WEDDING WELCOME EVENTS - PART 1
Why Wedding Welcome Events Are 100% Worth It
Think of a wedding welcome event as a warm-up. A practice run. A deep breath before the big day. I guess that’s why they call it a rehearsal dinner in English.
If you ever find yourself choosing between a brunch the day after or a moment together before the wedding, I’ll say it every time – welcome events win. Nothing against a post-wedding brunch, but a welcome event sets the tone, calms the nerves, and let’s guest mix and mingle before the big day.
There are so many ways to host a welcome event, from casual drinks to a full dinner or even a simple meet-up. We’ll get into all of that later in this three-part series. But before we talk logistics or how to make it a success, we need to talk about why this moment matters. Because if you’re on the fence or if you’re thinking your budget can’t squeeze it… keep reading.
Reason 1
It lets your guests mix before the big day.
Your wedding day will typically start with the ceremony, which naturally feels more formal. Guests arrive, sit with the people they already know, and there’s less organic mingling between groups. It takes a few hours during the cocktail for people to loosen up (and the alcohol to kick in!) before guests really mix and before you know it, the night is already over.
A welcome event changes that dynamic completely. It gives guest a chance to talk, laugh, and connect before the pressure of the wedding day. People arrive already knowing a few faces. Conversations flow more easily. The energy feels warmer, more relaxed.
This is especially important for bilingual or multicultural weddings, where guests are coming from different parts of your life and may not share a language or background. A pre-wedding event breaks down those invisible barriers and gets everyone warmed up for the big day!
reason 2
It's not just for your guests, it's for you too.
This was the part I didn’t expect. I was quite nervous going into our wedding weekend to make sure everything was perfect. There was so much still to do – final payments, last emails to vendors, tiny details that felt suddenly very big.
I remember feeling almost too nervous to enjoy the welcome event at first. But the moment it started, something shifted. Seeing everyone together, laughing, hugging, and reconnecting allowed me to finally let go of wedding-planning mode and step into let’s freaking enjoy every minute of this weekend mode.
That night also gave me confidence. I woke up on my wedding day more calm, more relaxed, and far less stressed than I ever thought I’d be. And if you know me, that says a lot, my husband can confirm.
reason 3
It lets the emotions flood you (before your bridal make-up!)
Another thing no one really talks about is how emotionally overwhelming it is to see everyone you love in one place. For me, seeing my 87 year-old grandmother arrive at the welcome event after she had traveled so far to be here and after not seeing her for over a year, completely overwhelmed me. The tears got the best of me!
Having that emotional release the day before made Saturday feel more manageable. Instead of seeing everyone for the first time while walking down the aisle (which can be incredibly intense), I had already shared hugs, tears, and special moments.
The emotions were still high on Saturday including happy tears, but I felt more grounded and more resilient.
reason 4
More time with loved ones who traveled the world to see you.
If you’re planning a bilingual or destination wedding, chances are your guests are traveling from all over the world to celebrate your special day. They’re booking flights and taking time off to celebrate you. And yet, on your wedding day, time slips through your fingers. You move from person to person, conversation to conversation, barely scratching the surface.
A welcome event gives you more time with your loved ones. Time to sit, talk, laugh, and connect.
reason 5
It's a gift of time.
If budget is what’s holding you back, I want to say this clearly: your guests are not expecting anything extravagant. Weddings have become full weekends, sometimes even full weeks, and the industry can make it feel like you have to do everything. You don’t.
What guests appreciate most is your time. A welcome event doesn’t have to be fancy. It can be as simple as drinks at a bar or a casual meet-up. You’re giving them something far more valuable than money, you’re giving them time with you.
Final thoughts
Although planning a wedding welcome event may feel like adding another thing on your wedding planning to-do list, it’s one that’s really worthwhile. In fact, if logistics or budget are making you hesitate between a post-wedding brunch or a moment together before the big day, I’ll say it: welcome events win.