Should you have a pre-wedding event? – Pros, cons and tips
When planning a wedding, wether it’s on Mallorca or elsewhere, many couples consider adding a pre-wedding event such as a welcome dinner, cocktail evening, or casual get-together before the big day.
These gatherings can be a wonderful way to kick off the celebrations, but they also come with a few things to weigh up.
If you’re wondering whether a pre-wedding event is right for you, here are some pros and cons to help you decide.
The Pros of a Pre-Wedding Event
1. A chance to connect before the big day
Weddings can feel busy and overwhelming. And the day will fly by!
A pre-wedding event gives you the chance to spend quality time with your guests before the wedding itself, especially with those who’ve traveled from far away.
2. More relaxed atmosphere
Unlike the wedding day, which often follows a schedule, a pre-wedding event is typically more casual. Guests can mingle, laugh, and bond without the formality or time pressure.
3. Extends the celebration
If one day doesn’t feel like enough, a pre-wedding event helps turn your wedding into a weekend (or longer!) experience. It adds another layer of excitement and memories for everyone involved. Many of your guests, if not all, have travelled far to join you in Mallorca. And they will probably appreciate to get to spend more time with you.
4. Helps guests get to know each other
When guests have already met before the wedding day, it creates a friendlier, more festive vibe during the ceremony and reception. Conversations flow easier, and the dance floor fills up faster - for sure!
Photo: My second shooter Eimi Thoren, at Holmanäs gård. Sweden.
The cons of a pre-wedding event
1. Additional costs
More events usually mean more expenses. Food, drinks, venue, and possibly decor. Even a simple gathering can add up quickly.
2. More planning stress
While a pre-wedding dinner or party can be fun, it’s still one more thing to organize in an already busy wedding season.
It might feel overwhelming if you’re trying to keep things simple.
3. Guest commitments
Not all guests can take extra time off work or travel early. Some may not be able to attend, which can make the event feel incomplete.
4. Energy levels
Back-to-back events can be tiring for you and your guests. If you want to be well-rested and full of energy for your wedding day, adding a pre-event might leave you feeling drained.
My tips for planning a pre-wedding event
Timing is everything. If you know your friends have a reputation for not knowing when to call it a night, consider hosting the event two days before the wedding. That way, everyone has a full day to recover before the big day.
If you trust that your guests can pace themselves, you can plan it for the day before the wedding. Just make sure to start earlier in the evening and wrap things up around 9–10 pm so everyone’s fresh and ready for tomorrow.
Plan games. Icebreakers are a fantastic way to get people talking! Hand out bingo cards that encourage guests to mingle. For example: “Find someone who has been in a police car” or “Find someone who has backpacked in Australia.”
Another fun option is the shoe game, but swap the shoes for the couple’s favorite drinks or cocktails. It looks great in photos!
Set the mood. Hiring a DJ is a great way to bring the right energy and get people excited for the wedding. For a more relaxed vibe, hire a pizza maker or even an ice cream cart. Guests always love interactive food options!
Should you have a photographer?
Most definitely! Hiring a photographer for your pre-wedding event, ideally the same one you’ve booked for your wedding, is a brilliant idea.
It’s a perfect opportunity for your friends and family to get comfortable in front of the camera and get to know your photographer (me👋) before the wedding day.
By the time the ceremony comes around, they’ll feel more relaxed and natural, which always shines through in the photos.
When I’m booked for pre-wedding events, I can even bring along an off-camera flash and set up a mini studio. Sometimes I print a few photos overnight so you have them ready as decoration the very next day. It’s such a personal touch and always makes guests smile.
Final thoughts
A pre-wedding event can be a wonderful way to bring people together, especially if your wedding is a destination celebration or if you want to maximize time with loved ones. However, it’s important to weigh the added costs, planning, and energy it requires.
If you love the idea of extending the celebration, keep it simple. Think casual drinks, a beach picnic, or a family-style dinner.
Add a couple of fun games or unique food experiences, and you’ll create memories that set the perfect tone for your wedding.
But if you’re already feeling stretched, it’s perfectly okay to save all the excitement for the wedding day itself.
❤️So, how’s your planning going?
Are you planning a pre-wedding event, or do you prefer keeping the celebration to one big day?