Celebrating the Nearly-Weds!
This exciting time calls for many celebrations, not just the reception party that comes after you say your “I do’s”! Here’s our guide to pre-wedding party festivities, beginning now!
E-Session
This party for two, an e-session, is one of the greatest celebrations, and services, you and your fiancé can treat yourselves to! More than likely, you and your fiancé have never been professional photographed together. An e-session not only gives you two time to get comfortable in front of the camera as a couple, it’s also a great way to celebrate your engagement, show off your personalities and have lots of fun while doing so!
Engagement Party
Traditionally hosted by the bride’s parents, the engagement party is, well, just that…a party to celebrate your engagement! It’s also a great opportunity to help your future wedding guests to get to know one another before the big day! Gifts not required!
Bridal Shower
Traditionally hosted by the maid of honor or another good friend (or group of friends), it has become more common, and acceptable, for immediate family to also share in the responsibilities of hosting bridal showers. If you’re planning to have several bridal showers, keep in mind that the only people that should be invited to all of them are your bridesmaids, even though it is not expected for them to attend each one. It is not appropriate to invite people to showers whom you do not plan to invite to the wedding. This gift giving celebration can range in themes from lingerie to home goods and more.
Couple Shower
Involving the fellas in the pre-wedding celebrations by having a couple shower is a super fun time to gather the girls and the guys and present gifts to both the bride and groom! This type of festivity is closer to a cocktail or dinner party and the guest list for this type of shower consists of relatives and close friends of both the bride and groom. Designed around the likes of the couple, themes for a couple shower can include ideas like “Stock the Bar” for the couple that loves to entertain, inviting guests to bring gifts such as barware and liquors. Or how about a “Patio & Lawn Party” for the couple that has a love for the outdoors, with gift ideas such as lawn care items, grilling accessories and elements to help the couple beautify their backyard?
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
Pretty self explanatory, these are two separate celebrations…his and hers…typically hosted by members of the wedding party generally taking place a week or so before the wedding. Whether it’s a night out on the town or a weekend getaway, the expenses for these parties can be shared between the wedding party members, but many of today’s brides and grooms are also chipping in to cover the costs.
Bridal Luncheon
Traditionally hosted by the bride for her attendants, this fete usually takes place a day or two before the wedding. This luncheon can be hosted in-home or at your favorite restaurant and is a time to celebrate the mother of the bride, the groom’s mother, close female relatives and the bridal party. It’s also the perfect time to shower your bridesmaids with a thank you gift for being a part of this special time.
Rehearsal Dinner
Traditionally hosted by the groom’s parents, the rehearsal dinner is a pre-wedding celebration, usually held after the wedding rehearsal the night before the wedding ceremony. The guest list includes close family members and friends, the wedding party, your officiant, their significant others and any others that have played a special role in helping to plan for your big day. This relaxed evening consists of good food, families getting to know one another and lots of toasting. It’s also the perfect occasion to shower some of your guests with gifts, including ones for your wedding party and your parents. Oftentimes, the bride and groom present a special gift to each other as well.
Photos by Him & Her Photography | Ashley Stone Photography
