Getting married has always been one of the most significant celebrations and milestones of life. However, as the years go by, the celebration only gets better and better. While many traditions have been around for quite some time, such as bridal showers and bachelor parties, some events are more modern, like the post-wedding brunch or grand engagement party. Whether you plan on hosting every event in the book to its fullest or keeping your nuptial festivities low-key and intimate, the experts here at Griffin’s Floral Design are breaking down each event leading up to your big day.
Engagement Party
Once the question has been popped and a big “yes” has been shouted through the rooftops, the event planning promptly begins. First up is the engagement party, which can be hosted by the couple themselves, friends, parents, or other loved ones. Some couples enjoy celebrating this moment intimately with a party at home and invite only close friends and family. Others enjoy pulling out all the stops by renting a venue, sending gorgeous invitations, and celebrating their engagement with a larger group of people. Unless you plan an intimate, micro-wedding, destination wedding, elopement, or courthouse ceremony, everyone invited to your engagement party should also be invited to the wedding.
Bridal Shower
Once upon a time, bridal showers were the primary way that couples collected home essentials, like kitchen gadgets, bedding, home decor, and more, to get them on their feet as they move out of their parents’ homes and into a home of their own. However, as times have changed, more and more couples are living together prior to their engagement. When the bridal shower rolls around, there is often little need to “shower” the bride in these sorts of gifts. Instead, bridal showers have become a tradition to shower the bride, or both the bride and groom, with love. The bridal party typically throws this soiree, and sometimes the groom, groomsmen, and male family and friends also join in on the fun and games.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
While many couples still enjoy a wild night out on the town or a trip to Las Vegas with their bridal party, more modern brides and grooms are enjoying a weekend getaway or a night spent indulging in a favorite activity. Spa days, cabins or Airbnb in a favored location, art and wine, sporting events, or a trip to the beach have become popular bachelor/bachelorette party ideas. Inviting your bridal party is a must, as many brides and grooms leave the party planning to them, but some couples also opt for sharing this occasion with additional friends and close family members.
Rehearsal Dinner
After the conclusion of the wedding rehearsal, the groom’s parents or the couple themselves will host a rehearsal dinner for the wedding party. Often, invitations are extended to close friends and relatives and those who have traveled from out of town to celebrate the marriage. Rehearsal dinners can be as simple as making reservations at a nice restaurant close by or renting a room at the hotel or other convenient venue and hiring a caterer. This will be the last event couples attend together as fiancés!
Post-Wedding Brunch
The morning after the wedding, the fun and festivities from the night before continue. Not every couple hosts a brunch the next day, but some believe it is an excellent way to thank guests for attending their wedding, especially out-of-town ones. While this may be as informal as everyone gathering together at a local diner or planned to be another catered extravaganza, this tradition is still a budding trend and up to the couple and their family to coordinate.
As you and your friends and family plan and host these events, don’t forget to call Griffin’s Floral Design for assistance or design breathtaking centerpieces and event floral designs to make your celebrations even more special.