A few questions for you and your partner…Are mornings when you’re most energized? Do you love the sights and sounds of the break of day? And, here’s a biggie: Is breakfast your absolute favorite meal of the day?
If your answers are yes, yes, and YES, a wedding reception brunch might be a perfect fit for you.
To clarify, a brunch wedding reception takes place in the late morning or early afternoon, following a morning wedding ceremony This option is not the same as an after-wedding brunch, which usually takes place the day following a wedding.
Increasing numbers of couples are embracing the relaxed vibe of brunch weddings, not to mention the opportunity for cost savings. So we’ve put together some factors to consider before opting for a brunch wedding, along with tips and ideas for making a brunch wedding shine.
What You Should Know
First of all, while brunch is often a meal we enjoy after sleeping in, wedding brunches don’t work that way, especially if you’re the bride. Starting your reception late in the morning or early in the afternoon means all of your preparations will start early in the day. We’re talking really early, before the crack of dawn.
If you go this route, you’ll need to convey timelines clearly with your guests, your wedding party, your wedding venue, and all of the vendors you’ll be working with, from the people doing your hair and makeup to your caterer.
A few more thoughts about your guests: Morning weddings may pose a challenge for some of them, depending on their work and family obligations. We recommend touching base with the people you’d like to invite before committing to a morning event.
And, here’s a consideration for those of you looking forward to getting out on the dance floor to celebrate with friends. You can, of course, have dancing at a brunch wedding, but it probably won’t have the same vibe as a nighttime celebration. Guests may be a bit more reserved.
What’s more, daytime weddings are often shorter than evening events, which could result in less time for dancing—and socializing with your guests. If time with friends and family is a high priority, we have some ideas below that might help.
Upsides to Morning Weddings
If formal evening affairs aren’t your style, brunch weddings can be a nice compromise. In most cases, they’re more casual. That applies to dress, décor, table settings: everything that impacts the celebration’s atmosphere. (Of course, if you want a formal morning affair, no one is going to call the wedding police. Whichever way you go, the key is to communicate what you have in mind with guests, the wedding party, and the businesses you’re working with.)
And, a morning event can contribute to a more child-friendly atmosphere—if that’s a priority. Children, in many cases, will be well-rested in the morning and in a better mood than they might be in the evening, with bedtime nearing. If you are going to welcome children, consider offering activities geared for them. Consider giant tabletop dominoes or a large Jenga game. Other popular options are coloring and LEGO stations, a scavenger hunt, and a kids’ photo booth.
Depending on your choices, a morning wedding also could save you money. As Brides magazine recently noted, “opting for mimosas or a Bloody Mary bar over a full bar, and by choosing a casual wedding dress and simplified decor to fit the tone of the event” can help you cut costs.
You also may be able to save on your venue costs by passing on the popular Saturday night time slot, and brunch menu items can be less expensive than dinner selections.
Another plus to brunch weddings: If you plan to have out-of-town guests, a morning wedding frees up time to do something fun in the surrounding area and spend more time with loved ones. In Houston, for example, you could visit Johnson Space Center, check out the wealth of museums and cultural attractions, or depending on the season, attend a special event or festival.
Tips for Success
If you decide to move forward with a brunch wedding, we have some helpful suggestions for you.
Select an optimal venue. Some venues have gorgeous decor and gardens that are perfect for a brunch wedding. As you research possibilities, try to schedule morning or early afternoon tours. And, of course, make sure they’re available for morning events.
Hire photographers who will produce amazing results. If you ask your planner or venue, they might be able to recommend photographers and videographers who have created beautiful, daytime images. Ask for references and examples of their work.
Don’t make your guests wonder what to wear. Be very clear about your dress code on your invitations and wedding website. The definition of casual attire varies from person to person so offer examples of what you envision, from colorful dresses and jumpsuits for women to a sports coat or pants and a button-down shirt for men.
Offer caffeine. Lots of it. We recommend setting up carts with coffee, tea, and light snacks for guests to enjoy before your reception and having coffee stations and/or an espresso at the reception. You can also offer paper coffee cups with customized sleeves. We recently saw a cute sleeve option with a logo that said, “The Perfect Blend,” along with a display of the bride’s and groom’s names and their wedding date.
Create a morning vibe. You have plenty of creative options. Consider citrus, songbird, or coffee-themed centerpieces. Weave morning glory into your bouquet or floral displays. Have fun with playful signage like “I love you a waffle lot” for a waffle station, “Rise and Shine, It’s Wedding Time,” or “Love is Brewing” for a coffee station.
Think about morning-friendly entertainment for your celebration. Possibilities include games, a photo booth, a caricature artist or onsite artist, or a flower crown station.
Select brunch-themed favors. Give guests coffee and tea packages or think about mason jars with premeasured waffle, pancake, or muffin mix and mix-ins.
Personalize your brunch wedding with meaningful details that reflect your personalities and love story. Consider incorporating elements like custom signage, monogrammed napkins, or themed decor that showcases your unique style and adds a personal touch to the festivities.
The Food!
What’s a brunch wedding without scrumptious food? Here are our tips.
Don’t forget your guests’ needs and preferences. Just like a dinner menu, you’ll need to consider food allergies and dietary restrictions. And, you’ll need to aim for a variety of food choices that can satisfy eclectic tastes and preferences.
Ask your caterer about food stations. Your options for brunches are endless from omelets, pastries, and crepes to fresh fruit, doughnuts, and bagel food stations.
Have fun with your appetizers. Think about crab cakes, deviled eggs, chicken-and-waffle skewers, mini breakfast pizzas, or bacon planks (bite-sized sweet or savory foods wrapped in bacon).
Egg it up. Yes, omelets are great, but guests might also enjoy quiche, frittatas, eggs Benedict, eggs Florentine, or egg casserole.
Have you thought about smoothie bowls? According to Peppersartfulevens.com, smoothie bowls are a rising trend. They comprise a smoothie base with such toppings as chia seeds, berries and fruits, nuts, seeds, granola, and coconut.
Don’t limit the selection to breakfast foods. Include salads, finger sandwiches, and proteins like salmon or beef strata.
Offer appealing drinks. Popular options include mimosas, screwdrivers, Bellinis, and Bloody Marys. Guests also will appreciate juice, smoothies, and other non-alcoholic drinks.
You can get creative with your cake. Brides magazine suggests a light choice, possibly angel food cake, coffee cake, or a creation made of crepes, waffles, or pancakes. Another option is a small, one-tier wedding cake for the wedding—or your anniversary.
As you can see, wedding brunches lend themselves to fun, creativity, and special memories. With some thought and planning, your morning wedding will be spectacular.
The Bell Tower on 34th is an elegant wedding venue in Houston, TX. Our elegant building is known for beautiful touches, including a grand staircase and a stunning waterfall.
Contact us to learn more.
The Bell Tower on 34th
901 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018
(713) 868-2355