Planning pre-wedding events can feel exciting, but also confusing once you start wondering which celebrations you actually need, who plans them, who gets invited, and how much everything is supposed to cost. In this episode of Weddings 101, Kyleigh Grace walks through the most common pre-wedding celebrations including engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties to help couples understand what each event typically looks like and how to decide what feels right for them.
You’ll learn the purpose of each celebration, who traditionally hosts them, typical guest lists and timing, and how to keep these events meaningful without adding unnecessary stress or pressure. This episode also covers practical tips for communication, budgeting, guest etiquette, and setting expectations so everyone involved feels comfortable and included throughout the planning process.
Whether you’re deciding which events to have, helping plan one for a friend, or simply trying to simplify your wedding experience, this episode will help you approach pre-wedding celebrations in a practical, thoughtful, and stress-free way.
[00:00:13] Welcome back to Weddings 101. I'm your host, Kyleigh Grace, and today we're talking about pre-wedding celebrations. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and bachelor parties. When you're planning a wedding, these can feel really fun, but also a little overwhelming. You might be wondering, do I have to have all of these? Who plans them? Who gets invited?
[00:00:37] So in this episode, I'm going to walk you through each one. What's typical, what's optional, and how to keep things simple and meaningful. Let's start with the engagement party. This is usually the first big moment you get to celebrate as an engaged couple. So who's typically invited? Usually it's immediate family, close friends, and sometimes co-workers. It doesn't have to be your full wedding guest list. In fact, keeping it smaller often makes it feel more personal.
[00:01:04] As far as hosting goes, traditionally it's the couple's parents, but honestly it can be anyone close to you, or even you as a couple. Timing-wise, this usually happens within a few months after the proposal. And when it comes to gifts, they're optional. Some guests might bring something, but it's completely okay to let people know they're not expected. Now you might be wondering, do I even need to have one? And the answer is no. Engagement parties are completely optional.
[00:01:32] Some couples love having that moment to celebrate, especially to introduce families or share the excitement. But others skip it to save time, money, or energy, especially if people are spread out or the engagement is longer. If you do want to have one, it doesn't need to be anything elaborate. A simple dinner, a backyard get-together, or even a casual brunch can still feel really special. Next is the bridal shower, which is really centered around celebrating the bride. The guest list here is usually close family and friends.
[00:02:01] Sometimes extended family members or co-workers are included, and some brides even choose to make a co-ed. It really depends on what feels right. This is usually hosted by the maid of honor, a sibling, or a close friend, but parents can absolutely be involved too. Most bridal showers happen about one to three months before the wedding. And this is where you can get a little creative. You might do a brunch, a tea party, games, or even something like a DIY workshop.
[00:02:27] Whatever fits the bride's personality. Gifts are typically part of a bridal shower, which is why having a registry is really helpful. Now, the bridal shower is also optional, but it's a bit more common than an engagement party. A lot of brides choose to have one because it's a nice way to spend intentional time with loved ones and celebrate this season. But if the bride prefers something low-key, is trying to stay on a budget, or just doesn't want multiple events, it's completely fine to skip it.
[00:02:52] One thing I always recommend, just double check the guest list with the bride before anything is finalized. It avoids awkward situations and makes sure it feels right to her. Now let's talk about the bachelorette party. This is usually a smaller, more personal celebration with the bride's closest friends. Typically the bridal party and a few close extras if she wants. It's usually planned by the maid of honor or bridesmaids, and it tends to happen about one to two months before the wedding. And this one can really look however the bride wants it to.
[00:03:22] It could be a spa day, a dinner, a weekend trip, or something totally unique to her. And just like everything else we've talked about, it's optional. Some brides love having that dedicated time with their friends, especially if everyone's coming in from different places. It can be a really meaningful way to make memories together. But if the bride isn't into group trips, has budget concerns, or just prefers something more low-key, it's completely okay to skip it or keep it simple.
[00:03:48] If you're helping plan this, one of the most important things you can do is just communicate clearly. Talk through budget, expectations, and availability so everyone feels comfortable. The bachelor party is very similar, just centered around the groom. This is usually a group of close friends, sometimes family, basically people he has a strong connection with. It's typically planned by the best man or a close friend, and timing is about the same, one to two months before the wedding.
[00:04:15] And again, the activities should really reflect what the groom enjoys. That could be anything from a game night, to a sports outing, to a weekend trip. This is also completely optional. Some grooms go all out, some keep it simple, and some skip it altogether. The main reason to have one is just to spend time with close friends and mark the moment. And if it doesn't feel necessary, or doesn't fit the schedule or budget, there's nothing wrong with skipping it.
[00:04:40] If you're planning it, the biggest thing is just making sure everyone's on the same page as far as costs, plans, and expectations, so it stays fun and stress-free. Before we wrap up, here are a few general tips that apply to all of these events. First, communication really does make everything easier. Just make sure guest lists, budgets, and plans are clear with everyone involved. Also, be mindful of who you're inviting. Typically, you don't want to invite someone to a pre-wedding event if they're not invited to the wedding.
[00:05:09] Unless there's a specific reason. Setting expectations around budget is also really important. Everyone's situation is different, and being up front avoids awkwardness later. It's also worth checking for things like dietary restrictions or accessibility needs, so everyone feels comfortable and included. And overall, try to focus on what actually matters. These events aren't about being perfect. They're about spending time together and celebrating. If you can, document the moments.
[00:05:36] Photos, videos, or even something simple like a guest book. And finally, just remember, you don't have to do any of these. Choose what feels right for you. Pre-wedding celebrations can be some of the most meaningful parts of the entire experience. And while they're all optional, they can be a really special way to connect with the people around you and celebrate this season. Thanks for tuning in to Weddings 101. If this episode was helpful, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss what's coming next.
[00:06:03] And feel free to share with someone who's also in the middle of planning. And as always, remember, this is your experience. Keep it simple, keep it meaningful, and enjoy every part of it. Until next time, happy planning. Thank you. Thank you.