✦ In this postIf you have to choose between a welcome event and a post-wedding brunch, here’s why the welcome event wins every single time and what the actual numbers say about it.
This might be an unpopular opinion, but hear me out. Post-wedding brunches sound great. They’re a classic. And hey, I even had one for my own wedding. But I also had a welcome event and for me, that was a game-changer for the wedding weekend. If you can handle both in terms of logistics and budget, go for it! But if you’re on the fence about one additional event, go with the pre-wedding event. Let’s break it down.
IN THEORY
Why We Love the Idea of a Post-Wedding Brunch
A post-wedding brunch is classic. It’s the one last moment together before everyone heads home. It’s the calmer way to say goodbye to all your guests, since on the wedding night most guests heading out early don’t want to bother you while you’re dancing your heart out on the dance floor. It’s also a traditional way to say thank you to your guests. And let’s be honest, it’s a solid excuse to feed everyone after a night of celebrating (hello hangover carbs).
It’s a great ending to a wonderful weekend. But if the logistics or budget don’t work for you, it’s okay. Read our full guide on how to host a post-wedding brunch guests will actually attend for tips on making it work if you do go this route.
IN PRACTICE
The Reality of the Morning After
Here’s where reality hits.
Hangovers happen. It happens to the best of us. And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. It usually means the wedding was fun and people truly enjoyed themselves. One more cocktail, one more shot, one more glass of wine because you’re in France and you should be drinking the French wine! But sometimes too much fun means your guests (or even you!) would prefer sleeping in a few more hours instead of a noon brunch call time.
Early flights and travel schedules. Most post-wedding brunches happen on Sundays. And most people work on Mondays. Flights are limited, trains run on specific schedules, and not everyone can stay late just for brunch, especially when brunch isn’t at 10am but closer to noon after a very late night.
Emotional exhaustion. Weddings are intense. Happy, beautiful, unforgettable, but intense. By the next morning, many guests are simply tapped out.
IN REALITY
Here’s What the Data Actually Says
To put this into perspective, let’s look at the actual numbers from my own wedding. 97% of our guests who RSVPd “Yes” also confirmed their presence to the post-wedding brunch. In reality, only 81% actually showed up. That’s almost one in five guests who didn’t show up. Some texted to apologize, others didn’t. Some were too hungover, some had last-minute travel changes, and yes, someone even had a flat tire.
Now here’s the contrast. For our welcome event, 100% of the guests who RSVPd showed up. Every single one. That’s the difference between “We’ll see you at brunch!” optimism and reality.
And here’s the other part: you already paid for the no-show guests. Whether it’s per-person pricing, food minimums, or staffing, no-shows still cost you. From a budget standpoint alone, we got far more value and far more presence from the welcome event than the brunch. And that’s speaking both from my experience as a bride and as a wedding guest.
THE WELCOME EVENT DIFFERENCE
What a Welcome Event Does That a Brunch Can’t
I was quite nervous going into our wedding weekend. 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.
A welcome event sets the tone for your entire weekend. A brunch wraps it up. Both have value, but only one changes the energy of everything that follows. For a deeper dive into why, read our post on why wedding welcome events are 100% worth it.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong choice, only what works best for you, your guests, and your wedding weekend. Post-wedding brunches can be a lovely tradition and a meaningful send-off, but they’re not always the moment everyone imagines. If your budget and logistics allow for both, wonderful. But if you’re debating one extra event, your time, energy, and budget are better spent bringing people together before the big day.
Both events have their place. But if you can only do one, the welcome event is the one that changes the entire energy of your wedding weekend. Choose the moment that sets the tone, not the one that wraps it up. Ready to start planning yours? Read our guides on how to plan a welcome event and how to make it unforgettable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should you have a welcome event or a brunch at your wedding?
If you can only choose one, go with the welcome event. The data is clear: attendance is higher, the energy impact is greater, and the effect on your wedding day itself is more significant. A welcome event sets the tone for the entire weekend. A brunch wraps it up. Both are lovely but only one changes everything that follows.
What is the difference between a welcome event and a rehearsal dinner?
A rehearsal dinner traditionally follows the wedding rehearsal and is typically limited to the wedding party and close family. A welcome event is more inclusive, often open to all guests, and focused purely on connection and celebration rather than ceremony preparation. It tends to be more casual and can take many different forms.
Is a post-wedding brunch worth it?
It can be, but go in with realistic expectations. Attendance is rarely 100% the morning after a wedding. Guests are tired, hungover, and dealing with travel schedules. If you do host one, keep it casual, start it late, and make it easy to attend. Don’t spend a large portion of your budget on an event where nearly one in five guests may not show up.
How do you decide between a welcome event and a post-wedding brunch?
Ask yourself where you want the energy investment to go. A welcome event creates the atmosphere for your entire wedding weekend. A brunch is a pleasant goodbye. If budget and logistics only allow for one, the welcome event delivers more value for your guests and for you as the couple.
Can you have both a welcome event and a post-wedding brunch?
Absolutely. Many couples do both and it creates a beautiful full-weekend experience for guests. Just be mindful of your own energy across multiple events. Make sure the welcome event is the priority and keep the brunch simple and low-key so you’re not exhausted before your wedding day even begins.
