Warm Welcome: Stylish Pre-Wedding Celebration Inspiration for a Unique and Unforgettable Event

Collage of three different couples at their welcome parties

Trends

Rehearsal

Three celebrations that perfectly set the stage for an unforgettable wedding weekend

Written by

Sydney Stevens

Published:

Wisconsin Bride Spring/Summer 2026

SET SAIL

Abby and Wyatt set sail on Lady Lake to host a welcome party etched with personal details and intention. “The couple wanted the entire weekend to perfectly encapsulate their personalities with a focus on hosting the best party for all of their loved ones,” says Jaffe Wojcik, owner of Graceful Events. And that they did—with a sunset cruise on the water complete with hors d’oeuvres, speeches and new connections. Abby and Wyatt also took advantage of the extra celebration to show off their impeccable fashion taste—Abby in a chic floral dress accessorized with a bag inspired by Olympia Le Tan and Wyatt in a dapper seersucker number. Not only did their bash allow loved ones to connect before the big day, but it also immersed guests into a weekend-long experience rather than a one-day event.

OLD-FASHIONED LOVE

Step into Elizabeth and Peter’s luxurious evening at The Pfister. Planned and designed by Events to a T, the couple opted for a themed party, “Old-Fashioned Love,” paying homage to the classic Wisconsin cocktail. “Welcome parties are a great way to have more fun and be playful without it taking away from the classic and timeless feel you want for your wedding day,” explains Emily Riordan, director and senior designer at Events to a T. Warm reds, glowing oranges and hints of yellow filled the space, softened by velvet textures and intimate mood lighting. Guests experienced a feast for the senses as they sipped old-fashioneds garnished with monogrammed orange peels as the gentle fragrance of a custom candle scent drifted through the room—also gifted to each attendee. A preliminary party provides extra time with loved ones; if quality time is a priority, consider hosting a welcome party to take some of the pressure off the big day. “It doesn’t need to be elaborate; it can be as simple as a cocktail gathering at your favorite local bar.” Riordan says. “What matters is the intention: it makes guests feel celebrated and helps set a relaxed, joyful tone for the wedding.”

SOMETHING BLUE

In lieu of “Something Blue” on the wedding day, bride-to-be Leah opted for a sophisticated, baby-blue cocktail dress for her and Michael’s elegant welcome party at The Edgewater. Having met at UW–Madison, welcoming guests to the weekend with Lake Mendota in the background was a flawless representation of the couple’s love story and a perfect way for friends and family from across the country to meet. “It had just enough organization to guide the evening but still felt free flowing so guests could mix and mingle as they pleased,” says Megan Russell, owner of Evermore Events Company. As a nontraditional touch, guests dressed in white and enjoyed the chef-appointed carving station, sundae bar and passed hors d’oeuvres. Welcome parties trade formality for atmosphere, embodying the modern couple’s wish to celebrate in a way that feels both personal and unforgettable. “We’re seeing couples place more focus on connection,” Russell explains. “As a result, these multi-day gatherings are becoming an important and intentional part of the wedding experience, rather than just an add-on.”