The best thing about a destination wedding is that it brings together your favourite people in a venue that provides excitement for everyone involved. When guests travel for hours to celebrate with you, you can show appreciation by planning a memorable pre-wedding activity for the group.
“It’s good to include other events hosted on your wedding weekend because a lot of people spend a lot of money coming to your wedding. “If you’re asking guests to get on a plane, you want them to step away from experience and feel immersed in the local culture.” Aoife Owens of White Elephant Resorts agrees, saying, “Scheduled activities are a great way to showcase the destination the couple has chosen.”
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However, it can be difficult to decide how best to bring different groups of participants together. How do you choose something that caters to different ages, personalities and preferences? Where is the line drawn between forced pleasure and, well, real pleasure?
“Ultimately, you want to focus on what makes your destination cool.” “What’s special about the area?
Need more advice or inspiration? Read on for a selection of 15 unique activity ideas to incorporate into your wedding weekend, plus answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about pre-wedding activities for guests.
01. Throw a Welcome Party
If most of your guests are from out of town, a welcome party is a great way to kick off the festivities and give guests the opportunity to get together before the main party. It is usually organized the night before the wedding, but this event can take place after or even in place of the rehearsal dinner. “Make a casual stop for a drink and a light snack, because people will always check in and be tired.” They don’t want to get into a formal experience right away.
That said, you don’t have to sacrifice a theme! Choose something light-hearted that hints at a shared interest or allows guests to experience some of the local cuisine or culture that’s not part of the wedding. And if all else fails, choose to gather at the most scenic spot there is. “Whenever you put your guests in front of a beautiful view, you can do whatever you want,” Laesser-Keck says with a chuckle.
02. Charter a Boat
If you’re getting married by the sea, boat trips of all shapes and sizes are a great way to experience the area. Opt for a sunset cruise, send a few athletes deep sea fishing, or schedule a larger group for whale watching. Owens suggests including a tour at a more elaborate pre-wedding event, such as the bridal dinner. Laesser-Keck even took guests on a speedboat to a houseboat and then threw a party in the middle of the water.
03. Set Up a Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great way to divide guests into groups they don’t already know and to encourage attendees to explore every nook and cranny of a smaller resort or destination, such as an island. Instruct groups to collect tokens from different corners of the property and invite everyone to meet at one final hangout for festive drinks and snacks.
04. Take to the Water
Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, river cruises, and surfing lessons are all less expensive and less time-consuming pre-wedding activities on the water. Laesser-Keck has also arranged cenote tours for weddings in Tulum.
05. Chill Out With a Sound Bath
“A common sound bath under the starry sky characterizes the whole weekend,” explains Laesser-Keck. While not everyone is a big fan of meditation, they will appreciate the opportunity to detach, reset, and unwind from their busy lives.
06. Get Your Yoga On
A gentle yoga session is a fitness-focused pre-wedding activity that is likely to appeal to the largest group of wedding guests, especially if performed on the beach or in some other majestic outdoor setting. “It also hosts a larger group and is a good way to start the day,” says Owens.
07. Plan a Pool Party
A pre-planned meeting at the resort pool is a relatively easy way to spend an afternoon before the wedding. (Note, however, that it’s harder and potentially more expensive if you haven’t decided to buy up a hotel.) Blow up fun pool floats, set up a bar, and, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, bring a can. -even be a DJ.
08. Take a Cooking Class
Foodies opting for a more intimate wedding can start live! Schedule a cooking class that celebrates local flavours and unique traditions (Ceviche in Mexico! Pasta in Italy!) And use it as an opportunity to host a no-drinking pre-wedding activity. “Alcohol is part of any other activity”. This will be a welcome break.
09. Schedule a Spa Day
When purchasing a hotel for your destination wedding, your party may need to spend a certain amount at the resort spa. This is the perfect opportunity to treat your VIPs to more unusual forms of R&R. “It’s always nice to get a massage, but you can also get involved in more health-oriented treatments, like B. Lymphatic drainage massages.
10. Host a Tasting
Whether you’re drinking tequila in Guadalajara, full-bodied reds in Burgundy or bourbon in Kentucky, organizing an evening to sample the region’s spirits is a fun way to spot the standard wedding cocktail party.
11. Go Horseback Riding
Adventurous guests will love exploring the area on horseback. Just make sure you coordinate this activity well in advance, as it’s likely only suitable for a smaller group and waivers and release forms need to be signed.
12. Offer Hair & Makeup Services
Do you really want to pamper your guests? On your wedding morning, bring in additional glamorous crews to do their hair and makeup. “This idea is new to the scene and so much fun.” Added bonus: Since everyone looks and feels great, shy loved ones may be more inclined to save it for the camera, which means your wedding album will be filled with even more wonderful memories.