Getting married is more than a ceremony and reception; it’s a whole affair. It’s important to set aside some time to celebrate since the months prior will be pretty hectic. And because your big day might be the only thing on your mind, it is easy to forget about the array of pre-wedding events and festivities that start from the engagement down to the cake cutting. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about these pre-wedding festivities and why you should incorporate them into your timeline of events!
Engagement Party
First up on the order of celebrating is the engagement party! This event kicks off the pre-wedding festivities with a bang. There isn’t much-formalized structure to this event, so get creative with your plans! From a cocktail party to even celebrating at someone’s home, this event is entirely up to your imagination. An engagement party is a great way to gather close family and friends to celebrate the journey to marriage.
The party is often hosted by one or both families, but this isn’t always the case. When it comes to the invites, keep it to family and the close friends that you think would be in the wedding party. The party should take place soon after you get engaged, or within three months after popping the question. This is a great way to bring your close ones together to celebrate such an exciting time.
Bridal Shower
Showering the soon-to-be bride grants for gifts, laughs and a whole lot of yummy foods. The bridal shower is a pre-wedding celebration for the bride-to-be where guests bring gifts and food. This event is usually planned by the maid-of-honor with help from the bridesmaids. The party can be as fancy or casual as the bride chooses and should consist of only wedding guests.
Try to plan it around a non-holiday weekend— about a month out from the wedding. The schedule of events follow no particular set of rules, but typically the bride will greet her guests, then follows food, games, and gift-giving. Then, there is typically cake given out as guests say their farewells.
Bachelorette and Bachelor Parties
The bachelor and bachelorette parties are held in celebration of the bride and groom-to-be by both wedding parties. Even though each party is held separate from the other, they generally entail the same festivities. The events are traditionally planned by the maid-of-honor and the best man, with the wedding party as the attendees. These parties can be planned as a wild night out on the town or a weekend getaway for the whole bunch. This is a great way for each wedding party to relax and celebrate before the wedding. Make sure to plan the experience around the honoree and what suits them the best.
Bridal Luncheon
This ladies-only event, also known as a bridesmaids’ luncheon, is a celebration for the bride and her wedding party. This is a very optional event that is typically held in light of thanking the bridesmaids for all of their hard work towards the wedding. Since this isn’t a super popular event, there aren’t many traditional rules regarding the structure of the party- which leaves more room for creativity.
Consider hosting a champagne toast at your house or even having a girl’s day at your favorite salon a couple of days before the wedding. When it comes to food options, stick to light hors d’ oeuvres. Bradford Catered Events offers a wide range of small bites from club sandwiches to asparagus spears. Whatever finger foods you desire for your bridal luncheon, Bradford will help you get creative in choosing the right menu for your event!
Rehearsal Dinner
A rehearsal dinner is typically held the night before a wedding, and like the name suggests, is a rehearsal to the following day’s events. This dinner is a great opportunity for both the bride and groom’s family and friends to mingle and spend some quality time with the couple before the actual wedding. It is generally planned and paid for by the groom’s family, but this concept can be altered to the bride and groom’s preference. The bride and groom should have the ultimate say on how they want the rehearsal dinner to be planned as well as the menu of the event.
We recommend hiring the same company to cater all these festivities, plus your reception. That way you won’t have to work with multiple vendors and can trust one team to get the job done right. At Bradford Catered Events, we’ve grown a reputation for being the best wedding caterer in Knoxville. We assist couples in their engagement process from start to finish, so don’t settle for less during this period that only comes once.
Because there’s so much planning involved with pre-wedding events, it’s important to get the right help. At Bradford Catered Events, we offer an assortment of catering options that are sure to aid in creating the wedding of your dreams. With over 35 years of experience, customizable menus and multiple food service options, we make it easy to get everything you need in one place. To book BCE for your wedding or event, give us a call at (865) 522-5552 or visit our website.
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