WHEN: Within 3 months of the engagement.

THEME AND DECOR: A brunch or evening cocktails.

VENUE: Your family’s home, chic lounge or a favorite restaurant.

GUEST LIST: Only invite people who are going to be invited in the wedding.

Photo Credits: Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas; Dress from Anthropologie; Ring, Decor, and Sweets from  Style Me Pretty.

 

WHEN: 1 to 2 months before the wedding.

THEME AND DECOR: An afternoon tea with simple floral arrangements and tiered plates of dainty food.

VENUE: Someone’s home, tea shop, restaurant, banquet hall.

GUEST LIST: Traditionally the bridesmaids, sisters and the two moms, all female relatives and friends of the bride are invited. Although, now more and more couples are hosting co-ed showers, which include the groom and the groom’s friends.

Photo Credits: Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas; Cake from Erica O’Brien; Dress from J.Crew; Drinks from Style Me Pretty; Decor from Once Wed.

WHEN: 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.

VENUE: Las Vegas is always an option.  You can also try something different such as golfing, attending a sports event, a day of rock climbing or white water rafting.

GUEST LIST: The groomsmen, groom’s brothers and any other friends he’d like to celebrate with.

Photo Credits: All images from Flickr.

WHEN: 2 to 3 weeks before the wedding.

VENUE: Spa getaways, shopping party, wine tasting, weekend getaway to the caribbean.

GUEST LIST: All members of the bridal party, sisters, and close friends.

Photo Credits: Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas; Winery, Wine, Restaurant, Cheese Plate from Flickr.

WHEN: The evening before the wedding.

VENUE: A home, local restaurant, the hotel where the guests are staying, park or beach near your reception.

GUEST LIST: The wedding party and immediate family, out-of-town guests.

Photo Credits: Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas; Lantern from Instyle Weddings; Decor from Project Wedding; Drinks from Style Me Pretty; Fireworks from Flickr.

WHEN: Immediately following the reception.

THEME AND DECOR: Just pure fun, no need to worry about the decor.

VENUE: Bar or lounge or a private room where you are having the wedding, night bars or restaurants close to the wedding location.

GUEST LIST: Everyone in the wedding.

Photo Credit: Decor from Michelle Rago; Drinks from Hostess Blog; Lounge Pillows and Lantern from Flickr.

WHEN: The morning after your wedding.

THEME AND DECOR: Simple brunch.

VENUE: Bride’s or groom’s parent’s home, private room at the hotel where you are staying, on-site restaurant.

GUEST LIST: Out-of-town guests, the wedding party, close friends and relatives who live nearby.

Photo Credits: Decor from Country Living; Food from Michelle Rago; Cheese Sign from Style Me Pretty; Flowers from Flickr.