Wedding weekends are in and they are so so much fun! A wedding weekend typically lasts three days and allows your guests to get to know each other before the wedding. This also allows you and your spouse to chat with all your guests either the day before or day after, so you don’t feel pressured on the wedding day to speak with everyone.
The best timeline for a wedding weekend would be a Friday through Sunday event. Holding a welcome cocktail hour the night before and a farewell brunch for the day after the wedding.
Welcome Cocktail Hour
Everyone knows of the rehearsal dinner, but if you are expecting a lot of out of towner guests you may want to opt for a welcome cocktail hour. A welcome cocktail hour lasts an hour or two and allows all your guests to get to know one another. At this time you are able to mingle with your guests and they can share the excitement with you and your spouse for the following day.
What to serve at your welcome cocktail hour?
A welcome cocktail hour typically includes a display of drinks and light appetizers for your guests. Some common options for drinks include wine, beer, and signature cocktails. Signature cocktails can add a special touch to your event. Maybe name one after your favorite pet! For appetizers, you could serve small plates of finger foods such as:
- Hors d’oeuvres: mini quiche, spring rolls, bruschetta, deviled eggs, etc.
- Crudités: a platter of raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber, usually served with a dip like onion dips or hummus
- Cheese and crackers: a selection of different types of cheese served with crackers or crostini, our Grazing Tables are a wonderful choice.
- Passed hors d’oeuvres: waiters circulate with trays of bite-size appetizers, inquire about our services.
It’s worth to note that in order to accommodate guests with different dietary restrictions you should offer some vegetarian or gluten-free options. Grazing Tables offer your guests a wide variety of options to chose from.
Getting Ready Brunch
A getting ready brunch is usually held for your bridal party the day of the wedding. You will be up early wanting to get the day started, you have hair and make up, photographer and everyone else running around. You need to think of what to serve your bridal party while getting ready! You want everyone to have full stomachs, because it’s going to be a long day. Our grazing tables offer you and your bridal party something to snack on throughout the morning.
Farewell Brunch
A farewell brunch is typically held the day after the wedding, this is a great way to send off your guests and thank them for being a part of your special day. This event typically lasts about two hours and includes display of drinks and light breakfast bites. If you are able, use the floral arrangements from the night before to decorate the space (super cost effective). Usually your guests are checking out of their hotel and want a quick bite for the road, our grazing tables offer just that!
What to serve at your farewell brunch?
A farewell brunch typically includes a mix of breakfast and savory foods. Some common food options for a farewell brunch include:
- Brunch favorites: quiches, frittatas, or breakfast casseroles
- Fresh fruits: a display of different types of fresh fruits
- Pastries: croissants, muffins, scones, or bagels with cream cheese or jam
- Sandwiches: a variety of sandwiches such as egg salad, chicken salad, or smoked salmon
- Beverages: coffee, tea, juice, bloody mary’s and mimosas
At Grazing Cape Cod we can make your cocktail hour, getting ready brunch and farewell brunch dreams come true. With unique designs, fresh local flavors and excellent presentation your guests will be wowed. Our grazing tables are so unique and offer your guests a variety of different snacking options no matter the dietary restrictions.
