Getting married to the love of your life has always been a grand celebration and milestone in one’s life. As the years pass, this celebration only gets bigger and better. Many traditions, such as bachelor parties and bridal showers, have been hosted by family and friends for many decades. However, events like engagement parties and post-wedding brunches have only recently established themselves as traditions. Whether you plan to experience each of these events in a grandiose fashion or are picking and choosing your favorites to celebrate with a small group of loved ones, the experts here at Flora D’ Amore are sharing a guide to all of the festivities leading up to your wedding day.
Engagement Party
Hearing or saying “YES!” while you or your true love is down on one knee is a joyous, exciting, and loving occasion that most people cannot wait to share with friends and family. Once you get down on one knee or have the greatest pleasure of saying “yes” to the love of your life, event planning is not far behind. Regardless of when you plan to tie the knot, your engagement party is sure to be right around the corner. This event looks different for every couple and is either planned by the couple, their parents, friends, or other close family members. Engagement parties can be intimately celebrated at home with a small circle of loved ones or in a larger venue with food, dancing, and a significant guest list. However, it is essential to note that whoever is invited to your engagement party should also find themselves on your wedding guest list unless you plan to elope or host a micro or intimate wedding.
Bridal Shower
Bridal showers are typically held three months to three weeks before the wedding. This tradition initially started to shower the bride with presents and gifts to help her create a comfortable home as she moved out of her parent’s house and into her own with her new husband. Today, more modern couples are living together before they are officially engaged and often acquire most of what they need before it’s time for a bridal shower. That’s why, these days, bridal showers are more centered around showering the couple with love and may even include the groom-to-be and a guest list of both men and women.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
Thrilling weekends in “Sin City” or crazy nights out on the town with your wedding party are still common ways to celebrate your bachelor or bachelorette party. In addition to a wild “last hurrah,” some people are opting to attend sporting events, enjoy a spa day, spend a few days in a cabin or Airbnb, hold an art and wine night, or come up with further creative and relaxing party ideas. Left to the best man, maid of honor, and your wedding party to plan, couples are starting to request the presence of more family members, like parents, aunts, and other friends and close family to their bachelor and bachelorette festivities.
Rehearsal Dinner
The night before your wedding will be your wedding rehearsal followed by the rehearsal dinner. Traditionally, this event is hosted by the groom’s parents and includes everyone who plays a role in the wedding ceremony. Modern wedding rehearsal dinners may also be hosted by the couple themselves and include other family and friends, especially those who have traveled out of town to attend the wedding. From a simple reservation at a nearby restaurant to a catered party at the hotel or conveniently located venue, your rehearsal dinner can be anything you desire as this is the last event you will attend as fiancés!
Post-Wedding Brunch
While some couples quickly jet off to their honeymoon the morning after their wedding, others like to enjoy a post-wedding brunch. Not everyone invited to the wedding needs to be included. However, guests who traveled in, close family and friends, and your wedding party will surely be happy to attend one last wedding celebration. Similar to the rehearsal dinner, your brunch does not have to be fancy if you feel like showing up in loungewear or ordering from your favorite diner.
While you and your loved ones coordinate, plan, and host events before your wedding, call your friends here at Flora D’ Amore for extra help or to create and design glorious flower arrangements and centerpieces to make your events truly brilliant.