What’s the Atmosphere Really Like? Answering Your Questions About the Welcome Party Held Before the Wedding Reception!

2019.07.01 published

What is a Welcome Party like?

Suddenly, do you know what a "Welcome Party" is like???

Depending on the wedding venue, it may be included as one of the plans, and on Instagram, you can often see voices saying "We did it!" and "It was my first time attending!" and "It was fun!" regarding the "Welcome Party" *

@weddingyuki1125

But what kind of atmosphere does the party have...? What is the difference between the welcome party and the reception or after-party...? What are its charms...? There are so many things I'm curious about!

For brides-to-be who are planning a "Welcome Party" or are even a little interested, I particularly want you to check out these 5 questions related to "Welcome Parties"!

Question 1: When is it held? How long does it last?

First of all, when is the "Welcome Party" typically held???

The answer depends on the wedding venue, but generally, it takes place after the ceremony and before the reception! It's common to hold the "Welcome Party" during the waiting time after guests have completed the registration until the reception starts. *

The duration is typically around 30 minutes to an hour and a half. There are also cases where the "Welcome Party" is held immediately after the ceremony, just as you exit the chapel. ♡

Question 2: What do you do? What is the purpose?

The purpose of the "Welcome Party" is clearly to interact with guests!

Since the reception follows a predetermined flow, it's often said by previous brides that they couldn't talk or take photos with their guests as they wished during the reception...

However, during the "Welcome Party," there’s no set flow or schedule, allowing for the possibility to chat and take photos while enjoying welcome drinks freely and happily. ♡

It can be described as a casual and free party where guests can feel closer to the couple compared to the reception or after-party. ♡

@mas428_wed

Additionally, couples may add some flair to the party with a welcome speech by the couple, bouquet toss, cake cutting, balloon release, and group photos to give it a sense of structure. ♩

@ryui0402

Question 3: Where is it held?

The venue for the "Welcome Party" can vary depending on the wedding venue, such as a waiting room, terrace, or garden. * Of course, guests can freely come and go, and it's completely fine to talk to anyone, stay anywhere, or do anything. ♩

It seems like a relaxed participation!

@mi.8877

Question 4: What do you need to prepare?

The only things to prepare for the "Welcome Party" are simple refreshments like welcome drinks and light snacks. * It’s common to serve it in a buffet style, so saying "Please help yourselves!" to the guests would be great. ♩

@eri_wedding0512

Question 5: What are the charms?

Finally, I’ll introduce two charms of the "Welcome Party." *

1. The first charm is that the couple can make a surprise entrance! ♡ Guests are likely to think of the Welcome Party time as a hospitality period before the reception, so the couple suddenly appearing can surprise everyone with a delightful surprise. ♩

Of course, they can also make a surprise entrance during the party or be ready before guests arrive to warmly welcome them with a "Welcome~~♡".

2. The second charm is that both the couple and guests can enjoy themselves at the same level. ♡

During a reception where the flow and performances are predetermined, it’s easy to feel that the couple is a distant presence. However, at the "Welcome Party," even if time is limited, it feels just like a usual atmosphere where you can casually talk and laugh together. **

Isn’t that wonderful? ♡

I want to try a "Welcome Party" ♡

How was that? I have introduced some basic information regarding the somewhat rare "Welcome Party." *

With a casual and free atmosphere, and minimal preparation needed, the Welcome Party seems to allow brides and guests to appear relaxed and to have genuine smiles in the photos. ♡

If you're a bride-to-be who is interested, why not try having a "Welcome Party"? **