Brunch weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples seek unique ways to celebrate their big day. Whether you and your partner aren’t fans of traditional evening receptions filled with dancing and drinking or prefer the idea of a morning ceremony, a brunch wedding could be the perfect fit. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure your brunch wedding succeeds.
Summary
Brunch weddings are gaining popularity for their relaxed, cost-effective nature. They require early preparation, a more casual dress code, and lighter décor. While the reception may lack a wild dance floor, it offers unique menu options and a more intimate atmosphere. When planning, consider the timing, venue, and guest preferences. Additional benefits include post-reception activities and cost savings, making brunch weddings appealing for couples seeking a memorable, low-key celebration.
Planning A Memorable Brunch Wedding: Key Considerations And Tips
Start Your Day Early
Weddings require a lot of preparation, and brunch weddings are no exception. You must start your day earlier than usual to ensure everything is perfect. Hair, makeup, and other pre-ceremony rituals will take time, so it’s essential to coordinate with your vendors in advance.
- Coordinate with Vendors: Discuss timelines with your hairstylist and makeup artist, especially if your bridal party has different hair textures and lengths. Make sure they know exactly how long it will take to prepare everyone.
- Early Setup: Check if the venue allows for setup the night before, which can save valuable time on the day itself.
- Plan: Consider the extra time needed if your ceremony starts before noon. You may need to get ready early, which could mean a wake-up call.
Limited Quality Time With Loved Ones
One of the most cherished aspects of a traditional wedding day is the leisurely time spent with your bridal party as you prepare for the ceremony. This time is often spent bonding, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories with your closest friends and family. However, this time can become more limited and rushed in the context of a brunch wedding.
The Morning Rush
Given the early start required for a brunch wedding, your preparation time may be more hurried than you’d like. Instead of enjoying a slow morning with your bridesmaids, where you can sip mimosas, exchange heartfelt gifts, and take your time with hair and makeup, you might find yourself pressed for time. The early start means that everyone has to be up and ready earlier than usual, which can cut into those relaxed, intimate moments that are so special.
- Tight Schedule: The need to start the ceremony by mid-morning means that your morning routine will likely be on a tighter schedule. This can lead to a sense of urgency that may prevent you from fully enjoying getting ready with your bridal party.
- Choosing Coffee Over Champagne: With the clock ticking, you might have to forego the traditional pre-wedding champagne toast in favour of something more practical, like coffee or tea, to stay alert and energised for the day ahead. This change in pace can affect the atmosphere, making it feel less celebratory and more focused on ensuring everything is ready on time.
- Fewer Moments for Reflection: The quick turnaround from waking up to walking down the aisle means fewer opportunities to pause, reflect, and truly soak in the day’s significance with your loved ones. These moments, often some of the most memorable parts of a wedding day, may be shortened or missed entirely in the rush to get ready.
While a brunch wedding can offer a delightful and unique experience, it’s important to be mindful of how the early schedule might impact your quality time with your bridal party. Planning and being aware of these potential challenges can help you find ways to still create meaningful moments, even within a more condensed timeframe.
A More Casual Reception
Brunch weddings typically have a more relaxed vibe compared to evening events.
- Casual Attire: Guests are unlikely to wear sequined dresses or tuxedos at 10 a.m. Instead, the atmosphere resembles a laid-back summer barbecue or a co-ed bridal shower.
- Creative Outfits: Encourage guests to have fun with their attire. This could be the perfect occasion for men to break out a light cotton suit, colourful pants, or quirky bow tie.
Décor For A Brunch Wedding
Your décor should match the relaxed nature of a brunch wedding.
- Simple Centrepieces: Instead of elaborate floral arrangements, consider mason jars filled with wildflowers.
- Buffet-Style Meals: A buffet setup can complement the casual feel of a brunch wedding. Consider what décor options complement this informal atmosphere.
Guest Attendance Considerations
Morning weddings can be tricky for some guests.
- Timing Issues: Guests who work on weekends or have other obligations might need help to attend an early ceremony. It’s essential to consider their schedules when planning your event.
Expect A Low-Key Dance Floor
Brunch weddings usually don’t feature a wild dance party.
- Less Dancing: Guests may be less inclined to dance in the morning, especially if they’re not drinking as much. However, this might suit you perfectly if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere without a dance floor.
Cost Considerations
Brunch weddings can be more cost-effective in some areas but not all.
- Food and Drink Savings: Serving a typical brunch meal instead of a formal dinner can save money. A mimosa or Bloody Mary bar is often more affordable than a full open bar.
- Décor: You can also save on décor by keeping things simple. However, some costs, like your wedding coordinator, photographer, and music, will remain the same.
Menu Planning
The food served at a brunch wedding is as important as any other wedding.
- Brunch Menu: While brunch is typically associated with light fare like pancakes and waffles, you’ll want to offer various options to satisfy all your guests. Consider lighter cakes like angel food, coffee cake, or even doughnuts instead of a traditional wedding cake.
- Creative Desserts: You can still have a wedding cake, but consider a smaller one or a different type of dessert that fits the brunch theme.
What Happens After The Reception?
Since your reception will likely end in the early afternoon, you must plan what comes next.
- Post-Reception Activities: Provide your guests with suggestions for activities or places to visit after the reception. This could be a city tour or a list of local attractions.
- Honeymoon Departure: Some couples leave for their honeymoon immediately after the reception, allowing guests to enjoy the rest of their day however they wish.
Trendy And Fun Wedding Brunch Ideas
Timing Of The Event
- Reception Timing: Brunch weddings usually occur between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Consider starting your ceremony at 10 a.m. at the earliest to give guests time to wake up and arrive comfortably.
- Welcoming Guests: Set up a coffee cart or pastry station to welcome guests as they arrive. This helps ease them into the day.
Choosing The Venue
- Flexible Locations: Since brunch weddings are typically smaller and more relaxed, you have more flexibility in choosing a venue. Backyards, gardens, and greenhouses are all popular choices.
- Check Lighting: Visit your venue at the time of day you plan to hold your wedding to check the lighting for photos.
Dress Code
- Casual Attire: Morning weddings call for lighter, more casual attire. A floral sundress for women and slacks with a shirt for men are safe bets.
- Bride’s Dress: Consider a shorter, more casual wedding dress, possibly without a train. For men, a lighter-coloured suit is traditional for daytime ceremonies.
Drink Selection
- No Need for an Open Bar: Since guests are less likely to drink heavily in the morning, you can skip the open bar. Instead, offer classic brunch cocktails like mimosas, Bellinis, or a Bloody Mary bar.
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Provide fresh juice, smoothies, or a coffee and tea station.
Brunch Menu
- Creative Buffet: A lighter buffet with breakfast and lunch items can be ideal. Popular choices include bacon, smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, or more creative options like mini chicken sandwiches or French toast sticks.
- Sit-Down Meal: If you prefer, you can choose a sit-down meal instead of a buffet. Just make sure the menu reflects the brunch theme.
Cake Selection
- Brunch-Friendly Sweets: If a traditional wedding cake doesn’t suit your brunch theme, consider alternatives like a doughnut tower, waffle cake, or a simple cake with light frosting.
Music And Entertainment
- Relaxed Music: Instead of a full band or DJ, consider hiring a smaller musical group like a string quartet or a trio to provide a more relaxed ambience.
- Alternative Entertainment: Since dancing might not be the focus, consider other activities like lawn games. Photo booths are also a great way to keep guests entertained.
Budget Benefits
- Cost Savings: Hosting a brunch wedding can be a more affordable option. Venues might offer discounts for morning events, and breakfast foods are generally less expensive than dinner options.
Other Considerations
- Beautiful Morning Photos: The natural light in the morning is perfect for photos, and your photographer won’t have to deal with the challenges of shooting in low light.
- Relaxing Afternoon: Since your reception will end in the early afternoon, you have the rest of the day to relax. This is a great time for a family outing, a quiet dinner with your spouse, or even starting your honeymoon early.
Conclusion
Brunch weddings offer a unique and relaxed way to celebrate your big day. They’re cost-effective and flexible and provide a wonderful opportunity to create a memorable experience for you and your guests. Planning and considering all aspects of the day, from early preparations to post-reception activities, ensure your brunch wedding is everything you dreamed of.
Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere, a cost-effective option, or love the idea of a morning celebration, a brunch wedding could be the perfect choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Venue
What Do You Serve At A Brunch Wedding?
Solid brunch foods are waists, bagels, frittatas, omelettes, fresh fruit, doughnuts, and croissants.
What Do You Serve At A Morning Wedding?
Classic breakfast staples like bacon, smoked salmon, and scrambled eggs are always popular choices, but a brunch wedding opens itself up to fun items; consider having an omelette or waffle station, mini breakfast sandwiches, a cereal bar or French toast dippers.
Who Do You Invite To A Post-Wedding Brunch?
Who gets invited to an after-wedding brunch? If your budget allows it and you want to invite all your wedding guests, awesome! But it’s by no means necessary or expected. However, your immediate family, grandparents, and the wedding party (and their plus-ones) should receive an invite as a rule of thumb.
Is A Brunch Wedding Tacky?
And some people ask: are brunch weddings boring? Or are brunch weddings tacky? And the answer on both counts is no. with a morning wedding, you have the flexibility to make it as casual or as formal as you wish. You have less time to keep your guests amused with a shorter timeline.
Are Morning Weddings Cheaper?
However, a morning wedding is a great way to shave a little off that final bill! Whether you go for a quick continental breakfast or a full-blown brunch spread, serving breakfast food at your wedding will always be cheaper than a lunch or dinner menu.
