a wedding weekend is the itinerary. It’s key to make sure you don’t over-schedule your guests. Space out your events so everyone has time to relax and enjoy the celebration without feeling rushed.
A typical wedding weekend itinerary might look something like this:
- Day One: Welcome Party – This is your chance to greet everyone and get the weekend festivities started in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Think drinks, appetizers, and mingling. It’s the perfect way for out-of-town guests to get to know each other before the big day.
- Day Two: Daytime Activity + Rehearsal Dinner – Plan a fun daytime activity like a sightseeing tour, a group hike, or a cooking class. Then, in the evening, host your rehearsal dinner. This is often a more intimate event for close family and friends before the big ceremony.
- Day Three: Wedding Ceremony, Reception, and Afterparty – This is the main event! Say your vows, celebrate with your loved ones, and dance the night away. After the reception, you can even host an afterparty for the party-goers who want to keep the celebration going.
- Day Four: Farewell Brunch – To wrap up the weekend, consider hosting a farewell brunch where everyone can gather one last time before heading home. It’s a relaxed way to say goodbye and thank your guests for joining in on the weekend’s festivities.
- Space Out the Events to Avoid Overwhelming Guests
Though it’s tempting to plan tons of activities for your wedding weekend, it’s important to not overwhelm your guests. Build in some downtime for people to relax, explore the area, or just take a nap. After all, you want them to feel refreshed and excited for the wedding itself.
It’s also important to make it clear that your guests don’t have to attend every event. They can treat your wedding weekend like a mini-vacation, joining in as much as they’d like. This will reduce any pressure they might feel and create a laid-back, fun vibe throughout the weekend.
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Get Detailed On Your Wedding Website
Your wedding website is the ultimate resource for your guests to stay informed about your wedding weekend schedule. Make sure to update it with all the relevant details, such as:
- Event times and locations
- Dress codes (if any)
- RSVP instructions for each event
- Travel and accommodation information
- Local recommendations for restaurants, things to do, and sights to see
The more information you provide upfront, the easier it will be for guests to navigate your wedding weekend.
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Send Save The Dates Early
Since a wedding weekend requires a larger time commitment than a traditional single-day celebration, it’s important to send out save-the-dates well in advance. This gives guests plenty of time to adjust their schedules and make travel plans. Aim to send them out at least 6–8 months before the event.
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Consider Welcome Bags
Welcome bags are a thoughtful gesture that will make your guests feel appreciated. You can include things like snacks, local treats, maps, sunscreen, or even small gifts like a customized water bottle. It’s a great way to show gratitude and enhance the wedding weekend experience.
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Determine How to Document Each Day
Capturing the essence of your wedding weekend is key to remembering all the beautiful moments. Consider hiring a photographer or videographer to document not just the wedding, but also the other events like the welcome party and the farewell brunch. Alternatively, you can set up a photo booth at each event or have a designated hashtag so guests can share their own snapshots on social media.
Conclusion
Planning a wedding weekend is a fantastic way to celebrate your love and create lasting memories with friends and family. By taking the time to plan ahead, communicate effectively with your guests, and space out your events, you’ll ensure that everyone has an unforgettable time. Whether you’re hosting a small, intimate gathering or a grand celebration, a wedding weekend is the ultimate way to extend the joy and excitement beyond just one day.
Let the weekend festivities begin!