What is it?
A post-wedding brunch is usually held the day after the wedding. You may want to host one if you’ll have a lot of out-of-town-guests attending your nuptials. Of course, the formal reception is your official thank youto your guests, but a day-after brunch is a good way to spend more time with the friends and family you don’t get to see very often. It can be as casual or formal as you like, but is usually more relaxed than the reception.
Where to have it?
If the wedding is in your hometown, you could host the brunch at your home or your parents’ place. Or, if many guests are staying in the same hotel, ask if they have a conference room or breakfast area you could rent. Consider reusing some centrepieces to dress up the space. Wherever you choose to have the event, be sure to invite guests before the wedding so they have time to finalize their travel plans.
Who to invite?
This is up to you. You may choose to invite everyone who attends your wedding or just the out-of-towners as a special way to thank them for making the trip. Some couples like to have just close family members and the wedding party on hand to watch the opening of the wedding gifts.
What to serve?
The meal can be as simple as coffee and pastries, or as elaborate as a feast of carved ham and champagne cocktails. Brunch is a simple meal to plan if you serve foods that can be kept at room temperature—frittata, mini quiche, crudités and fruit trays. Add a fancy punch bowl or some mimosas and your guests will be delighted.
Who pays?
If you or your parents are paying, you can communicate this to your guests through the style of invitation you choose. A formal written invitation will let them know that this is a hosted event and they will not be expected to pay. If, however, your budget was stretched to the breaking point during the wedding planning, you can send guests an email or make a phone call. For example, “We will be heading to the Lakeside Bistro for brunch on Sunday at 11:30. Everyone is welcome to join us. The cost for the meal will be approximately $15. We’d love to spend some more time with you while you’re in town.” As long as you warn guests ahead of time that you’ll be “going Dutch,” this is perfectly acceptable.
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