Once you’re newly engaged, the anticipation for the big day can be very exciting! All you and your partner want to do is to shout your love from the rooftops. One way to celebrate your love is to host a pre-wedding event – or several! From engagement parties to bridal showers, how many do you actually need? We are here to break it down for you.
Via Lenzo
ENGAGEMENT PARTY…
This is the most common of the pre-wedding events. An engagement party is a chance to get family and friends together to celebrate the recent announcement of your engagement. This one is definitely a must-do, as it is one of the only pre-wedding events that are about you as a couple. Remember, an engagement party doesn’t have to be something crazy! A simple BBQ with friends and family is enough.
Via Better Happier
BRIDAL SHOWER…
This is your chance to be “showered” in love and gifts before you start your new married life. Traditionally the bridesmaids or brides family are the ones who organise this event, meaning it’s one less thing for you to stress about. A bridal shower gives you a chance to spend some quality time with your favourite gals and family. Before deciding, sure to check-in and see if there will be a cost to you or if your bride tribe are treating you. Each event needs to be factored into your budget!
Via Brit Co
BACHELORETTE PARTY…
Unlike your bridal shower, the bachelorette party is traditionally seen as the last chance to go out and have fun as a single woman before your new life as a wife. This celebration tends to involve an evening or weekend of drinking, dancing and maybe a stripper or two! This is traditionally organised by the bridal party, not you, so keep this and their budgets in mind if opting for a bachelorette party!
Via Cosmopolitan
BACHELOR PARTY…
In a similar tradition to the Bachelorette party, this one is for the boys! Your groom may like to enjoy a last night of fun with his groomsmen. As a ‘groom shower’ isn’t really a thing, allowing him to have a Bachelor party will be sure to make him happy. Just make sure it’s not actually the night before the wedding!
Via Mammas Like Me
THE LUNCHEON…
Although this event may sound similar to a bridal shower, a bridesmaid or groomsmen luncheon is all about your girls and guys! Whether you host them separately or as one, the focus of the luncheon is on your favourite people, not you or your partner (sorry!). This is a perfect opportunity to gather your favourite people together for some girl chat or boy chat to de-stress before the big day. If you are wanting to limit the pre-wedding events, we would suggest giving this one a miss!
Via Stocksy
WELCOME PARTY…
This one is mainly for destination weddings. A welcome party gets together all your guests as they arrive at the location. This is similar to an engagement party where the guests are celebrating you as a couple. Most of your guests will have a travelled a long way to see you, so this is lovely way to treat them. If you are having this at the same location as the reception, you may be able to get a good deal with the venue so make sure you ask!
Via Kelly Fiance
REHEARSAL DINNER…
Another must-do event, rehearsal dinners are the perfect way to run through the wedding last minute to make sure everything is ready to run smoothly on the big day. After the rehearsal is all over, you can enjoy a nice dinner with your families, groomsmen and bridal party. Sometimes the rehearsal dinners are even included in venue or event packages when booking your venue.
Via Elisabeth Millay
TO HOST OR NOT TO HOST…
That is the question. Now that we’ve discussed what each event entails, it’s now whether you decide if the event is important or not – or if your budget allows. Some couples celebrate all events and some just like an engagement party and rehearsal dinner (the very basics). Even if you’re not into the attention or celebration, we’d suggest hosting the basics to look back on and celebrate the love you have for each other!
Via Left Bank
Nail your hen’s party and bridal shower style with these tips!
