Centuries
ago, after the wedding ceremony and subsequent breakfast celebration, guests
were sent on their way with little-to-no fanfare. Over time, however, weddings expanded
into multi-day affairs and, with their evolution, began including day-after
brunches.
Today,
the day-after brunch has become a common component of many weddings. It’s not
surprising that this is the case; everyone loves Sunday brunch; it’s yummy,
includes food items not usually found on other menus and (most of the time)
includes alcohol. Couples view it as a way to spend more time with their guests
and send them off in style; guests view it as one last time to celebrate; hosts
(if not the couple) view it as one last time to demonstrate hospitality.
We
have a few recommendations regarding brunch:
First,
remember that not everyone will come, but must be invited. This includes
in-town guests. It’s proper etiquette.
Second,
set a menu or make it a buffet (the latter usually works best). This avoids the
lengthy time it takes to create individually ordered meals.
Third,
if you decide to offer alcohol (it IS brunch, after all), limit your offerings
to one or two drinks. Your budget will thank you.
Fourth,
remember that the couple (i.e., you!) needs to show up for the whole or vast
majority of the time. It’s okay to walk in a few minutes late (you will have celebrated
late the night before, after all), but you must stay until almost all attendees
depart.
Fifth,
printed invitations are required, regardless of the brunch’s formality. Emails
are insufficient.
Overall,
the planning and operation of a brunch should be managed the same as the
rehearsal dinner, but with one big exception: provide a timeframe and not a
specific time. For example, brunch can be held from 9-11, not 9. The difference
is that the former allows guests to come and go as they please, depending on
their departure or sleep schedule.
However,
hosting a brunch is also an additional wedding expense, and by no means is a
traditional wedding component. Therefore, couples should not have any
misconceptions that they must or are expected to host a brunch, advice that extends
to the couple’s parents and other hosts. Although a kind invitation (who doesn’t
appreciate a free meal?), throwing a brunch isn’t required.
