The rise of the multi-event wedding weekend

You might have received a wedding invitation recently that included not just the ceremony time but also welcome drinks the night before and a recovery brunch the day after. Multi-event wedding weekends are becoming the norm, but what are they?

More and more couples are embracing multi-event wedding weekends. These weekends transform their wedding day into a full celebration that spans several gatherings.

What is a multi-event wedding weekend?

A multi-event wedding weekend is what it sounds like: a wedding stretched over multiple days. Although the crescendo of the weekend is the ceremony itself, more couples are curating an itinerary that could include a rehearsal dinner, a welcome party, some brunches, and of course – the recovery day. Sometimes the recovery requires more recovering than the wedding celebration itself!

But why has this now common occurrence gained so much popularity recently? Well, this approach gives the couple more time with their guests. Many have travelled or family members that they haven’t seen for years – the couple are given much more time with those close to them. The wedding day is often seen as a blur, but the events on either side have less pressure and more time to reconnect.

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But… Why?

Why are more couples choosing ‘wedding weekends’ with multiple events? Several trends are driving the rise of the wedding weekend:

• Quality time with guests: Many couples invite friends and family who travel from afar to attend the wedding, so a wedding weekend ensures that it’s not one whirlwind evening to celebrate together.
• Destination weddings: If guests are flying to the destination, couples often extend the celebration to make the trip worthwhile. Pool parties, sightseeing tours, or wine tastings will often make it onto a packed itinerary.
• Personalisation: For the couple that wanted a laidback celebration but all of a sudden they’re hosting a black tie wedding, the wedding weekend can give them the chance to have a casual BBQ before the glamour begins.
• Creating memories: Everything on the wedding day can feel like a blur, and trying to see everyone can mean seeing no one properly. A weekend-long event lets moments breathe, and everyone gets to have more shared experiences.

What makes a multi-event wedding weekend?

While every couple puts their spin on things, there are some threads of commonality that connect multi-event wedding weekends:

• Welcome party: A casual dinner, cocktails, or even a themed event to kick things off and let the guests get to know one another.
• Rehearsal dinner: Traditionally, this event is for close family and friends as well as the bridal party. However, the traditions of this event are often left aside as it becomes a smaller gathering before the big kickoff.
• The wedding day: Ceremony and reception remain the highlight which are framed by surrounding events.
• Recovery brunch of the day after: What was once considered a low-key coffee with some comfort food and debrief of the night before is becoming its own event. Equipped with DJs and lots of hair of the dog, these are the more casual parties to follow the formalities of the day before.

Some couples even add group excursions, beach days, wine tours, or games afternoons to keep the vibe festive.

Even pre wedding events are becoming long weekenders. We explore a Byron Bay hen’s party itinerary.

Things to consider

Hosting a wedding weekend does require extra planning and budget considerations. Couples need to think about accommodation options for guests, transport between venues, and how to balance multiple events without overwhelming everyone. But with thoughtful planning, a wedding weekend can feel effortless and welcoming rather than packed and stressful.

Wedding weekends, are they a Yes or a No?

Weddings are no longer just a single day; they’re evolving into experiences that span an entire weekend. Couples are creating richer memories and more meaningful moments by giving guests more time to celebrate, relax, and connect. Whether a simple welcome dinner or a three-day itinerary, the multi-event wedding weekend trend is here to stay.

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