Should you have a Bridesmaids' Luncheon?

You know well about the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, and rehearsal dinner, but there's one more pre-wedding event your 'maids may want to organize for you: a bridesmaids luncheon! As a totally optional get-together the bridesmaid luncheon can go one of two ways: the bridesmaids host it as a goodbye for the bride, or the bride and her mother host it as a thank you for the bridesmaids. Here, all you need to know about this additional pre-nuptial festivity.

First things first: A bridesmaid luncheon isn't a mandatory wedding event by any means, but it can be a welcome addition. In some circles, bridesmaids host a luncheon for their bride as a pre-wedding sendoff while in others, this is used as an opportunity for the bride to thank her bridal party. No matter whose hosting, this always happens around the wedding date (especially to the benefit of out-of-town girls), and is a great way for everyone to regroup or gather in celebration together. How elaborate this lunch is completely up to the hosts. It can be an elaborate party or it can be a simple get-together. The luncheon isn't even restricted to actual lunch! Some brides and bridesmaids choose to go out for after-work cocktails or spend a spa-day together leading up to the big celebration.

For brides, this also gives them the chance to present their bridesmaids gifts. The morning of your wedding is hectic enough, and a pre-"I do" gathering gives the bride a chance to really thank her girls for sticking by her side and present their individual gifts. Not everyone wants to tack on yet another event to the wedding, but for some, this provides some much needed respite before the storm of the ceremony and reception hits.