A bridesmaid’s luncheon is a cherished Southern wedding tradition, offering a thoughtful way to honor the women who have stood by the bride throughout her engagement. It’s usually hosted by a family member or a cherished influential woman in the bride’s life.
The luncheon provides an opportunity for an intimate celebration of friendship and femininity before the chaos of a wedding weekend begins. Whether you’re a bride in the throes of planning your big day or a family member eager to host a special gathering for a bride in your life, we’ve put together tips and how-tos for pulling off a perfect bridesmaid’s luncheon.
Pick the Perfect Date and Time
The bridesmaid’s luncheon typically takes place around brunch or lunch, making it a light, elegant event. The day of the rehearsal dinner is an ideal time, as most guests will already be arriving in town, and the luncheon can serve as a welcome for the ladies who will be standing beside the bride all weekend.
A late morning or early afternoon time slot allows the ladies to relax and enjoy the event without feeling rushed by other wedding-related activities.
Choose a Location
You can host the luncheon at a variety of locations, depending on the bride’s preferences and the number of guests. A cozy family home or a private room at a restaurant works beautifully for an intimate gathering. If the weather allows, an outdoor garden party can add a fresh, charming atmosphere.
Plan the Menu
A bridesmaid’s luncheon calls for light and elegant fare. Before planning any menu, we recommend checking in with the bride to learn her preferences, special requests, and identify any intolerances or allergies for herself or her maids.
Classic Southern luncheon staples include tea sandwiches, quiches, and seasonal salads paired with dainty desserts like petit fours, macarons, or scones. Beverages are a must, and provide an opportunity to break out any special occasion servingware (perhaps something from your own wedding?). Depending on the group’s individual preferences, we recommend offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic options like iced tea, fruit punch, mimosas, and even a signature cocktail from the bride’s repertoire of favorites.
Set the Scene with Elegant Décor
The décor of a bridesmaid’s luncheon is key to setting the tone. Fine china, crystal glassware, and fresh florals create a sophisticated ambiance exuding bridal elegance. Choose a soft, feminine color palette, perhaps in pastels or classic white with touches of greenery, and incorporate any theming on par with the wedding decor if the bride wishes.
Personal touches make any event more memorable, so consider creating custom place cards or small favors to make the event feel extra special for the bridesmaids. And if possible, we love adding family heirloom pieces—such as a grandmother’s china or silverware—to offer a layer of sentimental value to the occasion.
Incorporate Special Moments
This event is an opportunity to show the bridesmaids how much they mean to the bride, so while it’s often hosted by a close friend or relative, it’s necessary to coordinate with the bride for any personal touches she’d like to offer for their maids. For example, if the bride has chosen to give gifts to her party, the luncheon is an excellent opportunity to present them in an intimate setting prior to a fast-paced weekend. We love the idea of gifting a piece of jewelry to be worn during the weekend paired with a heartfelt thank you note.
Contrary to other traditional events like anecdotes at the rehearsal dinner or toasts at the wedding, this intimate gathering is a great opportunity for the bride to take the metaphorical mic and share memories and gratitude for the most important women in her life.
For a personal touch, consider incorporating one of my family’s favorite traditions: have aunts or other influential women from the bride’s life serve the meal, creating a special connection between the bride’s past and her new journey.
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