Elegant Wedding: Guests Who Brunch

Certain tasks seem particularly unappealing after waking up the morning after a really good party: Among them are squeezing into high heels and having to search for a cup of coffee. That’s why a relaxing, informal, morning-after brunch is the nicest thing a bride and groom can do for their guests.

Certain tasks seem particularly unappealing after waking up the morning after a really good party: Among them are squeezing into high heels and having to search for a cup of coffee. That’s why a relaxing, informal, morning-after brunch is the nicest thing a bride and groom can do for their guests.

Melissa Paul suggests throwing the brunch in the hotel where most guests are staying. Make it open-house style with extended hours — from ten till one — to accommodate different travel itineraries. Whether it’s at a hotel, a restaurant or someone’s home, reuse the centerpieces from the night before. If a family member hosts the brunch, encourage him or her to hire a caterer. After dancing till midnight the night before, cooking for 50 need not be in the cards.

A good rule of thumb is to invite everyone who was invited to the rehearsal dinner. The brunch is a great opportunity for the bride and groom to spend more time with people who’ve traveled a long way. Even weddings that take place over long weekends can fly by without the bride and groom getting to spend some one-on-one time with every guest. Most of all, the brunch is an excellent way to say one final thank you before people head home.