Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • Tips on Organizing Your Home

      Tips on Organizing Your Home

      From the kitchen and bathroom to the bedroom and laundry room, here are 40 ways to simplify, streamline, and banish clutter throughout the house. Read More
    • These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      These Are the Paint Colors You'll See Everywhere in 2022

      Upgrade your spaces with new—and old—classics. Read More
    • 39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      39 Make-Ahead Holiday Dishes That Are Perfect for Festive Family Gatherings

      These classic recipes will help you get a head start on the festivities. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    All of Our Best Valentine's Day Crafts to Make from the Heart

    Express your love with handmade Valentine's crafts like paper cards, gift ideas, and decorations.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Will We Entertain Differently in 2022? These Are the New Trends Hostesses Should Bookmark

    Secure your role as the host with the absolute most.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    How to Hang and Arrange Pictures

    Amp up your home décor with perfectly placed frames.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Six Houseplant Mistakes to Avoid This Winter

    Don't let your varieties fall victim to the perils of poor cold-weather maintenance.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    How to Deep Clean Your Oven with Baking Soda

    Our easy tips will make this cleaning task a lot less daunting.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Your Ultimate Wedding-Planning Timeline

    Ready, set, go! Our no-nonsense guide will help you learn how to plan your wedding like a pro.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    How to Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Your Complete Guide to Restoring Moisture Back Into Your Skin

    Take a multi-pronged approach if you're experiencing excess dryness.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Showers & Parties
  4. Rehearsal Dinner
  5. 12 Expert-Approved Ideas for Your Wedding Welcome Party
Martha Stewart Weddings

12 Expert-Approved Ideas for Your Wedding Welcome Party

jess levin profile image
By Jess Levin
Skip gallery slides
Pin
eb mike welcome party crowd
Credit: Carrie Patterson

Whether you're planning a weekend of activities or simply want to welcome guests with celebration the evening before the reception, these ideas are sure to wow your attendees.

Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
eb mike welcome party crowd
Credit: Carrie Patterson

There's no denying that blowout wedding weekends are hugely popular right now, but three days' worth of events aren't always in the cards (or budget) for every couple. Whether you're looking to bookend your ceremony and reception with a full welcome party and post-nuptial brunch, add in just one more party, or celebrate the night before your "I dos" with a toast, a welcome party is one of our favorite ways to get the party started.  

We're not the only people who love a good welcome party, either. That's why we asked some of our favorite industry experts to share their best ideas for welcoming your guests to the biggest party of your life. Not looking to plan an additional party? Our experts agree that guests will be wowed by a "hospitality suite" in the hotel. Instead of having welcome bags delivered to their rooms, invite guests to join you and your future groom for cocktails, snacks, and goodies. Each guest can pack up their own tote or basket with a selection of items you would have provided in a traditional welcome gift, like pain relievers, water bottles, and treats.

If you find you have a little money left in the budget and want to treat everyone to something special, think of turning your welcome party into an experience. A local wine tasting or cooking class are fun ways to get everyone together, as is a dessert party in the hotel lobby. Want something more low-key? Organize a game night for all your guests and appeal to everyone's competitive nature. 

No matter what kind of welcome party you're looking to throw, our experts are offering 12 creative ideas that will inspire your pre-nuptial celebration. 

1 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create a Hospitality Suite

bouquet
Credit: Courtesy of Almond Leaf Studios
Everything You Need to Know to Pull Off a Wedding Gift Lounge

 "Welcome your guests with a hospitality suite in the hotel complete with snacks, drinks, and any first aid or travel items they may have forgotten to pack! It's a great way to greet your guests as they arrive and a wonderful place for friends and family to meet up during down time throughout your wedding weekend."—Melissa Porter, Managing Partner and Wedding Planner, Asheville Event Co

2 of 13

3 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Opt for an Experience

wine tour
Credit: Courtesy of Branco Prata

"In lieu of a big welcome party, consider taking your guests on a wine tour to give them a taste of the local culture. Especially if you have guests traveling for your celebration, this is a nice, causal way to welcome everyone to your wedding weekend."—Kaitlyn Hostetler, Event Planner & Director of Marketing, Evoke

3 of 13

Advertisement

4 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Start with a Toast

champagne fruit bar
Credit: Michael Segal Photography
Trending Now: Drink Stations to Elevate Your Reception

"Greet guests upon check in with a bubbly bar to get everyone excited about the weekend ahead."—Tessa Brand, Owner, Tessa Lyn Events

4 of 13

5 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Have a Game Night

men playing croquet
Credit: Katie Lopez Photography
Fun Wedding Games That'll Keep Guests Laughing

"Keep it simple by making it a game night! Bocce Ball, bag toss, and horseshoes with burgers and beers will be well-received. It's a fun, easy, relaxing way to kick-off the weekend."—Andi Dyal, Founder/Principal Consultant, Anjé Soirees

5 of 13

6 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Plan a Casual Bar Night

drinks on barrel
Credit: Courtesy of Glass Jar Photography

"If your wedding is taking place at a relatively central location to where your guests are staying or live, consider a post-rehearsal dinner soirée at the hotel's bar, restaurant, or a nearby favorite haunt where guests can casually come and go as they please during a specific time frame. That way everyone can say hello, visit with you and other guests, and depart when they're sleepy to rest of for the wedding."—Aleah and Nick Valley, Founders, Valley & Company Events

6 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Sure It's Meaningful

outdoor lounge
Credit: Shannen Natasha Weddings

"From an oyster roast or to an après ski cocktail party, welcome your guests in style by connecting over an activity that is meaningful to you as a couple."—Britt Cole and Francie Dorman, Founders, 42 North

7 of 13

8 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Throw a Drinks and Dessert Party

mini cheesecake desserts
Credit: The Grovers

"Turn your welcome party into 'drinks and dessert' for your guests. Create a custom dessert display of the bride and groom's favorite treats, which allows your guests to indulge while learning more about the two of you."—Heather Sherrill, Production Manager, Aster & Park Events

8 of 13

9 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Build a Welcome Party in a Box

welcome boxes beer
Credit: Lacie Hansen Photography

"Take your welcome bag to the next level and create a welcome party in a box to help guests kick off the weekend. Curate a selection of local beverages, snacks, and sweets, and include a playlist to set the vibe for the festivities to follow."—Calista Osborn, Founder, Calista & Co.

9 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Get Competitive

outdoor cocktail bar
Credit: Courtesy of Abby Ross

"Everybody loves a little competition! Break the ice before heading into your rehearsal dinner with a cocktail competition that will determine the signature drink for the reception. The bride, groom, and a few guests serve as the judging panel while guests in pairs duke it out for a chance to have their unique recipe featured on the big day, all while the clock is ticking!—Michelle Rago, Founder, Michelle Rago Destinations

10 of 13

11 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Design a Welcome Dessert Cart

ice cream cart
Credit: Katherine Miles Jones

"Arrange a dessert bar featuring an ice cream cart in the summer or s'mores in the winter that guests can enjoy while they're checking in. They'll feel welcomed even if you skip the more of a traditional welcome party. Be sure to suggest local restaurants in the welcome bags, so guest know to handle dinner on their own upon arriving in town."—Chelsey Morrison, Owner + Principal Designer & Planner, Gather Together Events

11 of 13

12 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Arrange a Group Activity

couple placesetting
Credit: Courtesy of Rosewood Mayakoba

"Many venues offer interactive, unexpected experiences such as cooking classes or wine or spirits tastings that could be a fun alternative to a traditional welcome cocktail party."—Aurora Avila, Celebrations Manager, Rosewood Mayakoba

12 of 13

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do It Late Night

burgers fry shake
Credit: Courtesy of Andrea Hubbell

"We love an abbreviated welcome party after your rehearsal dinner that's got a laid-back and casual vibe. Serve crowd-pleasing late night snacks like sliders, milkshakes and French fries. Not only is it budget friendly, but the ambiance will be totally different from your more formal rehearsal!"—Demi Meeker,

Senor Sales Manager,

Cannon Green

13 of 13

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jess Levin

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 3 Eco-Friendly Wedding Flower Ideas That Are Simple and Impactful
    • Following Their Unofficial Las Vegas Elopement, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker Are Now Legally Married
    • This Couple Hosted a Flower-Filled Rooftop Wedding Celebration in Downtown Washington D.C.
    • This Couple Tied the Knot Under a Chuppah Surrounded by Aspen Trees in Colorado
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 13
    2 of 13 Create a Hospitality Suite
    3 of 13 Opt for an Experience
    4 of 13 Start with a Toast
    5 of 13 Have a Game Night
    6 of 13 Plan a Casual Bar Night
    7 of 13 Make Sure It's Meaningful
    8 of 13 Throw a Drinks and Dessert Party
    9 of 13 Build a Welcome Party in a Box
    10 of 13 Get Competitive
    11 of 13 Design a Welcome Dessert Cart
    12 of 13 Arrange a Group Activity
    13 of 13 Do It Late Night

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    12 Expert-Approved Ideas for Your Wedding Welcome Party
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.