A Day After Wedding Brunch
A day after wedding brunch is a perfect opportunity to gather with your closest friends and family and relive the happy moments of your wedding day over a delicious meal. It’s a more relaxed affair than the wedding reception. It provides a chance to catch up with those who have traveled from afar to attend your wedding.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of hosting a day-after-wedding brunch, offer tips on planning and executing the perfect brunch, and provide some ideas for delicious menu items that will leave your guests satisfied and happy.
If you have decided to host a post-wedding brunch, you may be wondering about the proper etiquette surrounding this special event. There are no set rules, but it’s a good idea to have everything sorted before your big day. Then you can turn up at the event venue and enjoy your remaining time with your guests.
How to host a day after wedding brunch
Guest list
A great place to start your planning is with the guest list. You’re unlikely to want your entire wedding guest list to attend the next day’s brunch so you may want to narrow your list down to your close family members and closest friends.
Narrowing down the number of guests you invite will help to keep this informal event as laid back as possible as it is likely you will all be quite tired from the prior day’s wedding events.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to make sure you are consistent with who you invite. If you are going to ask your extended family to be present, be sure to ask your spouse’s extended family.
Your budget may allow you to continue celebrating with all your wedding day guests. However, if you plan to reduce this list just be sure to be consistent so each party is fairly represented and no feelings are hurt.
Who is in charge of the planning?
Many couples plan their after-wedding day brunch together. But you may also delegate this job to a member of your bridal party, such as your maid of honor or the best man.
Another great option is to get your parents or step-parents involved and leave the planning of the after-wedding brunch in their hands. This allows them to feel they have contributed to your special day.
Or, you may leave all the small details to your wedding planner. The key is to keep things relaxed, so everyone can enjoy a stress-free morning and catch up on the previous day’s events.
What is expected of the happy couple at this extra event?
There will always be guests you wish you had been able to spend more time with on your wedding day. Due to the excitement and festivities, you may not have been able to catch up with certain guests as much as you would have liked.
At the after-wedding brunch, it will be expected that you take this time to mingle with your guests. Thanking them for coming to your wedding.
It is also a time to chat about the wedding reception with the people who were there, sharing memories and hearing about events you may have missed while off having your photos taken.
This is also a chance to spend some quality time enjoying final celebrations with your friends and family. And say a final goodbye to your out-of-town wedding guests.
Dress code
Be sure to address your desired dress attire in your brunch invitation. The preferred brunch outfit will usually be set to the tone of the wedding.
However, you may wish to stipulate on the invite if you want your guests in formal or casual attire.
A location such as an upmarket restaurant may require a formal outfit for the ladies and smart dress for the men. At the same time, a more casual buffet-style setting could call for your guests to decide what they wish to wear.
Remember that your guests have probably had a late night, so erring on the casual side is recommended. Something comfortable and easy to move in.
Venue options
The location you plan to hold your after-wedding brunch should be within walking distance for your guests for convenience. As their bags will be packed and they may just be popping in for their final meal and goodbyes. They don’t want to worry about getting to the venue and parking.
The wedding hotel restaurant or a restaurant located nearby are great options. Or you may choose to hire a nearby house and have a chef prepare a buffet-style continental breakfast/brunch for your guests to enjoy in a garden setting.
Wherever you choose, be sure it is easy for your guests to locate and there are food options to suit the majority of your guests.
When should you hold an after-wedding brunch?
Most after-wedding brunches start between 11 am and 12 pm and last around 2.5 hours.
As your wedding ceremony the night before may have ended late. This gives your guests a chance to sleep in and be well-rested and fresh for the next day’s event.
You may also choose to have a relaxed schedule when your guests attend. Specify on the invite that this is a drop-in event between set times.
All times are just a guideline. You may also need to plan your day around any travel plans that may be set.
Parting Gift
It is advised against giving a parting gift at the after-wedding brunch. Guests will have more than likely packed their bags to depart and an extra gift could end up being more of an inconvenience.
However, if your guests left the evening before without their wedding favors this may be a good opportunity to pass this on to them.
Morning-after brunch ideas
A great way to ensure there is something for everyone is to set up stations where your guests can help themselves. Here are some day-after-wedding brunch ideas that you can consider for your post-wedding celebration:
- Build-your-own breakfast sandwich station: Set up a station where guests can create their own breakfast sandwiches with different types of bread, eggs, bacon, sausage, and cheese. You can also include some healthy options like avocado, spinach, and tomato.
- Mimosa bar: Set up a mimosa bar with different flavors of juice, such as orange, grapefruit, and cranberry, along with champagne or sparkling wine. You can also include fresh fruit garnishes and cute little cocktail umbrellas to make it more festive.
- Yogurt parfait bar: Set up a yogurt bar with different types of yogurt, granola, fresh fruit, and honey. Guests can create their own parfait with their favorite ingredients.
- Bagel and lox station: Set up a station with different types of bagels, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. You can also include some other toppings like sliced tomatoes and red onions.
- Pancake and waffle bar: Set up a station with pancake and waffle mix. Add toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, and syrup.
- Breakfast burrito station: Set up a station with tortillas, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, cheese, and salsa. Guests can create their own breakfast burritos with their favorite ingredients.
- Fruit platters: Create colorful fruit platters with a variety of fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and watermelon.
Final thoughts
These ideas are just a starting point; you can customize the menu to fit your tastes and preferences. The most important thing is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. One where guests can relax and enjoy each other’s company.
If you can, keep things relaxed and casual, so everyone can enjoy a stress-free morning and catch up on the previous day’s events.
