How to Plan the Perfect Tulsa Wedding Weekend!
Wedding Weekend Events: What’s Necessary and What’s Extra?
Your guests are going the extra mile (literally!) to travel to Tulsa to be a part of your special day, so why not make their entire weekend a memorable experience? We all know that the wedding day is the show’s star, but what about the other festivities leading up to it? How many events should you really plan to keep your guests entertained all weekend? From the traditional rehearsal dinner to the epic send-off brunch, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate and make memories. Let’s break it down and find the perfect events to incorporate into YOUR wedding weekend in Tulsa!
If you’ve ever been invited to a wedding, you’ve likely attended the most traditional and common events during a wedding weekend which are the rehearsal dinner and the wedding day itself. Perhaps there was even a farewell gathering the day after. More than likely, a couple will have a rehearsal dinner and of course the main event, the wedding day. Any event outside of those two is a bonus to be able to spend more time with the family and friends you brought together to share this special time in your life.
Let’s briefly cover each of these core wedding weekend events:
The Rehearsal Dinner
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding is a must for the VIPs. This includes your immediate family, the wedding party + their dates, and perhaps out-of-town guests (depending on budget and space). If you are hosting a complete destination wedding or have a lot of out-of-town guests, you may opt to have a smaller, more intimate, rehearsal dinner with just immediate family and your wedding party.
The Wedding Day
Now, let’s talk about the main event – your wedding day! From the heartwarming ceremony to the epic dance party, make sure to prioritize the key elements that reflect your story and personality. Consider the experience from your guest’s perspective as well, especially when it comes to timing. Do you plan on having a large gap between your ceremony and reception? Will your reception be on the shorter side? If so, below are some possible ways to continue the celebration and give something entertaining for your guests to do.
Extra Ideas
Now that you have the basics covered, let’s sprinkle some extra fun into your wedding weekend! These additional events are not necessary, but they can take your celebration to the next level!
Bridesmaid Luncheon: Show some love to your squad with a special pre-wedding luncheon. It’s a chance to pamper your bridesmaids, express your gratitude, and bond over laughter and delicious treats.
Activities for Guests: A lot of our clients have grown up or live in Tulsa and choose to bring family and friends here to show of the beloved T-Town OK! We always recommend putting some ideas on your wedding website or in welcome bags for out of town guests. You can take it a step further and setup interactive tours of the Tulsa Tunnels, visit the world renowned The Gathering Place, delight in the Tulsa food scene, give guests a Route 66 scavenger hunt, or send guests to one of our many museums or art galleries.
Welcome Party: Roll out the red carpet for your out-of-town guests with a fabulous welcome party. It’s a fantastic way to break the ice, get everyone mingling, and set the tone for an epic wedding weekend. This is a great option if you have a lot of out-of-town guests or are in a complete destination location where you’d prefer to not include them in the rehearsal dinner. Tulsa has some great breweries and parks that are perfect for a casual welcome party! Or booking a private room at a restaurant or the Summit Club for a more formal gathering!
After Party: Keep the party going long after the formalities end! An after-party is perfect for those night owls who want to dance the night away and keep the celebration alive. Book Old Urban Trolley and a party bus to take you from the wedding to the after party and keep the party going! Be spontaneous and allow the vibes of the night to decide what bar your decide to go to or book a VIP section of the Mayo Rooftop bar!
The Send-Off Brunch: As the wedding festivities wind down, why not send off your guests with a delightful brunch? It’s a chance to gather one last time, share stories from the night before, and bid farewell with full bellies and happy hearts. Whether it’s a cozy brunch spot, at your home, or a lavish spread at your reception venue, a send-off brunch is the perfect ending to an unforgettable weekend.
Here’s the thing, these extra events are not necessary. But they sure add a special touch of intention and an opportunity to connect with your guests. When it comes to planning your wedding weekend events, it’s all about finding the right balance. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences, budget, and the time you have available. It’s all about creating a celebration that truly reflects your personalities and makes everyone feel the love and joy that surrounds you.
For recommendations on our favorite party spots and places to send people who are visiting Tulsa for the first time, let’s connect! Fill out our contact form and let’s start planning your wedding weekend!
