What Is a Bridal Luncheon

Wondering what is a bridal luncheon? How is it different from the engagement party or bridal shower? Here’s everything you need to know.

What exactly is a bridal luncheon?

Bridal luncheon (also called a bridesmaids’ luncheon) is a pre-wedding party. It’s a daytime celebration for the bride and her honor attendants – bridesmaids and flower girls. Bridal luncheon is a great opportunity to get together with your bridesmaids before your big day. It’s also a perfect way for the bride-to-be to thank her bridesmaids for their support and help with the wedding planning. Bridal luncheon is a low key event – it can be brunch, afternoon tea, lunch or a trip to the salon.

Who should host it?

There are a few options for the hostess: maid of honor, mother of the bride or the bride herself.

Who should be invited?

Guest list should be limited to women who are participating in the wedding ceremony. It should include mother of the bride, mother of the groom, flower girl and her mother, bridesmaids and the soon-to-be newlyweds’ sisters. If you want to have a celebration with more guests, you can invite grandmothers, aunts and other close female friends.

What should be served?

This is totally up to you. You could have a brunch, lunch or tea. You could also have a dinner with tacos and margaritas or pizza or wine – whatever sounds most delicious!

When to hold the bridal luncheon?

If all of the bridesmaids are in town, you can host the event the day before the wedding. Consider hosting it in the late morning, followed by a trip to the salon for manicures. You can also have the bridal luncheon in the morning of the wedding. If it’s an evening wedding, you can have the luncheon before the wedding preparations or between the hair and make-up appointments.

Where to hold the bridal luncheon?

Again, this is totally up to you. You can choose a restaurant, bar, spa or rent a suite for the weekend.

What happens during the bridal luncheon?

The main focus of the event is thanking your bridesmaids for their help with the wedding planning. This is the perfect time to give them gifts you may have bought for them – especially if you hope they will use them on the wedding day. Bride-to-be may opt to make a short toast – although this isn’t necessary. Use this gathering to relax, enjoy the company of important women in your life and prepare yourself for the upcoming celebration.

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