JAMISON EVENTS BLOG!
From wedding advice to real weddings to create your DREAM WEDDING, we truly have it all. With 20 years of wedding planning under my belt, this is the best wedding advice site for newly engaged, engaged, and couples thinking about engagement.
Hosting a Wedding Weekend
Sometimes one day wedding isn't enough! If you have a lot of out-of-town guests OR just want to make your wedding a really fun memory, consider hosting a wedding weekend.
Now you may be wondering — what IS a wedding weekend & how much is this going to cost me? Everyone’s wedding budget looks a bit different, but for suggestions on all inclusive resorts/venues here in California, check out these package options:
Twenty Mile House (one of our couples got married HERE!)
Inviting Guests to Your Wedding Weekend
On the invitations, if not everyone is involved to a particular event, do not include it on your website or invitations. Offer personal invites to events that certain guests are invited to and make sure they know it’s not an open event. This will cut opportunities for any hurt feelings.
After handling all your invites— what does a wedding weekend timeline look like & what kind of events do you add? If you REALLY want to make your wedding weekend EPIC, pay attention to these tips:
Your Wedding Weekend Timeline
Photo: from BRIDES
1.Host a Welcome Party
This could be elaborate (catered with decor) or small (park and BBQ) but will kick off your weekend and welcome guests. A rule of thumb - the welcome party is typically separate from your rehearsal dinner/lunch, but it can be any time the day-before your wedding. Just don’t cram all these events together.
Another helpful tip: if the Welcome Party is the night before, don’t go TOO late! This ensures your guests are not too tired/hungover for the Wedding Day.
Photo: by Pigeon Forge
2. Plan an activity or excursion
From hanging by the resort pool to axe throwing to river rafting — we have seen our Couples plan amazing activities that create memories!
Tip: Do this at least 2-3 days before your wedding to ensure everyone has recovered from the day for your wedding day.
Photo: by Composing Reality Photography
3. Wedding Afterparty!
If you are at a resort or need to end before 10pm on your wedding day, you might consider an after- party. First, take a good look at your guest list to determine if this is something your crowd would be into. Secondly, choose a location that isn’t too far away from your venue (such as a nearby bar, house, etc.)
Photo: from Restaurant Clicks
4. Day-After Brunch
The day after your wedding, if you are wanting to spend extra time with your guests (especially those out of town people you don’t see very often), a day-after brunch is a great way to “thank” your guests for a great weekend. You’re going to want to plan brunch for after around 9:30am (no one wants to jump out of bed the day after a wedding).
Photo: from iStock
Tip: Plan to head off to your honeymoon/night away after your brunch.
Lastly, make sure to do all wedding activities prior to your wedding day and plan for one-on-one moments during & after your wedding day. This will make it feel like a genuine celebration.
Private Moments to Add in Your Wedding Timeline
You’re going to wish you learned these sooner when you find out how awesome these PRIVATE moments are and you’ll want to add in your wedding timeline right away!
In conversations with some of my couples, they ask me how to enjoy one another on the actual day of the wedding, and my secret is incorporating private moments into your timeline. And I’m not just talking about first looks, but there’s even more specific events you can add!
1. A Private Dinner
What is a private dinner? Not many couples do this, but I have seen this private moment included in celebrity/influencer couple weddings like Bailey and Asa Howard (from influencers, Brooklyn & Bailey). Essentially, you just eat in another room alone together at the beginning of the reception so guests aren’t bugging you!
Photo Cred: @brooklynandbailey
2. A First Touch/Prayer/Look
You already know about first looks, but have you thought of maybe doing a first touch or prayer? If you want to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, maybe a first touch/prayer is for you! This moment will help steal you away from the wedding party who are not allowed in the area for this moment.
Photo Cred: Judy and Gavin Photography
3. Five Minute Alone Time (typically right before the Grand Entrance or right after the Ceremony)
If your wedding planner is Jamison Events, we always schedule a private 5 minute time for the Couple with absolutely no one there! It’s usually a make out session, but is super important to ensure the day doesn't go by so fast (slows the day down) and that they remember the day is about them. Read your personal vows to each other prior to the Ceremony, after the first look
Photo Cred: Melbourne Wedding Photographer
4. Sneak off for sunset photos
Imagine just the two of you wrapped up in the colors of that last bit of sun on your wedding day. That’s just a moment you can’t miss. ONLY take your photographer (and videographer if you have one), with you so that you can take romantic photos and have some time to process the excitement of being married!!!
Photo Cred: Max Tepper Photography
5. Give each other gifts
This gift doesn’t have to be expensive, per say, just a little something. Even if it’s just a card or sweet message to your significant other, they will appreciate it. Plan it out too so that not just one person awkwardly gets something and put this on your wedding timeline prior to the Ceremony. And if you add a personal note, it’s more intimate that you don’t read out loud.
Photo Cred: Wedding Nature Photography
6. Take a few photos of your new spouse during the Reception
Although brides and grooms often forget about their phones on their wedding day, it’s totally acceptable (and fun!) to pull them out during the reception or on your way to the reception. Snap a quick photo of your spouse, a selfie together, and a picture of your rings for the first time. Then, text them to your spouse at that time. POV of your new spouse! - include a personal text to make them smile (or blush)!
Photo Cred: The KNOT