17 Wedding Events Every Couple Should Know About

Weddings are more than just a one-day affair—they’re a journey of celebrations, parties, and bonding experiences that bring friends, family, and the couple together in a big way. If you’re planning your wedding or just curious about all the events that lead up to (and follow) the “I do’s,” here’s a breakdown of the common wedding-related events you should know about. Let’s dive into these moments of love, laughter, and a few glasses of champagne!

Engagement Party

The engagement party is a joyful kickoff to the wedding journey, celebrating the couple’s decision to spend their lives together. It’s often the first event in a series of wedding celebrations, setting the tone for the festivities to come. Traditionally, engagement parties served as the official announcement of the couple’s intent to marry, especially before social media and instant communication. In some cultures, the event is almost as big as the wedding itself, bringing together both families and friends who may be meeting for the first time. The engagement party marks the start of a new chapter and lets loved ones come together in support of the couple’s upcoming journey.

Engagement parties vary widely based on cultural traditions. In Greek and Italian families, the engagement party is often a large gathering with dancing, traditional music, and blessings for the couple. Jewish families may hold a “l’chaim,” where toasts and blessings mark the upcoming wedding with the same joy as the big day. In Indian weddings, the engagement or “roka” ceremony can be a formal event with family members exchanging gifts and blessings in a tradition that symbolizes commitment. In many cultures, the engagement party offers a moment to gather family members in celebration and often includes symbolic or ceremonial elements that make it a significant family affair.

Themes and creative decor are common at modern engagement parties, where couples can express their personalities or love stories through customized touches. The gathering can be as intimate or grand as the couple desires, with everything from casual BBQs to elegant, sit-down dinners. Many engagement parties today also include interactive elements, like photo booths or DIY food stations, and the couple may create a slideshow or video montage of their relationship, adding a personal touch. Toasts and speeches from close family members and friends are often a highlight, sharing fond memories and excitement for the journey ahead.

The guest list is typically smaller than the wedding but includes close family, best friends, and sometimes extended family. A thoughtful invitation list ensures everyone feels honored and helps keep the celebration intimate. Whether it’s a backyard gathering or a full venue affair, engagement parties have become a memorable start to the wedding festivities, with couples embracing this early celebration as a chance to share their joy. The engagement party not only celebrates the couple but sets a warm, joyful tone for everything that follows.

Bridal Shower

A bridal shower is a beloved pre-wedding tradition where friends and family come together to “shower” the bride with love, support, and gifts. This gathering is typically hosted by close friends or family members, often bridesmaids or the mother of the bride, and provides a more intimate setting to celebrate the bride as she prepares for her big day. Originally, bridal showers were intended to help brides gather essentials for their new home, but today, they’ve evolved into a fun and thoughtful way to honor the bride, often incorporating unique themes or personal touches.

Bridal showers are known for their lighthearted games, heartfelt toasts, and often a theme that reflects the bride’s personality or interests. From “tea party” and “boho garden” themes to personalized elements like photo booths and custom desserts, showers are as unique as the bride herself. A popular activity is the “How Well Do You Know the Bride?” quiz, where guests answer questions about the bride’s favorite things and relationship milestones. Another staple is the gift-opening segment, where the bride opens presents chosen from a registry, including everything from household items to honeymoon funds. These touches add a fun, interactive element and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Bridal shower traditions vary by culture and family. In some cultures, the shower includes a “bridal blessing” or symbolic gestures from older family members, who may offer well-wishes, advice, or special heirlooms to the bride. This event is often the perfect opportunity for family members who can’t attend the wedding to be part of the celebration, connecting multiple generations. Modern showers often include activities that allow guests to leave personal notes or create keepsakes for the bride, making it a sentimental and memorable experience for everyone involved. Ultimately, the bridal shower is an intimate, joyous gathering that celebrates the bride’s upcoming transition into married life, surrounded by the women she cherishes most.

Groom’s Shower

The groom’s shower is a newer tradition, growing in popularity as a way for the groom to enjoy his own pre-wedding celebration. Often organized by close friends or groomsmen, it’s a more relaxed event than the bachelor party, focused on honoring the groom and celebrating his interests. Unlike the formal nature of bridal showers, groom’s showers are usually informal, featuring activities like grilling, sports outings, or craft beer tastings. They’re a chance for the groom to connect with friends and family before the big day without the intensity of a bachelor party weekend.

Many groom’s showers are centered around the groom’s hobbies and include activities that reflect his personality. For example, golf, poker nights, and tailgate-style cookouts are popular, allowing the groom to spend quality time with his inner circle. Friends and family often bring gifts that match the groom’s interests, like sports memorabilia or unique tools for his home bar. It’s a laid-back way for the groom to be celebrated in a meaningful setting, letting everyone have fun without the traditional bachelor party setting.

While groom’s showers are mostly a Western concept, they’re slowly being embraced worldwide, with couples seeking balanced celebrations for both the bride and groom. Grooms are often gifted with practical items, funny keepsakes, or items that tie into shared memories. Ultimately, it’s a gathering focused on laughter, camaraderie, and an appreciation for the groom’s journey toward marriage, creating a more personalized and heartfelt celebration among his closest friends and family.

Bachelorette Party

The bachelorette party is one of the most anticipated pre-wedding events, where the bride and her closest friends celebrate her upcoming marriage in style. Traditionally seen as the bride’s “last night of freedom,” bachelorette parties today are more about creating lasting memories with friends than about saying goodbye to singlehood. They range from weekend getaways and tropical vacations to cozy nights in, each tailored to the bride’s preferences and personality. Some brides opt for lively city trips to places like Las Vegas, while others choose a relaxing spa weekend for a rejuvenating celebration.

Activities at bachelorette parties are often customized to the bride’s taste, and common inclusions are themed games, matching outfits, and personalized gifts. Classic games like “truth or dare” or scavenger hunts add a playful touch to the event, while friends may organize activities like yoga classes, cooking lessons, or scenic tours for a unique experience. Social media has played a big role in shaping modern bachelorette parties, with photo props, hashtags, and elaborate decorations adding a memorable flair.

The bachelorette party is also a cherished time for the bride to bond with her friends before wedding responsibilities kick in. Whether the celebration is grand or intimate, the bachelorette party brings everyone together in a way that deepens friendships and gives the bride a special send-off into married life. It’s a time for laughter, bonding, and embracing the bride’s unique personality, creating memories she’ll cherish long after the wedding.

Bachelor Party

The bachelor party is a longstanding tradition that has evolved to suit a wide variety of personalities, offering grooms and their friends a chance to celebrate in their own way. Traditionally viewed as the groom’s “last hurrah,” bachelor parties today focus more on camaraderie and adventure than on wild nights out. They can range from a classic night on the town to a laid-back weekend at a cabin, with activities tailored to the groom’s interests. Some grooms opt for thrill-seeking adventures like skydiving, while others prefer golfing, gaming, or a road trip with their best friends.

Activities are often organized by the best man, and the party can last a single night or extend over an entire weekend. Poker nights, craft brewery tours, and backyard BBQs are popular, creating an environment where everyone can unwind and enjoy each other’s company. The goal is to make the groom feel celebrated and appreciated while creating shared memories that last a lifetime.

The bachelor party’s focus has shifted from raucous celebrations to meaningful gatherings, giving the groom a memorable experience with his closest friends. In many cultures, it’s an occasion for laughter, bonding, and honoring the groom’s transition to married life. Whether the groom chooses adventure or relaxation, the bachelor party is a time for friendship and celebration, marking the final moments before he steps into married life.

Engagement Photoshoot

The engagement photoshoot is a beloved part of modern wedding preparations, capturing the couple in a relaxed, natural setting before the big day. These photos are usually taken in a location that’s meaningful to the couple, like where they had their first date or the spot where the proposal took place. Engagement photos are often used for wedding invitations, save-the-date cards, or to create a wedding website that tells the couple’s story. This shoot is also a great way for the couple to feel comfortable in front of the camera and connect with their photographer before the wedding.

Engagement photos can be traditional or creative, with many couples choosing themes or settings that represent their unique story. From casual cityscapes to scenic outdoor shoots, each photo session reflects the couple’s personality. Some couples even dress up in costumes or recreate special moments, creating playful and fun images that they’ll cherish forever.

For many couples, the engagement photoshoot is an intimate experience that captures their chemistry, love, and excitement for the future. It’s a chance to capture the small, everyday moments they share, creating a visual keepsake of their love before stepping into married life. Engagement photos are both practical and sentimental, adding a layer of personalization to the wedding planning journey.

Bridesmaids’ Luncheon

The bridesmaids’ luncheon is an intimate event where the bride expresses her gratitude to her bridesmaids for their support during the wedding planning journey. Usually held a day or two before the wedding, this gathering brings together the bridal party in a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere. The luncheon often features thoughtful toasts, lighthearted games, and gifts from the bride to her bridesmaids, such as jewelry, personalized robes, or handwritten notes.

This gathering is also a chance for the bridesmaids to connect and unwind before the wedding day, building camaraderie among the group. In the Southern United States, bridesmaids’ luncheons are especially popular, with homemade dishes and traditional toasts adding a sentimental touch. It’s a moment of relaxation and laughter before the busy wedding day, allowing the bridal party to celebrate and share stories.

Bridesmaids’ luncheons vary widely in style, from casual brunches to elegant afternoon teas, depending on the bride’s taste. The event is often a cherished memory, filled with heartfelt conversations and laughter, bringing the bride and her bridesmaids closer together. Ultimately, the luncheon is a heartfelt thank-you to the bridesmaids, celebrating the friendships that make the wedding journey special.

Groomsmen’s Outing

The groomsmen’s outing is a laid-back event that gives the groom a chance to spend quality time with his groomsmen before the wedding. Unlike the bachelor party, this outing is usually low-key, with activities like golfing, fishing, or attending a sports event that reflects the groom’s interests. It’s a way for the groom to connect with his closest friends and create memories in a relaxed setting.

This outing often includes bonding activities that deepen friendships and allow the groomsmen to unwind before the big day. In some cases, the groom may present his groomsmen with small gifts, like cufflinks or personalized items, as a token of appreciation. The event is less formal and more about enjoying shared hobbies and interests, making it a memorable experience.

For the groom, the outing provides a break from wedding planning and a chance to connect with friends who have supported him. It’s a time for laughter, relaxation, and creating memories that add to the joy of the wedding celebration. The groomsmen’s outing celebrates friendship and camaraderie, giving the groom a moment to appreciate his closest friends.

Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner is an intimate event that typically takes place the night before the wedding, bringing together family and close friends to celebrate before the big day. Traditionally hosted by the groom’s family, it’s a relaxed setting where loved ones can share stories, give toasts, and enjoy a meal together. The event serves as a warm, informal gathering that allows the wedding party to practice and connect before the main celebration.

Rehearsal dinners often include toasts from parents, the couple, and friends, sharing memories, advice, and well-wishes. In some cultures, the rehearsal dinner may include a blessing or prayer, symbolizing unity and support. For many, this gathering feels like a “calm before the storm,” providing comfort and familiarity as excitement builds.

The rehearsal dinner is also a chance for the couple to give thank-you gifts to their wedding party and family, expressing appreciation for their support. With heartfelt speeches and laughter, the rehearsal dinner becomes a cherished pre-wedding memory, setting a joyful tone for the wedding day.

Welcome Party

The welcome party is a thoughtful pre-wedding gathering for destination weddings or when many guests are traveling from afar. It’s typically held a day or two before the wedding, allowing guests to settle in, meet one another, and mingle. Welcome parties are often casual, featuring drinks and appetizers or a themed dinner that reflects the wedding location or couple’s style.

This event helps break the ice, letting guests from both families connect and enjoy the festivities together. For destination weddings, it’s a perfect way to start the celebration with a local flair, like a beach BBQ or a scenic rooftop mixer. The relaxed setting sets a warm, inclusive tone for the weekend, helping everyone feel comfortable.

A welcome party also gives guests a preview of the fun ahead, creating excitement for the main event. The casual, friendly atmosphere fosters connections and brings everyone together in anticipation of the wedding celebration. It’s a special start to a memorable weekend, blending comfort with joyful energy.

Ceremony Rehearsal

The ceremony rehearsal is a practical event that allows the wedding party to run through the ceremony steps, ensuring a smooth flow on the big day. Taking place a day before the wedding, the rehearsal involves everyone in the processional, including family members, officiants, and sometimes even children participating in the event. It provides clarity on timing, cues, and positioning so everyone feels prepared.

In addition to logistical planning, the rehearsal helps ease pre-wedding nerves, letting everyone practice their roles and understand the ceremony structure. For the couple, it’s also a bonding moment as they visualize the experience they’ll share with their guests. The officiant often leads the group, guiding them through each step and offering helpful tips.

The rehearsal is a meaningful precursor to the wedding, filled with excitement and anticipation. It’s a reminder of the love and joy that will fill the ceremony, adding a special layer to the couple’s preparations. This gathering ensures everyone is in sync and confident, setting the stage for a beautiful ceremony.

Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the centerpiece of the entire celebration, where the couple exchanges vows and formally commits to their future together. Each ceremony is unique, often including personal vows, meaningful readings, and cultural traditions that reflect the couple’s beliefs. The ceremony may be held in various settings, from churches and beaches to gardens and city rooftops, each choice adding to its beauty and significance.

In many cultures, the wedding ceremony includes rituals that symbolize unity and love. Jewish weddings feature the breaking of the glass, while Hindu ceremonies include the “saat phere,” or seven rounds around a sacred fire. Each element holds deep significance, adding richness to the event and creating lasting memories for the couple and guests.

The ceremony is often an emotional experience for all involved, filled with love, hope, and the promise of a shared future. Guests witness this profound moment of connection and love, creating a sacred memory for everyone present. It’s a transformative, beautiful event that marks the beginning of the couple’s married life, surrounded by family and friends.

Wedding Reception

The wedding reception is the ultimate celebration following the ceremony, where guests gather to eat, drink, and dance in honor of the couple’s union. Receptions often start with the couple’s grand entrance and first dance, setting a lively and joyful tone. Guests enjoy a night filled with laughter, toasts, and activities that make the evening unforgettable.

A reception typically includes highlights like cake-cutting, bouquet toss, and lively dancing, giving everyone a chance to participate. Many couples add personal touches, like photo booths, signature cocktails, or interactive games to entertain guests. For some, the reception lasts all night, with non-stop music and celebration.

The reception allows guests to share in the couple’s happiness and marks the end of a beautiful day. It’s filled with joy, love, and laughter, making it one of the most cherished parts of the wedding. From heartfelt toasts to memorable dances, the wedding reception is an expression of celebration and unity.

After-Party

For couples and guests who want to continue the celebration, the after-party is a casual, fun way to keep the festivities going. Often held in a hotel suite, lounge, or nearby bar, it’s an informal gathering with late-night snacks, music, and more relaxed conversation. The after-party is especially popular at destination weddings, where guests are likely to stay nearby.

Guests typically change into more comfortable attire, creating a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for winding down after a night of dancing. Couples often serve favorite comfort foods like pizza or tacos, providing a cozy, enjoyable end to the celebration. The after-party is a chance for guests to connect in a smaller group setting.

This gathering is all about fun and spontaneity, adding a memorable touch to the wedding celebration. It’s a last chance for friends and family to enjoy each other’s company before the night ends. The after-party is a joyful conclusion, letting everyone relax and savor the moment.

Farewell Brunch

The farewell brunch is the final gathering, typically held the morning after the wedding. It’s a relaxed, casual meal where guests can say goodbye, share stories from the night before, and enjoy one last gathering with the couple. Brunches are popular for destination weddings, where guests are traveling back home and appreciate a relaxed send-off.

This casual event often features breakfast foods, coffee, and pastries, letting everyone unwind before parting ways. It’s also a chance for the couple to thank guests for celebrating with them and share a final toast. Farewell brunches provide a warm, heartfelt conclusion to the wedding weekend.

Guests appreciate the opportunity to connect one last time, reflecting on the joy and memories of the wedding. The farewell brunch is a sentimental gathering that wraps up the festivities with love and gratitude. It’s a lovely way to end the weekend on a positive, connected note, leaving everyone with cherished memories.

Honeymoon

The honeymoon is the couple’s first adventure as newlyweds, a special getaway that allows them to relax and celebrate their new life together. Honeymoons vary widely, from tropical beach retreats to cultural city tours, offering each couple a chance to make their dream trip a reality. Traditionally, couples leave for their honeymoon right after the wedding, but some delay it to fully enjoy a well-planned trip.

The honeymoon destination often reflects the couple’s interests, whether it’s a scenic escape, historic exploration, or thrilling adventure. Many couples choose popular spots like the Maldives, Paris, or Italy, but there are endless options based on their style. It’s a time to connect, explore, and create new memories together.

The honeymoon provides a break after the excitement of the wedding, allowing the couple to settle into married life in a memorable way. It’s a symbolic start to their journey, filled with love, excitement, and a chance to look forward to their future together. The honeymoon is the couple’s private celebration of their marriage, offering peace, adventure, and cherished moments.

One-Year Anniversary Celebration

The one-year anniversary marks a special milestone for couples, celebrating the memories and growth they’ve experienced together in their first year of marriage. Many couples exchange traditional “paper” gifts, symbolizing a fresh start and the creation of new memories. Some recreate moments from their wedding day, like sharing a piece of preserved wedding cake or revisiting their ceremony location.

Anniversaries are also a time to reflect on the highs and lows of the year, honoring the strength and love that sustained them. Many couples plan a small getaway or romantic dinner, taking time to reconnect and celebrate their journey. It’s a personal, intimate way to honor their commitment.

For some, a one-year anniversary celebration includes a vow renewal or a small gathering with close family and friends. Whether private or shared, it’s a meaningful moment that highlights their love and future together. The first anniversary is a joyful reminder of their vows, marking a beautiful year of love and growth.