I bet I can name five fun pre-wedding events you’ve never heard of.
Of course, I’d lose that bet against some people. Which is fine. Not every one of the fun pre-wedding events I can name is a total secret. However, some are not that well known. This may be because they are popular in some locations, but not in others. Or, culturally, they make more sense for some couples. No matter the reason, it’s important to know what’s out there so you can decide what pre-wedding events work best for your wedding.
The great thing about knowing what you can do ahead of your wedding is that you get to decide if it’s right for you, in the moment. The worst is when you find out you could have done something, but now it’s too late. So, even if one of the fun pre-wedding events you’ve never heard of on this list isn’t practiced in your community, consider if it should be. Weddings these days can be what you want them to be.
Five Fun Pre-Wedding Events You’ve Never Heard Of
This post is going to share with you five fun pre-wedding events you’ve never heard of. Of course, since they aren’t that common, they are not a prerequisite to getting married. However, there is value in every single one of them. It may be to help save money on your wedding, put a new spin on an old tradition, or just have an excuse to get together. All of which are great reasons to explore if they are right for you.
Let’s get into it!
STOCK THE BAR PARTY
If you’ve been reading recent posts on this blog, you already know what a stock the bar party is. Even so, I’ll fill in the rest of you on the scoop.
What is it? A stock the bar party’s goal is to gather bar supplies for the wedding. This may include actual bottles of alcohol, or barware. The invited guests bring these supplies as gifts to the couple.
Who hosts it? Usually, the couple will host a stock the bar party, but anyone can. Think of it as a version of an engagement party. This may mean that the couple’s families host it, or their friends.
Who gets invited to it? There are no hard rules here, but in general, guests who are also invited to the wedding will be invited to a stock the bar party.
When will this party take place? This party can take place at any point during engagement. Keep in mind that the supplies will have to be stored. If the party takes place well in advance of the wedding, it may be awhile before they are put to use. If the party is too close to the wedding it may not give the couple enough time to procure additional supplies needed.
Where will this party take place? A stock the bar party can be hosted anywhere, but since it does involve alcohol, that should be taken into consideration as not every location is alcohol-friendly. Additionally, bottles of alcohol and bar supplies can weigh a lot, so transferring them can be cumbersome. Ideally a stock the bar party will take place at the location where the supplies will be stored.
For more tips and details on a stock the bar party, check out this post.
SHOW OFF THE RING PARTY
A show off the ring party is another variation on an engagement party. Yes, it is ring-focused, but it’s a good excuse to get together and have fun celebrating with a newly engaged couple.
What is it? To be honest, a show off the ring party is basically an engagement party, only by another name. The purpose of it is to get your family and friends together to celebrate that you’re engaged. They can all meet, maybe say some words, and have fun.
Who hosts it? Anyone can host a show off the ring party. This could include the couple, their families, or some close friends.
Who gets invited to it? Typically, those who are invited to the wedding will also be invited to the show off the ring party. However, it’s okay to error on the side of caution here, and only invite those who you absolutely know will get invitations. It’s also okay to keep the party quite small and have it just be with a close group of friends or family.
When will this party take place? A show off the ring party should take place shortly after the couple gets engaged, or sets the date for their wedding. It’s to help kick off the wedding planning festivities and what is to follow.
Where will this party take place? This party can take place anywhere you’d like. Depending on the size of the party, it could be at someone’s house, a restaurant, or another public location.
BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL PARTY
A bridesmaid proposal party is a really fun way to introduce your bridesmaids to each other, kick off the planning and collaboration between them, and celebrate your engagement with your best friends.
What is it? A bridesmaid proposal party is a party to ask certain friends or family members to be in your wedding. It’s in no way a requirement in order to ask someone to be your bridesmaid, but it can be an enjoyable pre-wedding event for the right group of people. At the party, the bride may provide gifts to the bridesmaids.
Who hosts it? The bride should host this party.
Who gets invited to it? Anyone who would be in your wedding party can be invited. Essentially, if you want them to be your bridesmaid or maid of honor, they should get an invite.
When will this party take place? This party should take place after you’re sure who you want in your wedding. In some cases, you may want to check with certain potential bridesmaids ahead of time to make sure they will be able to say yes to the role. A bridesmaid proposal party is the kick off to your bridesmaid’s involvement in your wedding, so it needs to take place well before dress shopping, bridal showers, and bachelorettes are planned.
Where will this party take place? A bridesmaid proposal party can take place anywhere. The bride’s home. A restaurant. The beach. Wherever makes sense for the gathering is fine.
If you want more tips on bridesmaid proposals, this is the post for you.
STAG AND DOE PARTY
A stag and doe party is a total cultural event. It’s quite popular in parts of Canada, and may be hosted in some of the United States, too. It’s also referred to as a buck and doe party, or a Jack and Jill party, among other terms based on locational preference.
What is it? A stag and doe party is a sort of fundraiser before the wedding. There are tickets sold to attend the party. During the party there may be food, raffles, prizes, games, dancing, live music, and drinking. Couples can gather quite a bit of funds if they have enough people attend their stag and doe.
Who hosts it? The couple may host a stag and doe, or their wedding party may host it. Really, anyone who wants to help raise money for the wedding can be the host.
Who gets invited to it? Literally anyone can be invited to the stag and doe. In fact, the more the merrier. It’s not uncommon to attend a stag and doe for a couple who you don’t even know. Friends, friends of friends, and their friends, are welcome to join as long as they buy a ticket, and respectfully have fun.
When will this party take place? A stag and doe party takes place ahead of large wedding expenses.
Where will this party take place? A stag and doe party needs to take place in a large space. Outdoor parks, privately owned property, large rec halls, and gymnasiums are common places to hold it.
THE BRIDESMAID BRUNCH
Okay, last one. The bridesmaid brunch. This is a fun way for the bridal party to get together to plan, have some fun, and for the bride to thank the bridesmaids for their efforts.
What is it? A bridesmaid brunch is a way for the bride to hold a meeting with her bridesmaids. At it she can share news, confirm pre-wedding events to watch out for, form a plan for the wedding day, and provide a nice spread while doing it. It’s a sweet way to thank everyone for their efforts while making sure the group is on the same page for events like the bridal shower, bachelorette, and the actual wedding.
Who hosts it? The bride, of course!
Who gets invited to it? All of the bridesmaids and the maid of honor should be invited. Junior bridesmaids can also be included, though this depends on their age and actual involvement in the wedding.
When will this party take place? Ideally, a bridesmaid brunch will be before the bridal shower and bachelorette planning will take place. However, it all depends. A bridesmaid brunch might just be a nice way to bring everyone together and talk high level plans. Or, it could take place a few weeks before the wedding as a private thank you for your bridal party.
Where will this party take place? Honestly, a bridesmaid brunch could be held anywhere. The bride may want to host it at her home, providing brunch food, coffee, and mimosas for the group. Or, she can treat everyone to brunch at a restaurant.
There can be lots of variations on a bridesmaid brunch. As long as it brings everyone together, is hosted by the bride, and allows for chat about upcoming events, it meets the goal.
THOUGHTS ON FUN PRE-WEDDING EVENTS YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
Friends, I hope you had a good time learning about fun pre-wedding events you’ve never heard of. Some of these events are common in some locations, and others are sort of new. All of them can be a fun way to get together before the wedding. Remember, none of these pre-wedding events are essential to getting married. However, they all serve their own purpose and you should go for them if they suit you. Happy wedding planning!
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