If it wasn’t enough planning your wedding, there are a number of events surrounding the wedding that need to be organized, including a number of parties and showers. Some couples choose to partake in all of the parties whereas some couples scale down and choose to only throw a few.

Take a look at what these parties are all about and choose what’s right for you.


Engagement Party:

Is thrown to announce the engagement of the couple. Usually scheduled in the first few months after the couple becomes engaged (no more than three months typically) it serves as a celebration and possibly a time for the families to meet. Anyone who is invited to this party should also be invited to the wedding, so keep this in mind when creating the engagement party guest list.


Bridal Shower:

Traditionally women only and thrown by the maid of honor, this party now often occurs “Jack and Jill,” or co-ed, and can be thrown by the bride’s family. The bridal shower is a time for the bride to receive gifts from her gift registry or that the couple will need for their new life together. This party is typically thrown no earlier than two months before the wedding.


The Bridesmaid Luncheon or Tea:

This luncheon is to thank the bridal party for all the work they have put into planning the wedding. It’s a time for the bride to get together with her party and relax -- usually only a few days before the wedding. It’s laid back, but attendees typically dress up for the occasion.


Bachelor/ Bachelorette Party:
 
Traditionally the bachelor party was seen as the groom’s last chance to party hard before his wedding. Now both the bride and the groom can enjoy a wild party before the wedding. Although traditionally associated with alcohol and stripers, many parties now take place surrounding a sporting event, fancy dinner, spa, or other fun place.


Rehearsal Dinner:

This is a must. This dinner occurs after the rehearsal and the wedding party -- including the Officiant -- attend. Here is where you pass out the gifts to the wedding party and relax and bond with family before the big day.


Bridal Brunch:

This party can be thrown before or after the wedding, within a few days of the actual event, often the day before or after. This part allows for the couple to meet with out-of-town family that they might not see for years if it were not for an occasion such as a wedding. This is a great time to connect and thank friends and family who traveled far to attend your special day.

Copyright 2008 by MJI Interactive