Everyone loves a great party. Today's wedding is more than just one affair; it's a collection of pre-parties leading up to the big day. Not everyone invited to the wedding need be invited to your showers. Try to avoid hurting peoples feelings by thinking about who will and won’t be invited to each shower. You may consider only inviting people who are invited to your reception.
Bridesmaid Parties To show your appreciation for all their help, treat your bridesmaids to either a traditional luncheon, afternoon tea, or even a dinner party including their spouses or dates. It’s also a good time to take care of final dress fittings, and go over last minute plans. You may also decide to give them their gifts there. The bridesmaids' might also chose to host a luncheon in honor of the bride. The bridesmaids' will jointly purchase a gift for the bride and present it to her at this time. See Responsibilities of Bridesmaids.
Wedding Brunch Hosting a light breakfast or early lunch is a great way for friends & relatives to participate in the wedding festivities, as long as it is not scheduled too near to the time of the wedding.
Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties The best man and ushers organize the bachelor party, while the maid of honor and bridemaids' organize the bachelorette party. These parties are often held the night before the wedding, but it is common now to hold them at least one week prior to the wedding to avoid any negative impact on the wedding, such as a hung-over groom!
A typical bachelor or bachelorette party begins with a dinner in honor of the bride or groom's last days of being single. Popular post-dinner activities include renting a limousine and hitting the town, going to a dance club, or playing games. See also Bridal Shower Games.
Rehearsal Dinner The bride and groom need some time to relax with their guests before the wedding. This can be done by having an informal rehearsal dinner. This is hosted by the groom's family as a way of thanking the bride's family for their courtesy and hospitality. The rehearsal dinner as the title would suggest, takes place immediately following the rehearsal, usually the day before the wedding.
Who should attend the rehearsal dinner? Well, anybody who is participating in the wedding, as well as their spouses or partners. Depending on your budget this may also include:
Immediate family members plus their spouses and children Close friends Out-of-town visitors
As with other party invitations, your dinner invitations should be sent three weeks in advance. See our timelines.
On the invitation remember to show:
Couple's names Hosts' names Date & time Location of the event RSVP name and phone number
Parties for Out-of-Town Guests If out-of-town guests are not invited to the rehearsal dinner, the bridal couple should honor those who have traveled long distances with either a cocktail reception or post-wedding brunch.
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