6 Reasons to Have a Wedding Weekend and Extend the Celebration

Like many couples who’ve started to plan their wedding, you may realize it’s quite a lot to fit in one day! A new tradition that is growing in popularity is having a wedding weekend. By extending the festivities over a few days, you have more time to socialize with your guests, relax between events, and truly enjoy your wedding destination. Here we will discuss what is included in a wedding weekend, the top reasons to extend your wedding, and a template itinerary to help you plan your events.

What is a Wedding Weekend?

A wedding weekend is a way to plan your wedding to last more than one day. This wedding celebration typically includes a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, planned activities for guests, a wedding ceremony, reception, and send-off brunch. You can find creative ways to include events that allow you and your partner more time with your guests–and that allow your guests to explore the area while they’re in town.

3 Reasons to Have a Wedding Weekend for You and Your Partner

There are a few reasons why you and your partner might choose to have a wedding weekend instead of a one-day event. Stretching your special occasion over multiple days makes your wedding last longer and gives you more time to relax and connect with your guests.

Make Your Wedding Last Longer

One of the most common things you’ll hear from newlyweds when reflecting on their big day is how quickly it flew by. When you schedule the majority of your wedding events on one day, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of things and not be able to remember each special moment afterward. With a wedding weekend, you can spread your events and be more present in each moment rather than cram everything into one or two days.

Take More Time to Relax

With your special occasions spread over a couple of days, you’ll actually have time to relax between each important event. While hiring a wedding planner can relieve the stress leading up to your wedding, a multi-day wedding can relieve the stress of the actual event. Trust us, having a bit of downtime during the weekend will make you and your partner feel much more at ease for your big day.

Spend More Time with Friends and Family

If you have guests flying to your wedding destination, spending extra time with them is important. It may not feel as necessary for people you see often. However, when it comes to those old college friends flying across the country, you’ll want time to catch up. Having a wedding weekend creates more opportunities to spend time with the people you love. You don’t have to settle for just a quick hello at the reception.

3 Reasons to Have a Wedding Weekend for Your Guests

When considering the guest experience, there are a few reasons a wedding weekend may be more beneficial than a one-day event. It gives guests more time to spend with you and your partner and relax and explore the area.

It’s Easier for Guests Who Have to Travel

When having a destination wedding or inviting people from out of town, having a wedding weekend can make things easier for guests who will have to travel. By starting the festivities on Thursday or Friday and continuing through Sunday, you give guests a chance to relax and enjoy themselves without rushing back home.

Guests Get to Spend More Time with You

At many weddings, guests attend to celebrate the newlyweds but hardly spend any time with them. A quick “congratulations” at the reception and some time together on the dance floor is usually the extent of most guests’ interaction with the couple. A multi-day wedding with various events allows guests to get a bit more quality time with you and your partner during your special weekend.

Guests Can Explore and Enjoy the Area

When wedding guests travel to a new city or town, they often only have a limited amount of time to explore the area. By having a wedding weekend, guests can experience more of what the area has to offer. You can arrange group outings, create a packed schedule of events, or simply let them enjoy some downtime. Whatever you do, your guests will appreciate the opportunity to spend a few extra days celebrating with you.

How Does a Multi-Day Wedding Work?

Maybe a wedding weekend sounds terrific, but you’re wondering, “How do I make a wedding weekend itinerary?” When you hire a wedding planner like SPC, you don’t have to worry about the little details. We’ll help you plan every event to ensure timing is lined up, event venues are booked, and transportation is organized. But if you want to plan your multi-day wedding yourself, here’s an example of what a wedding weekend in Austin, TX could look like:

Thursday:

• 4:00-8:00 PM: Welcome Party at Emma Long Metropolitan Park on Lake Austin for a group BBQ and swimming

Friday:

• All-day: Free time to explore Austin
• Include a list of recommended activities, sites, and restaurants for your wedding guests
• 6:00-9:00 PM: Rehearsal dinner for the wedding party and VIP guests

Saturday:

• 3:00-10:00 PM: Wedding Ceremony & Reception

Sunday:

• 10:30-12:30 PM: Send-off Brunch at the venue banquet hall or your favorite Austin restaurant

Plan Your Wedding Weekend in Austin, Texas with SPC Events

Austin, Texas is one of the top wedding destinations in the south where you can celebrate you and yours with the personality to boot. Austin’s best wedding venues range from straight-up old Western rustic barns in the Hill Country to gorgeous gardens and unique boutique hotels in the heart of downtown. If you want to have your wedding in Austin, the team at SPC can help. We know all the best locations for venues, guest attractions, and accommodations and would love to plan your wedding weekend in Austin. Get in contact with our dream team to start planning your special day–or weekend–with ease!