Wedding Weekend Do’s and Don’ts

It’s no secret to our Special Moments Event Planning team that a wedding weekend is hugely popular. We see plenty of them, and not just for Tampa Bay destination weddings.

This week, our blog will explore fun ideas, myths, and trends about welcoming wedding guests.

 

Wedding Weekend

Guests attending Tampa Bay Area weddings often incorporate a vacation (or staycation) around the wedding weekend.

When securing room blocks, it is always a good idea to secure additional dates a day or two before or after your wedding for guests who want to arrive early or stay after the wedding. This is especially true when your wedding is at a beach destination.

Consider blocking rooms at several area hotels at various price points for wedding guests who might be on a bit of a budget.

Your wedding guests will, for the most part, find local activities to fill their free time. Many will be quite content enjoying the warmer weather, the beach, or the resort’s pool.

 

Welcome Bags and Welcome Letters

We recently touched on Welcome Bags in our Florida Destination Wedding Treats blog.

It covers ideas for local treats and practical things your family and friends may need for their time in the Sunshine State.

 

However, your welcome letter can be beneficial for guests who are extending their stay. It can include favorite local bars and restaurants, unique attractions, and some local sightseeing to help them fill their extra time.

 

Rehearsal Dinners and Welcome Receptions

Many couples’ parents are of the age when it was expected that anyone traveling from out of town would attend the rehearsal dinner.

This can be a hot-button topic as times have changed, and realistically, it can make rehearsal dinners very expensive.

At one time, the people traveling ahead of a wedding were the wedding party with their significant others, the couples’ siblings, and a few close family members. When many guests arrive early for an extended vacation, this could create a dinner that rivals the wedding reception in the number of guests.

A straightforward solution is a late-night welcome reception. This can be as simple as letting guests know you’ll meet in a local bar (the hotel bar or pool can make it less complicated). In this case, you, as the couple, don’t need to provide drinks or food. Guests can purchase their drinks and come and go as they please.

 

 

 

 

Another option is to prearrange for light bites to be served. Remember that in a public space, outsiders may choose to enjoy your snacks, too.

 

 

To Plan or Not To Plan?

We often find couples who plan activities like a golf outing, spa day, or deep sea fishing for their wedding party. It can be a fun bonding time for people who haven’t seen each other or may not know the rest of your wedding party.

 

 

 

This can be a fun, relatively affordable way to spend time with your closest friends and family before your wedding day.

However, interactive wedding activities are one of the trends the wedding industry is discussing for 2025. We’ve heard talk of everything from beach parties to pickleball tournaments, 5k races, trivia games, and scavenger hunts.

 

 

While it sounds like fun, only you know your family and friends. Activities can be a blast if people are willing participants.

 

Brunch Anyone?

Last but certainly not least is a post-wedding brunch. We’ve seen these for as long as we can remember. Couples have hosted breakfast for guests still in town the morning after the wedding.

You can make it as simple or extravagant as you like. Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bars are popular and can be paired with breakfast favorites.

 

 

Smaller floral arrangements can usually be held at the wedding reception as simple decor for breakfast.

Again, you know your family and friends who might partake and would rather sleep in or check out to head home. 

Assisting your family and friends in enjoying their extended time at your wedding weekend can be as straightforward or as involved as you choose. In this day and age, travelers will be perfectly fine finding local sites to occupy their time. 

Just have fun!