How To Throw A Post-Wedding Brunch?

Hosting a post-wedding brunch allows newlyweds to extend their celebration and spend additional time with family and friends. Planning a brunch like this may seem challenging.

Still, by breaking it down into key components—such as selecting a venue, planning the menu, and sending invitations—you can create a relaxing, memorable gathering.

Here’s a complete guide to planning and throwing a post-wedding brunch that will help make the day after your wedding just as special.

Let's get straight to the point

Post-wedding brunches offer a relaxed, intimate way to extend your celebration with loved ones. Choose a convenient venue like a restaurant, hotel, or private home, and set a flexible time (mid-morning or early afternoon). 

Decide on the guest list—everyone, close family, or just out-of-town guests—and plan a balanced menu with main dishes, lighter options, and drink stations. Simplify with a casual dress code and set a budget to manage costs.

Delegate tasks to reduce stress and create a comfortable atmosphere with flexible timing, self-serve stations, and light décor. 

Keep invitations simple with digital invites or RSVPs, and consider any travel schedules for out-of-town guests. Finally, cherish time with loved ones as a warm, meaningful farewell to a memorable weekend.

1. Choose The Perfect Venue

The venue sets the tone for your brunch, so pick a convenient location that reflects your desired atmosphere. Consider these options:

• Nearby Restaurants: Many restaurants offer brunch packages or private dining areas.
• Hotels: If most guests stay at a hotel, hosting the brunch there can make attendance easy.
• Private Homes or Gardens: A relaxed, intimate space like a garden or private home can feel welcoming.

When selecting the venue:

• Ensure it’s easily accessible for out-of-town guests.
• Book a space that can accommodate about 75% of your guest list.
• Confirm any amenities provided by the venue, such as tables, seating, and catering services.

2. Set A Time For The Brunch

The timing of a post-wedding brunch is crucial. Here are some options based on typical schedules:

• Morning Brunch: Starting around 10 or 11 a.m. allows guests to sleep in.
• Early Afternoon: If the wedding was a late-night event, consider a later start, around noon.

This flexibility lets guests drop in when ready, making the event more relaxed. It’s also polite to schedule the brunch at a time that allows guests to check out of their accommodations if they’re leaving the same day.

3. Decide Who’s Invited

The guest list for the brunch is up to you. Here are a few invitation styles to consider:

• All Wedding Guests: Inviting everyone shows appreciation for all who attended.
• Immediate Family and Close Friends: A more intimate gathering, limited to close relatives and friends.
• Out-of-Town Guests Only: An ideal way to thank guests for travelling for the wedding.

If the brunch is exclusive to certain guests, avoid listing it publicly on your wedding website to ensure understanding. Including RSVP instructions can help plan for food and seating.

4. Plan The Brunch Menu

A carefully planned menu makes the brunch enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to set it up:

• Main Dishes: Consider crowd-pleasers like eggs Benedict, quiches, or breakfast casseroles.
• Lighter Options: Include fruit platters, pastries, and yogurt for a balanced menu.
• Beverage Stations:
  • Coffee and Tea: Essential for morning gatherings.
  • Mimosa and Bloody Mary Bars: Allow guests to create their cocktails.

Consider dietary preferences by offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. A “build-your-own” station, like a bagel or parfait bar, allows guests to customise their meals.

5. Consider The Dress Code

While not mandatory, a dress code can set the tone for the brunch. Here are a few common options:

• Casual: Great for a laid-back atmosphere, especially in a drop-in or buffet-style brunch.
• Garden Party: If you’re hosting outdoors, consider a slightly more formal look.

If you have a preferred dress code, include it on your invitations or wedding website so guests know what to expect.

6. Budgeting And Planning Costs

Knowing who pays for the brunch can simplify the planning process. Here are some budgeting tips:

• Traditional Payment: The couple or their families usually cover brunch costs.
• Budget-Friendly Options: To keep costs down, choose a simple menu with coffee, tea, pastries, and fruit rather than a full meal.
• Contributions from Guests: Some guests, especially close family members, may offer to pitch in.

Set a budget early, and remember that brunch doesn’t need to be extravagant—it’s about spending quality time with loved ones.

7. Delegate Responsibilities

Coordinating brunch details can be easier if tasks are delegated:

• Couple: While the newlyweds often host, they can hand off certain responsibilities.
• Family Members or Friends: Designating specific roles, such as handling RSVPs or booking the venue, can be very helpful.
• Hire a Planner: If the budget allows, hiring a planner can help organise details and reduce stress for the newlyweds.

Deciding on roles and responsibilities early will keep things organised and reduce last-minute tasks.

8. Create A Comfortable Atmosphere

To make your post-wedding brunch a comfortable event, focus on creating a welcoming environment:

• Seating Arrangements: If the brunch is large, having reserved seating can help manage space. Informal seating works well for smaller groups.
• Background Music: Light background music can add warmth without overwhelming the event.
• Simple Decor: Use small floral arrangements, candles, or personal touches to decorate tables without overdoing it.

A comfortable atmosphere makes guests feel relaxed, encouraging them to linger and enjoy themselves.

9. Keep The Event Flexible

A drop-in style brunch works well for guests who may have flights or travel plans. Here are a few pointers for keeping it flexible:

• Flexible Timing: Allow guests to arrive and leave as they wish.
• Self-Serve Stations: Set up coffee, juice, and food stations where guests can serve themselves.
• Simple Farewells: The brunch is a chance to say goodbye without a strict schedule or speeches.

A flexible brunch lets guests enjoy a relaxed morning after the wedding festivities, making it easy to stop by on their way out of town.

10. Make Use Of Wedding Favours

Brunch is a great time to share if you have extra wedding favours from the previous night. This allows guests who may have missed their favour at the reception to pick one up. Here are a few ideas:

• Gift Table: Set up a table near the entrance where guests can grab a favour on their way out.
• Small Keepsakes: Offer mini bottles, local treats, or candles as parting gifts.

Offering leftover wedding favours provides a final keepsake for guests, which they’ll appreciate as they leave.

11. Simplify The Invitation Process

Inviting guests to the post-wedding brunch doesn’t have to be formal. Here’s how to streamline it:

• Include RSVP Cards: If the brunch is for selected guests, add an RSVP card with the wedding invitation.
• Send a Digital Invite: Consider using an email or digital invitation for a casual brunch.
• List the Brunch on the Wedding Website: Make sure all details—time, location, and dress code—are available online for guests.

Keeping the invitation process simple ensures guests know the plans without creating extra work.

12. The Newlyweds’ Role During The Brunch

For the couple, the post-wedding brunch is a relaxed way to connect with guests and say farewell. Here are some ways the couple can make the most of this time:

• Greet Guests: Welcome each guest as they arrive.
• Mingle and Chat: Take time to thank guests individually and enjoy conversations.
• Say Goodbye: This is a great opportunity to bid farewell to guests travelling home.

The couple’s role is simple—just relax and enjoy the brunch while creating a warm send-off for friends and family.

13. Plan Around Guests’ Travel Schedules

Since many guests will leave on the day of the brunch, consider their schedules when planning:

• Brunch Timing: Choose a mid-morning start to give guests time to prepare for departure.
• Accessible Location: Host the brunch at or near the hotel where guests stay, making it easy for them to get there before heading home.
• Flexible Duration: Plan a brunch that’s around 2.5 hours long to accommodate both early and late arrivals.

Being mindful of guests’ travel needs will help ensure they can comfortably attend before departing.

14. Offer A Simple Goodbye Gift (Optional)

While not necessary, a small farewell gift can leave a lasting impression. Here are some ideas:

• Locally Made Treats: Send guests off with a local specialty, like honey or small jam jars.
• Mini Mementos: Small items like bookmarks or postcards with a thank-you note work well.

Including a farewell gift is a thoughtful way to thank guests one last time, but it’s optional.

15. Wrap Up The Wedding Weekend In Style

A post-wedding brunch wraps up the weekend on a high note, creating a last opportunity to celebrate, connect, and share memories. Here are a few final tips:

• Keep It Simple: Focus on food, conversation, and a relaxed setting.
• Embrace Flexibility: A casual, drop-in format helps make the brunch low-pressure.
• Cherish Time with Loved Ones: Use the brunch as a final chance to soak in the joy of the weekend.

Conclusion

A post-wedding brunch is a perfect way to wind down and enjoy one last celebration with loved ones before the wedding weekend ends.

Keeping things simple and embracing a flexible format will create a relaxed atmosphere everyone can enjoy. Whether you choose a formal venue or a casual backyard setting, remember that the focus is on cherishing quality time with those closest to you.

 With some planning and thoughtful touches, your brunch will be a meaningful send-off, creating lasting memories for you and your guests. Enjoy this final chance to celebrate love, family, and friendship in an intimate and joyful setting!