What is a wedding welcome party?

Originating from the American tradition, a wedding welcome party is a pre-ceremony celebration designed to give guests a wonderful time, allowing them to get to know each other better and adjust to the jet lag and new surroundings. It’s also a nice way to thank them for coming. For this reason, it’s especially used in destination weddings. People travel internationally, take time off from work, and spend both time and money to be in Tuscany just for the joy of celebrating your wedding day. Being grateful for their effort and wanting to pamper them is only natural.

Why host a welcome party for your destination wedding in Italy?

To appreciate and reciprocate your guests’ effort, but also to make sure they all know each other and break the ice before the big day. Sometimes, especially for couples living abroad, families and friends don’t have many opportunities to mingle. In the magical locations you chose for your destination wedding, you will give them time and space to enjoy each other’s company, extend the celebrations and relish the Italian charm and beauty. A local wedding planner will help create the right atmosphere, whether you and your future spouse are aiming for luxurious elegance or a cozy, informal vibe.

Destination wedding welcome party ideas

You chose the perfect place to host your wedding, and the welcome party will reflect that. Some of the most famous and coveted Italian traditions and beautiful locations are here, in Tuscany. Choose the right wedding welcome party idea based on the wedding theme and your guests’ preferences. 

1. Wine tasting in a vineyard

This could be done directly at the wedding venue or by choosing another one of Tuscany’s marvelous villas to host your wedding welcome party. Wine tasting will allow guests to discover the amazing food and wine of this country, but it is better suited for an all-adult group. If there are children in your mix, arrange for a babysitter to watch them during the tasting.

2. Italian aperitivo and pic nic

One of the most beloved and celebrated aspects of Italian culture is taking the time to relax and unwind. We call it aperitivo, and it usually (though not always) involves an alcoholic drink and light snacks. You can personalize this moment with non-alcoholic beverages and a picnic-style food display, and the most romantic Tuscan hills as the perfect backdrop for a sunset.

3. An informal pizza welcome party

Want a relaxed and informal atmosphere for your wedding welcome party? Guests will love a pizza party, held outdoors under the sky in summer or in beautiful rustic places in winter. It’s a great way to introduce your loved ones to the amazing food and drinks they’ll enjoy during their stay in Italy. 

4. A romantic boat cruise 

Sailing peacefully toward the sunset in an elegant boat with drinks and food is the quintessential romantic wdding party experience. Choose a nice coastal navigation or the more placid Tuscan rivers to give your guests a special day and a privileged view of the Italian beauty. If you’re planning a full wedding weekend, this could also be a wonderful way to conclude your Italian getaway.

5. Elegant wedding welcome party in the garden

Especially if you choose to get married in spring or summer, the gardens of Tuscan villas are something you won’t want to miss. Hosting a wedding welcome party surrounded by colorful flowers, manicured hedges, and majestic trees will make you a favorite among soon-to-be brides and grooms. People will relax, unwind and create wonderful memories even before the ceremony begins.

How to plan a perfect destination wedding welcome party

Has planning the ceremony itself already taken a toll on you? Consider choosing a wedding planner in Italy to help with every event you want to host. Aside from the day-of wedding coordination, she will manage the wedding welcome party and ensure every guest is taken care of. Just provide her with the guest list (which may or may not be shorter than the wedding one), their dietary restrictions, and the general vibe you want to create. She will find the perfect location, catering and entertainment for the welcome party. You just need to relax, prepare a little speech to thank your loved ones and enjoy the event. This is only the beginning.