Planning a wedding weekend is a wonderful way to extend your celebration and spend quality time with loved ones. Instead of limiting your big day to a single afternoon, a weekend wedding gives you the chance to create an immersive, meaningful experience for your guests.
Whether you're hosting out-of-towners or gathering close friends and family, thoughtful planning is essential. This guide covers the key events, etiquette, and tips you need to create a seamless and unforgettable wedding weekend.
Welcome Party or Drinks Reception
A welcome party is a great way to kick off your wedding weekend and greet your guests as they arrive. It sets the tone for the days ahead and gives everyone a chance to mix and mingle in a relaxed setting. This event can be formal or casual, depending on your style and venue. Whether it’s cocktails in a garden or beers at a pub, it’s all about making guests feel included.
Choose a venue that reflects the vibe of your wedding—relaxed, chic, or celebratory.
Keep it informal with drinks and light snacks rather than a full meal.
Include short welcome speeches or toasts to thank guests for coming.
Provide a printed weekend itinerary so everyone knows what to expect.
Rehearsal Dinner
Traditionally hosted the night before the wedding, the rehearsal dinner is an intimate gathering for your closest family and bridal party. It’s a time to run through the ceremony details and enjoy a meal with the people who’ve supported you most. Even if you're not having a formal rehearsal, the dinner is still a valuable moment to connect and unwind.
Invite immediate family, the wedding party, and any ceremony participants.
Choose a restaurant or private space close to your wedding venue.
Consider giving thank-you gifts to the wedding party during this event.
Keep speeches relaxed and heartfelt—it’s often a great time for toasts.
Group Activities or Excursions
Group outings give your guests something fun to do while building bonds between both sides of the family and friend groups. This is especially appreciated if you're hosting a destination wedding or multi-day event. Activities can be as laid-back or adventurous as you like, depending on your guest list.
Offer optional events like a hike, wine tasting, boat trip, or museum tour.
Plan for all ages and abilities—include something accessible for everyone.
Provide transport or clear directions to keep things easy and stress-free.
Don’t overschedule—allow time for guests to explore or relax on their own.
The Main Event: Wedding Day
Of course, the wedding day is the centrepiece of the weekend and should be thoughtfully scheduled. With guests already settled in and socialised, the ceremony and reception tend to feel even more joyful. Having extra days beforehand also helps ease nerves and create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Send a full schedule ahead of time with ceremony and reception details.
Include extra touches like a hydration station or welcome drinks on arrival.
Appoint someone to manage the timeline and coordinate vendors.
Encourage guests to share photos with a hashtag or private album link.
Post-Wedding Brunch or Breakfast
A farewell brunch is the perfect way to say thank you and share one more moment with your guests before they head home. It’s a low-key chance to relive the memories from the night before and wrap up your weekend with a warm goodbye. This can be held at your venue, a hotel, or even your home.
Serve a casual buffet or light breakfast with coffee and mimosas.
Keep the dress code relaxed—guests will appreciate a comfy vibe.
Use this opportunity to hand out leftover favours or thank-you cards.
Leave a guestbook or message board out for final notes and well wishes.
Guest Accommodation & Transport
For a multi-day wedding, where and how your guests get around is crucial. Ensuring everyone has a place to stay and a way to get from point A to B makes the entire experience more enjoyable. Clear communication and early planning will keep things smooth.
Reserve a hotel block or suggest a variety of accommodation options nearby.
Organise transport between venues, especially if alcohol is involved.
Provide guests with maps, schedules, and contacts in their welcome packs.
Appoint someone to help with logistics on the day if questions arise.
Creating a Weekend Itinerary
A printed or digital itinerary helps keep everyone on the same page. It eliminates confusion and ensures guests know when and where to be for each part of the weekend. The clearer your schedule, the smoother your events will run.
Include all times, addresses, dress codes, and transport notes.
Send a digital copy in advance and hand out printed versions on arrival.
Add personal touches like fun facts, couple trivia, or a welcome note.
Include emergency contact info or a point person for questions.
Etiquette for Multi-Day Weddings
Hosting a wedding weekend adds a few extra etiquette considerations. Since you’re asking more of your guests’ time (and possibly travel), it’s important to make them feel appreciated and informed. A thoughtful approach helps everyone feel included and valued.
Give plenty of notice—send save-the-dates 8–12 months ahead if travel is involved.
Don’t make every event mandatory; allow flexibility in your plans.
Consider helping with costs for wedding party members who need support.
Be gracious—thank guests often for being part of the extended celebration.
Wedding Weekend Welcome Bags
Welcome bags are a small but meaningful gesture to greet your guests upon arrival. These little kits show appreciation and help people settle in comfortably. Whether practical or fun, they’re a lovely touch that guests will remember.
Include essentials like water, snacks, aspirin, and a printed itinerary.
Add local treats or products that reflect the wedding location.
Personalise bags with your names, wedding date, or a cute thank-you tag.
Include emergency extras like plasters, mints, or suncream (if needed).
Capturing the Weekend Memories
With multiple events happening over several days, you’ll want to document more than just the wedding itself. Capturing the full scope of your celebration helps preserve the joy and connection of the whole experience. Professional and guest content alike can come together beautifully.
Hire your photographer or videographer for multiple days if possible.
Set up a shared photo album or use a custom wedding hashtag.
Include a photo booth or disposable cameras at casual events.
Encourage candid moments and real-time sharing across the weekend.
Conclusion
A wedding weekend allows you to extend your celebration and connect more deeply with the people who matter most. By planning thoughtful events, keeping guests informed, and adding meaningful touches, you’ll create an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond one day.
Whether you're going all out with a destination wedding or keeping things cosy with close friends and family, the key to success is balance—offer structured moments, but also allow space for relaxation and spontaneity. With these tips and etiquette in mind, your wedding weekend will be filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
