The Average Wedding Only Lasts Four Hours. Here's How You Can Make the Most of it.
The Average Wedding Only Lasts Four Hours. Make the Most of it by Planning an Entire Weekend with Your Nearest and Dearest.
Did you know that the average time of a wedding is about four hours? It is true—from ceremony to sendoff, most weddings are approximately four hours. Considering the hours, days and months spent planning, this can seem like a relatively short time to celebrate. Many couples report their wedding day flying by, wishing they had a little more time to spend with loved ones. My advice? Prolong the celebration by designing a wedding weekend. Your wedding celebration doesn’t have to fall solely within those four hours. From a welcome party to a farewell brunch, there are many opportunities to maximize the time spent with friends and family members who have traveled to celebrate your wedding. Not sure where to start? This guide will help you curate a weekend that keeps the celebration going with the people you love the most.
photo: laura eddy photography from issue two
Wedding Weekend Event Ideas
USE THIS LIST OF IDEAS TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING WEEKEND CELEBRATING WITH YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE
host a welcome party for the wedding party
Kick off the weekend with a casual gathering such as brunch at your favorite eatery, a tasting at a local brewery/ winery, or a low-key pool party. A little time to relax and enjoy an activity together provides time to specifically honor and enjoy the company of your wedding party.
make time for self-care
Book a few spa appointments with the wedding party to help keep the wedding weekend stress at bay. Another option is to consider hiring a traveling masseuse or nail technician for a private spa party where you are staying.
spend the morning together
Share breakfast, coffee or a simple walk down the street with your fiancé the morning prior to your wedding day or early the morning of your wedding. Spending time with just the two of you will help you slow down, reflect and ground yourselves before the wedding begins.
attend a workout class
If you love yoga or working out, do not neglect it on your wedding weekend! Include your wedding party and book a yoga or workout class together.
schedule a night-before dinner
This dinner does not have to coincide with your rehearsal walkthrough. If you plan to rehearse the morning of your wedding, you can still plan a dinner the evening prior with close family and wedding party. Incorporate your favorite foods or your favorite location, and remember: it does not have to be fancy!
welcome your out-of-town guests
If many of your guests are traveling from afar, be sure to spend extra time with them on your wedding weekend. Consider hosting a welcome festivity following the rehearsal dinner at the hotel bar or a local Oklahoma brewery.
plan wedding day activities and food
If a group of bridal party members do not require hair and makeup, consider planning a spa morning, round of golf, or time at the batting cages. If members of your bridal party require hair and makeup, consider a brunch before heading to the getting-ready location (better yet…have brunch waiting at the getting-ready location).
give out of town guests a local Oklahoma index
Incorporate local culture with a list of local Oklahoma favorites for your guests and family to explore and enjoy in the city between festivities. Provide a welcome letter with the best eateries, activities and sights to see for guests to receive at check-in.
arrange a farewell brunch
A postnuptial farewell brunch at the hotel or a local brunch spot with family and wedding party allows time to reflect on the weekend and say your goodbyes before everyone heads home.