Cap Off Your Wedding Weekend With a Day-After Gathering

Most people know about the traditional elements of pre-wedding celebrations. This usually includes showers, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and rehearsal dinners. But, does the fun have to stop when the reception ends? Not necessarily. A growing trend in today's weddings is to include a day-after gathering.

What is the purpose of a day-after gathering? And how can you make it fun and stress-free? Here are a few answers.

There are many reasons that couples choose to host a gathering the day after their wedding. It's a chance to reminisce and relive the highs (and occasionally, the lows) of the big day. You can laugh and relax with the bridal party, family members, and your closest friends now that the stress is all over and the crowd is gone. Some couples like to open presents during the day-after gathering, but this is up to you.

A day-after party is also a chance to thank people who helped you plan and execute your wedding and reception. Before the wedding, the focus was generally always on the bridal couple. But now, you can toast and honor those who supported you along the way, giving gifts and giving voice to your appreciation. Finally, it's a great opportunity to spend time with out-of-town guests you may not see again for a while.

Of course, the addition of another party to plan and pay for might easily add stress during an alreadychallenging time. Avoid this by planning an elegant but low-key event. Choose a local restaurant with an attractive and private banquet room. This way, no one has to prepare, transport, or serve food. And you control costs by working with the restaurant staff to design a menu you can afford.

Keep the party's guest list relatively small, as well. It helps with expenses, and you won't have to deal with guests who might make you feel stressed. Typically, most couples invite immediate family, the bridal party, their closest friends, and those who helped out significantly with the planning. If you have guests who've traveled far, it's kind to ask them to join you - particularly if they're paying for their own travel expenses.

If you think that a day-after gathering might be a great fit for your wedding weekend, make plans early for the best selection. Determine the right time of day to enjoy your friends and family in a relaxed atmosphere. If you want it to be less expensive, opt for lunch rather than dinner or an expensive Sunday brunch.

Look for a local restaurant with the ambiance you want. You should also have a rough idea of the size of your guest list so you can find a comfortable venue that allows everyone to mingle, eat, and possibly gather to open presents or watch a video.

The ambiance of the restaurant doesn't have to match the tone of the wedding unless you want it to. Many couples opt for a day-after venue that provides a fun contrast to other events. If you had a soft, romantic wedding, for instance, consider a casual and laid-back restaurant. Did you plan a simple backyard wedding? Amp up the elegance the following day with wine and a nice steak.

On the other hand, reusing ceremony and reception decor can be a money-saving move. And you get to make the most out of your flowers, sweets, candles, and those centerpieces you and your bridesmaids slaved over.

At Picano's Italian Grille, our banquet facilities can help you plan the perfect end to your perfect Michigan wedding. No matter how you want to serve the meal or how large (or small) your group is, our catering pros are here to make things go right. Make an appointment today to visit our beautiful facilities.