Photographer | Dee with Bachelorettes of Palm Springs
Congrats, brides! The pre-wedding season is full of celebration. While wedding planning can be overwhelming (all the more reason to book our services) it is a time that should be cherished. There are many celebrations throughout the wedding season. Lucky for you brides, most are not your responsibility to plan! Read along for all things parties!
THE PARTIES
Pre-wedding celebrations, like everything else wedding-related, generally follows a timeline. The first party is to celebrate your recent engagement. Here, you are formally announcing your engagement to loved ones. This celebration is generally hosted by the family of one partner. While it can be easy to let this guest list get long, keep it to close friends and family members. You’ve got plenty of other parties along the way! Yay, the bridal shower! Traditionally, this is an all-female party that is meant to honor the bride. There is food, games, and gifts for the celebrated couple. The bridal party plans the shower, as they are the sweetest gals in the bride’s life. It’s time for the REAL party- bachelorette time! This is exclusive to the bride and her wedding party. Make sure your personality is captured in this celebration! The maid of honor will take the lead in planning this festivity. Now, reeling in the celebrations and finishing it off with the rehearsal dinner. This party follows the wedding rehearsal. The groom’s family will usually take care of this party. It offers a chance for speeches in the couple’s honor and one last chance to have an intimate gathering the evening before the wedding day.
Photographer | Matthew Benton
BACHELORETTE BABES
Bachelorette parties should encompass the vibe of the bride. So, maids of honor, this one is for you. A weekend in Nashville is very different than a weekend at a vineyard and winery. Which one speaks to your bride? Consider a weekend girl’s trip to a lake house in the family. It also does not have to be a weekend event. Sweet time can be spent at the spa, going boating for the day, or even a fun night out on the town for a boss babe touring concert (think Beyoncé or Taylor Swift vibes)!
Photographer | Dee with Bachelorettes of Palm Springs
HELPFUL HINTS
There are a few things to take into consideration when planning all of the pre-wedding parties. First, plan events accordingly for out-of-town guests. Make sure to send out invites early enough for them to make accommodations. Consider having dinner with out-of-town guests in addition to a bridal shower. This lets them know how important they are to you! Second, ask your groom to come for gifts at the bridal shower. These gifts are usually the first things you will get for your new home together. It can be sweet for him to be a part of this time. Another bridal shower idea- don’t be afraid to have multiple showers. Brides may have a shower with their family and their future-in-law side of the family. Lastly, consider adding the bachelorette party to the wedding budget process. If the party is going to be a weekend away, these costs can add up.
Brides, this pre-wedding season is really meant to celebrate you and your fiancé. Soak in this time, and don’t feel bad for being celebrated! You both deserve it. In the midst of all the celebration, don’t forget to spend time together in your engagement. This is a part of the journey for a reason. Download our Date Night In document for a list of alternative ideas to make a night in as memorable as a fancy night out!
