How to Plan a Multi-Day Wedding

A wedding is the most beautiful way to celebrate the love of two people. While traditional weddings are often one-day affairs, we’re seeing many couples now opting for a more immersive experience and extending their celebrations over two or three days.

Hosting a wedding over multiple days rather than a single day provides the ideal opportunity to build lasting memories, spend more time with your friends and family, and create a genuinely memorable experience for both you and your guests. Not forgetting having an abundance of wedding photos to enjoy at the end of it!

But is it for you, and where do you start if you opt for a weekend bonanza? Keep scrolling for everything you need to know, from wedding weekend itinerary tips to ensuring your wedding guests have a great time. Let’s go!

Typical multi-day wedding timeline

Day 1- Welcome party: Whether you're planning a full-blown destination wedding weekend or just have a few out-of-town guests coming your way, throwing a welcome party is a relaxed, low-key way to get everyone well and truly in the holiday spirit. This is also the perfect time to host your rehearsal dinner; not only will you be able to personally greet your guests as they arrive, but you'll also have the opportunity to introduce folks who may not have already met.

Day 2- The wedding ceremony and reception: The main event will most likely take place on the second day. Needless to say, you'll need to organise everything ahead of time, from when hair and makeup will begin to who will officiate the marriage. This is the day for the ceremony, photos, cocktail hours, formal dinner, and wedding party - all the bells and whistles you’re well acquainted with.

Since everyone will be there already, thanks to the first day, this allows a bit more wiggle room when it comes to timing and a schedule for the day itself.

Day 3- Farewell brunch: Finding a chance to say your goodbyes on your wedding day might be challenging, given the overwhelming adrenaline and busy agenda. This dilemma is solved by having a farewell brunch the next morning before departing on your honeymoon. Over French breakfast and mimosas, you can express your thank yous in a casual, relaxed setting.

Careful considerations

Find a venue that suits: The best wedding weekends happen when all of your guests stay on-site or as close to your location as possible. Convenience is essential if you want guests to attend your various wedding celebrations; consider venues with plentiful accommodation, such as glamping sites, retreats, resorts, large houses etc. It's also a major plus if the site has activities or attractions nearby.

Hire a wedding planner: There's no denying that organising a wedding weekend on your own can be a logistical nightmare. There are many moving parts! If you don't have the time or energy to deal with all of the details yourself and the budget allows, seriously consider hiring a wedding planner. Even though this may take up a significant chunk of your wedding finances, planners will often save you money through their industry knowledge and vendor contacts. They will also undoubtedly save you time and stress in the long run, which can be priceless!

Child-free or child-friendly? A wedding weekend may be doable for the average adult, but if some of your guests have children and you would rather have a child-free wedding, some compromises need to be made. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to start researching babysitter services and considering how you might offer this to your guests.

If that isn’t really in the budget, couples must either allow children or accept that their friends and relatives may be unable to make it work. It is not as easy for parents to skip off on a weekend wedding as it is for someone who doesn’t have children, so this should be carefully considered.

Planning essentials; timing is everything

Create a wedding website and see it as the digital hub for everything relating to your big weekend celebration, from the agenda and dress code for each event to travel and hotel information… even packing tips.

Make your wedding website as informative as possible so that guests feel aware of what’s planned and get prepared for the weekend ahead. It's also a good idea to make a list of "things to do" in their spare time. Share the best sightseeing activities, as well as exciting restaurants, pubs, vineyards, outdoor areas, and attractions to visit during their stay.

Space out activities so your guests don’t feel drained by racing from one event to the next and have time to get back to the hotel, shower and change into the next event’s appropriate attire.

Allow for enough downtime so that guests can make plans amongst themselves, relax by the hotel pool, explore the area or simply enjoy some downtime.

Plan shorter events, perhaps not an all-day hike or an endless touring excursion!

Be flexible with your guests, a three-day celebration is a significant time commitment for you and your fiancé, but it is also a time commitment for your guests. When it comes to invitations, be open to new ideas. Make it abundantly clear that they are not required to attend every aspect of your wedding. People may be unable to afford three nights' accommodation or to take extended time off work. Whatever the cause, if some of your guests have a problem, be understanding and assure them that it isn't a big deal - what counts is that they are able to enjoy your special day or, indeed, days!

FAQ's

How far in advance should you start planning a multi-day wedding? A three-day wedding demands a significant amount of work and organisation. It’s advised to begin planning at least 12 to 18 months in advance. This timeline allows you to secure preferred venues, vendors, and accommodation, as well as give yourself plenty of time to send out invites and collect RSVPs.

When to send out save the dates? Treat your wedding weekend like a destination wedding and send your save the dates up to a year in advance. Sending them out early gives your guests plenty of time to make travel and accommodation arrangements, secure the most competitive rates, and save up their holiday days to request time off work.

Is it necessary to include all guests in all three days of celebrations? While it is not necessary for all guests to attend every day of the celebration, it is critical that you communicate the itinerary and expectations. Highlight any must-attend events, such as the wedding ceremony or reception, and allow visitors to engage in activities that best suit their schedules and interests.

How to ensure guests have a good time? To provide a positive guest experience, consider the following:

Clear communication: Keep guests informed about the schedule, dress code, and any important details well in advance. Provide a contact person or a hospitality desk during the event to address any questions or concerns.

Dietary restrictions: Take into account any dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests when planning meals and refreshments. Offer a variety of options to accommodate different preferences.

Thoughtful gestures: Small gestures like personalised notes, welcome bags, or welcome drinks can go a long way in making guests feel appreciated and truly welcomed.