This is a party thrown to honor the bride / couple, typically with their closest friends and family. Guests usually bring gifts to help the bride / couple prepare for their married life.
The rehearsal dinner is held after the wedding rehearsal and is an opportunity for the wedding party and close family to gather for an intimate meal before the big day. It’s a time for toasts, speeches, and final wedding preparations.
The bachelor party is a celebration for the groom with his closest male friends and family. It often involves activities like a weekend trip, a night out, or group activities.
is often a small, intimate meal with the bride and her bridesmaids, close female family members, or the wedding party. Or for the groom to thank his groomsmen and close family. It’s a way for them to thank the people for their support.
For destination or weekend-long weddings, a welcome party serves as an informal gathering for all guests, especially those who have traveled. It's a chance to greet guests and set a relaxed tone for the wedding weekend.
Similar to the bachelor party, the bachelorette party is a celebration for the bride with her closest female friends and family. It can be a trip, a night out, or a themed party.
It’s Not a Competition: There’s no prize for the biggest or most expensive gift, so don’t act like you’re on a shopping game show.
Wrap Thoughtfully: No one wants to relive the moment when Aunt Sally re-gifted a toaster. If you’re re-gifting, at least make sure it’s not from the same group!
Beware of Embarrassing Games: Toilet paper dresses and lingerie guessing games are a choice. If the bride’s cringing, it’s time to wrap it up—pun intended.
Toasts Should Be Toasty, Not Roasty: Keep it light and loving. That college story about the bride’s wild phase? Save it for after Grandma leaves.
Don’t Make It About Your Own Wedding: This isn’t your victory lap. Your day is over—let the bride/couple have theirs, without the constant comparison to your magical unicorn wedding.
Remember Who’s in the Room: If you’re going to joke about the bride’s love life, check the room. Grandma’s heart may not handle that story as well as you think.
It’s Not a Competition: There’s no prize for the biggest or most expensive gift, so don’t act like you’re on a shopping game show.
Wrap Thoughtfully: No one wants to relive the moment when Aunt Sally re-gifted a toaster. If you’re re-gifting, at least make sure it’s not from the same group!
Beware of Embarrassing Games: Toilet paper dresses and lingerie guessing games are a choice. If the bride’s cringing, it’s time to wrap it up—pun intended.
Toasts Should Be Toasty, Not Roasty: Keep it light and loving. That college story about the bride’s wild phase? Save it for after Grandma leaves.
Don’t Make It About Your Own Wedding: This isn’t your victory lap. Your day is over—let the bride/couple have theirs, without the constant comparison to your magical unicorn wedding.
Remember Who’s in the Room: If you’re going to joke about the bride’s love life, check the room. Grandma’s heart may not handle that story as well as you think.
Stick to the Program: It’s a rehearsal, not an opportunity for improv. The faster we nail this, the faster we eat.
Seat Assignments Are Not the Thunderdome: You’ll survive one meal without starting a debate over who gets the best seat. Just sit, smile, and enjoy the company.
Speeches: Short and Sweet: Heartfelt is good. Long-winded is not. If you find yourself starting with “back when we first met,” skip straight to “cheers.”
Don’t Overindulge: This isn’t a “last hurrah” for free booze. Tomorrow is a big day, and no one wants to see you sweat out tequila on the dance floor.
Compliment the Food Like It’s Gourmet: Even if it’s not the five-star feast of your dreams, smile, say “delicious,” and move on. The couple doesn’t need your culinary critique tonight.
Cheating Is Not Celebratory: Let’s be crystal clear—this is a celebration of friendship, not a “last night of freedom.” Cheating on your fiancé is never, ever, acceptable. No excuses, no exceptions.
Keep the Groom Respectful: Dares are fun, but no one should end the night feeling like they need to explain themselves to their future spouse. Respect the relationship, period.
Don’t Lose the Groom: This isn’t a scavenger hunt, and no, you don’t get points for waking up in a different country. Keep the group together and keep the groom safe.
Life Advice, Not Life Doubt: If you’re having a heart-to-heart with the groom, offer support—not a reason to second-guess everything. No “are you sure about this” talk; save that for your inner monologue.
Celebrate, Don’t Sabotage: The goal is fun, not regret. Plan activities that everyone, including the groom, will actually enjoy and remember fondly (no matter how many drinks are involved).
No “Wild Night” Excuses: Let’s get this straight: the bride is not here to “go wild one last time.” Celebrating doesn’t mean pushing boundaries that disrespect her relationship. Fun? Yes. Cheating? Absolutely not.
The Bride Sets the Limits: If the bride says “no” to a stripper, don’t surprise her with one anyway. The night should be about her comfort, not your idea of “tradition.”
Keep It Fun, Not Regrettable: Lingerie-themed gifts are one thing, but don’t cross into embarrassing territory. If you’re not sure how she’ll react, maybe skip that life-sized inflatable prop.
Public Shenanigans with Respect: If your party involves dares or scavenger hunts, keep it light and don’t harass innocent bystanders. The bartender is not part of your game, and the bride doesn’t need to climb a lamppost for a laugh.
Remember the Morning After: Photos are forever, so think twice before putting the bride in an outfit or situation that’s more cringe than cute. She’ll appreciate you more for keeping it classy.
Be Grateful, Not Boastful: It’s a thank-you event, not an opportunity to showcase how much extra you did for the wedding that no one else noticed. Gratitude first, always.
No Post-Wedding Breakdowns: The cake disaster? Aunt Jenny’s drunken dance moves? We don’t need a play-by-play. Let’s focus on the positives and thank those who helped you.
Show Appreciation to Everyone: Whether they coordinated your entire bridal shower or just remembered to bring a pen to the guestbook, everyone gets a thank you.
Keep Speeches Short and Grateful: It’s great to give heartfelt speeches, but remember: people came for food, not a monologue. Keep it short, sweet, and sincere.
Relax, It’s Over: The wedding stress is done. Enjoy this event without the pressure of planning, and let your hair down—just don’t unravel completely.
Arrive on Time: Being fashionably late doesn’t apply here. It’s a welcome party—you’re supposed to be there to welcome people, not sneak in halfway through.
No Last-Minute Complaints: If your hotel room isn’t to your liking or the weather’s not what you hoped for, keep it to yourself. The couple isn’t running a concierge service.
Keep It Low-Key: This isn’t the place for wild antics—save that for the bachelorette or bachelor party. The welcome party is about mingling and setting a relaxed tone for the weekend.
Don’t Overshare Just Yet: Yes, you might want to gush about your excitement or the couple’s love story, but remember: you’ll see these people again tomorrow. Save some stories for the wedding.
Respect the Couple’s Wishes: If they’re trying to keep things calm before the big day, don’t be the one to whip out the shots and party games. Stick to the plan, and let them enjoy some peace before the big day.