Wedding Luncheon Etiquette

Wedding etiquette is dictated by tradition.

A wedding luncheon, also known as a bridesmaids' luncheon, is an optional part of a wedding. A wedding luncheon gives the bride an opportunity to hand out gifts to the bridal party and thank the people who have helped her prepare for her big day. Certain etiquette rules apply when planning and hosting a wedding luncheon.

Significance

A bride uses the wedding luncheon to thank her bridesmaids.

According to Kara Gobora of Go Plan Events in Columbus, Ohio, wedding luncheons are traditionally held so that the bride can hand out wedding party and special attendant gifts, give a thank-you speech to attendees or informally thank bridesmaids one-on-one. Bridesmaids' gifts could include jewelry or shoes to wear on the wedding day, a personalized bag or tote, or a robe. During the wedding luncheon, the bride can go over details of the wedding day to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Features

The bride or mother of the bride usually hosts the wedding luncheon.

It is expected that the bride, mother of the bride or another close family friend will host the luncheon in honor of the bridesmaids. On rare occasion, the bridesmaids may host the luncheon on behalf of the bride, but that goes against traditional etiquette. The guest list should include bridesmaids and junior attendants, flower girls, female relatives, and any other female whose contributions the bride wants to recognize.

Time Frame

Timing of the luncheon can depend on out-of-town guests.

Wedding luncheons usually take place a week or two before the day of the wedding. However, Gobora says, "If a bride has many attendants that are traveling from out of town, it is very appropriate to hold the luncheon a day or two before the wedding to accommodate her out-of-town guests. It usually serves as one last time for the bride and bridesmaids to all be together for some quality, relaxing time before the main event."

Types

The bride decides how formal to make the wedding luncheon.

It is up to the bride to decide how formal the event will be. Many brides choose to book an elegant tearoom for a formal tea party or have a formal brunch or dinner at a high-end restaurant, country club or hotel. A bride can opt for a more casual luncheon by treating her bridesmaids to a day at the spa, a wine tasting or simply eating a meal at someone's home.

Considerations

A wedding luncheon gives the bride and bridesmaids some time together.

While many parts of a wedding celebration cannot be omitted, a wedding luncheon is completely optional. If the bride's budget is tight or there is not enough time to squeeze in a luncheon, it can be eliminated. The matters that are normally attended to at the luncheon can be addressed at the rehearsal dinner. Gobora says, "All in all, having a wedding luncheon, no matter how formal or informal, just serves as a time to relax, enjoy the moment with your girlfriends and thank them for being a part of your most special day."

For the Bride

Put a smile on the bride's face.

During the wedding luncheon, bridesmaids can present the bride with her "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." If they have come up with a gift from the group, they may give it to the bride at this time. Sometimes bridesmaids get creative and come up with some kind of comical poem about marriage or words of advice from married guests and deliver it to the bride at the luncheon.

References

• Kara Gobora; Go Plan Events; Columbus, Ohio
• Jessica McCadam; Go Plan Events; Columbus, Ohio