The Ultimate Guide to Hosting a Wedding Weekend

Wedding weekend itinerary example

Friday

Afternoon: Arrival and Check-In

• Guests arrive at the venue or nearby accommodations and check-in.
• Provide a welcome pack with an itinerary, local attractions, and small gifts and wedding favours.

 

Evening: Welcome Dinner/Welcome Party

• Host a casual welcome dinner or BBQ to kick off the weekend.
• Introduce close family members and the bridal party.
• Include fun icebreakers or games to help guests get to know each other.

 

Late Evening: Stag and Hen Dos

• After the welcome dinner, divide into stag and hen groups for separate celebrations.
• Plan local activities or themed parties for the couple - options could include a pub crawl, karaoke, or a night out in the town.
• Or, as you’re all together for the wedding weekend - consider a sten do for a joint celebration. 

 

Saturday

Morning: Optional Activities

• Organise group activities such as golf, a spa morning, hiking, or a boat tour.
• Provide a list of local attractions for guests to explore on their own.

 

Afternoon: Rehearsal and Rehearsal Lunch

• Conduct the wedding rehearsal at the ceremony site.
• Follow with a light lunch or picnic for the bridal party and immediate family.

 

Late Afternoon: Free Time

• Allow guests some free time to relax, freshen up, or explore the area.

 

Evening: Rehearsal Dinner

• Host a formal rehearsal dinner for close family and the bridal party.
• Include speeches and toasts from friends and family.

 

Night: Welcome Party or Casual Get-Together

• For those not involved in the rehearsal dinner, organise a casual get-together or welcome party.
• Consider a bonfire, cocktail hour, or game night.

 

Sunday

Morning: Wedding Ceremony

• The main event! Hold the wedding ceremony, followed by a cocktail hour.
• Provide a shuttle service for guests if the ceremony and reception are at different locations.

 

Afternoon: Wedding Reception

• Host the wedding reception with a meal, lots of dancing, and (non-cheesy) wedding entertainment.
• Include traditional elements like speeches, cake cutting, and bouquet toss.

 

Evening: After-Party

For guests who want to keep celebrating, organise an after-party.

Consider a lounge area with drinks, music, and late-night snacks.

 

Monday

Morning: Farewell Brunch

• Host a farewell brunch to say goodbye and thank your guests.
• Provide a relaxed atmosphere with a buffet or family-style meal.
• Think outdoor vibes or a picnic with lots of florals! 

 

Late Morning/Early Afternoon: Check-Out and Departure

• Guests check out of their accommodations and head home.
• Send them off with a small memento or thank-you gift.

 

Additional Tips:

• Welcome Bags: Include a welcome note, snacks, water, a map of the area, and any necessary details about the weekend events.
• Communication: Use a wedding website or group chat to keep guests informed and updated.
• Local Experiences: Offer suggestions for local attractions and activities to fill any free time guests might have.
• Transportation: Arrange transportation for guests between venues if necessary to ensure everyone can participate easily.
• Weather Plans: Have a contingency plan for outdoor activities in case of bad weather. Don’t say no to wedding umbrellas!