When you picture a wedding reception, you likely envision a multi-course dinner, an open bar, and an artistically crafted cake. However, the brunch wedding trend has been gaining steam for the last couple of years thanks to couples trying to cut costs and think outside of the box. With an amazing array of food selections and other key benefits, a brunch wedding may be a great option for you and your partner. In the meantime, consider these strategic planning moves as you do the legwork to pull yours together.
1. Pick Your Date and Time Judiciously
Holding your wedding during daytime hours can make it easier to land the venues and vendors you desire. Saturday evenings at popular spots are often booked for months or years in advance, but many will happily welcome your business if hold your festivities in the morning or early afternoon. As The Knot explains, most brunch receptions tend to fall between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Don’t forget to plan your ceremony start time accordingly and include extra travel time if you’re marrying in one venue but partying in another.
Keep in mind that your final guest count could also be smaller. Writer Danielle Deavans points out in an August 2017 Brides article that those in your social circle who work on Saturdays won’t be able to attend. On the other hand, a weekday brunch wedding will be a no-go for many and Sunday brunch nuptials may conflict with others’ worship plans. Remember this as you plan and aim for a day when most of your crowd can be there.
2. Choose an Ideal Reception Spot
When selecting your reception location, pay attention to your guests’ comfort levels. The same outdoor dining area that’s cool and enchanting at dusk can be miserable in the hot daytime sun. Also, temperatures between morning and evening can vary anywhere between 10 and 50 degrees depending on where you live. Walk through your potential venue during the late morning and early afternoon, checking for issues such as temperature, lighting, and shade.
3. Mull Over Your Menu Options
The Spruce writer Jessica Bishop reveals that you can choose from a wide range of dishes for your brunch wedding reception. At the same time, you must also carefully craft your menu so that everyone can enjoy your fantastic fare. Follow the same general recommendations as you would when sourcing food for an evening afterparty, including checking with your guests about their dietary needs and food allergies.
While you’re at it, it’s worth examining nontraditional dessert choices. A fondant-covered towering confection could be too heavy for your guests, but a brunch reception is a perfect excuse for dazzling donut displays, delectably delicate crepes, or tempting towers of pancakes or waffles. If cake is a must, Deavans suggests lighter varieties such as angel food or coffee cake.
4. Get Creative With Entertainment and Décor
A March 2017 Vogue piece describes how brunch weddings can be styled casually or with a touch of elegance. While daytime nuptial celebrations usually call for less formal attire and a more laidback vibe, you needn’t sacrifice sophistication at your event. Carefully styled décor and a few upscale elements add some class and flair. Your photographer will also appreciate a daytime wedding, since the natural sunlight can result in stunning photographs.
Brunch receptions may be one of the latest wedding trends, but they offer plenty of possibilities for customization. Besides the ability to create a menu filled with versatile and delectable foods, hosting your event during daylight hours allows you to lower costs, encourage a more relaxed atmosphere, and set the stage for gorgeous wedding photos. Smart planning and an open mind can help you craft an unforgettable nuptial celebration.
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