Although it’s difficult to have genuine, fulfilling conversations with all your guests on your wedding night, you can find ways to make sure you spend time with the people you love. Hosting a pre-wedding gathering is the perfect way to do just that.
Ask anyone who has ever had a wedding: It never feels like you have enough time to talk with your guests. The night ends a blur of quick chats, being pulled away for pictures, and trying to spend a moment with your new spouse.
What is a pre-wedding gathering?
A pre-wedding gathering is an event held before the wedding day. It can be a small, intimate gathering of close family and friends or a large party with guests from all over. The purpose of a pre-wedding gathering is to celebrate the upcoming nuptials and to give the bride and groom a chance to spend time with their loved ones before the big day. It is also a great ice breaker for both sides of the family to meet before the wedding.
There are many different ways to celebrate a pre-wedding gathering, so there is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to ensure that the bride and groom are comfortable and everyone has a good time.
Pre-wedding gathering ideas
Pool Party at the Community Pool
If you’re looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate your upcoming nuptials with your friends and family, why not throw a pool party at your local community pool? It’s a great way to beat the heat and have fun in the sun! This is especially useful if your friends or families have young kids. The kids are entertained while the adults can chat.
Miniature Golf
If there is a miniature golf course in town, consider renting it out. You can set the groups in advance with members of each family so people have a chance to meet and chat with new people. This is a great way to relax and have fun together before all the wedding craziness begins. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get everyone together for some laughs and bonding time.
If you’re looking for more competitive activity, you can always keep score and have a little friendly competition. Or, just enjoy spending time together and chatting as you stroll from hole to hole. Either way, miniature golf is a great way to unwind and spend quality time with your loved ones before your wedding day.
Welcome Cocktail Hour
A cocktail hour is generally a standard ice breaker event for those traveling in for a wedding. While the concept is not new, you can certainly personalize it to match the theme of your wedding and to provide a preview of the style for your guests.
- Choose a signature cocktail that fits the theme or vibe of your wedding. For example, consider a refreshing spiked lemonade or something with tropical flavors if you’re having a beach wedding.
- Make sure there’s plenty of food to accompany the cocktails. Think about small bites that will be easy to eat while mingling, like passed hors d’oeuvres or sushi rolls.
- Set up a photo booth or other fun activity guests can enjoy during the cocktail hour.
- Make sure there’s plenty of music to set the mood and fill awkward silences that come with meeting new people.
Welcome Barbecue at the Local Park
Planning a barbecue can seem like a lot of work, but it doesn’t have to be. Hire someone to grill or task your dad with the chore. Head to Costco and buy brats and burgers and some large sides and you don’t have to worry about much else. If you want something a little fancier, you can also purchase pre-made kabobs.
Most community parks have shelters you can rent out of for a small fee. The kids can play on the playground while the adults mingle and get to know each other breaking the ice before the big day.
While a pre-wedding gathering might feel like just another thing you have to pay for and plan, it’s a great way for both sides to meet and chat and make all your guests feel welcome for you big day.