Wedding Weekend Festivities

Cocktail parties with college friends, city tours on Segways, or an elegant dinner for parents. Weddings can be much more than one-night affairs for couples who want to spend some extra time with their guests. Here are a few memorable activities you can share with family, friends, and out-of-town guests to keep the festivities going all weekend long.

For their early August Wedding, Eden Prairie couple Seth Salenger and Ingrid Dodge have planned a Thursday-night dinner for parents and grandparents, a Friday-night rehearsal dinner, and a Saturday-morning wedding so they can hit the town with visiting friends Saturday night. They’ll likely head to favorite Minneapolis spots such as Chino Latino, Stella’s Fish Cafe, and Sneaky Pete’s. “We didn’t like the idea that our friends wouldn’t have anything to do after the wedding, and we really wanted to spend some time with them,” says Salenger. “Having a brunch-time wedding cut down on costs and will allow us that little extra event of going out with friends.” The current recession may prompt some couples to trim their guest lists and employ more cost-efficient strategies, but many brides and grooms say a full, memorable weekend is worth stretching the budget a bit. So, whether your wedding is an intimate family celebration or large bash, there are countless types of gatherings that help make the most of the big weekend. Here are a few ideas to consider:

 Steppin' Out 
Many couples like to have a chance to catch up with old friends attending their wedding—and show off the Twin Cities to visiting guests. An evening tour of Minneapolis hot spots such as Chambers, Aloft Minneapolis, or W Minneapolis—The Foshay keeps guests close to their accommodations if they’re staying in the city, says Amanda Lange, director of business development at Parasole, which owns Manny’s Steakhouse, Salut Bar Americain, and other dining favorites. “Even when you have a very formal wedding, you want an element of intimacy at some point during the weekend,” Lange says. “Many couples like to have that connection with a few close friends, as a way to relieve stress and just have fun.” Some restaurants, such as Mission American Kitchen, offer private rooms for wedding guests who want a more intimate setting. Mission’s ice rail at the bar is also a popular, distinctive choice for small groups, says Berta Herman, Mission’s front-of-the-house supervisor.

 Bridal Barbecue 
A casuaul summer barbecue before or after the big day is another great way to let guests mingle in a carefree atmosphere. In fact, barbecues are smoking the Twin Cities wedding scene, says Maari Cedar James, general manager of Chowgirls Killer Catering. Some couples host a barbecue in lieu of a traditional rehearsal dinner, while others use it to kick off their wedding weekend. The Chowgirls often cater wedding-day events where guests swim or hike in the morning, then return to a creative brunch spread, James says. “Instead of spending all morning running around or having guests try to fill the time, this puts everyone in a relaxed mood for the ceremony,” she says.

Dress Rehearsal 
The term groom's dinner may be falling by the wayside, but it’s still a good idea to focus on the guy, says Chris Schiltz, co-owner of Lake Elmo Inn Event Center. “Many times, the wedding day is about the bride, so this is a nice way to do something special for the groom,” Schiltz says. When choosing a venue, make sure it’s sized right, adds Jon Provenzano, manager at Chiang Mai Thai. The restaurant hosts numerous groom’s dinners, since its event room is perfect for a group of less than 50 and boasts a private bar and lounge. “The size is a big consideration, because you don’t want it to feel too crowded or too open,” Provenzano says. Another advantage of the Uptown spot is its buffet or family-style dining for events, where dishes must be passed, he says. “It encourages conversation, because they have to share everything. Once they do that, it’s like they’re one big group.”

Girls' Night Out 
Brides always welcome the chance to connect with their girlfriends in the midst of the wedding whirlwind. Beyond showers and bachelorette parties, many women are falling for girls’ night out. Cooks of Crocus Hill attracts plenty of local brides, who invite their friends to the St. Paul or Edina shops for cooking classes and quality time right before the wedding. “It’s great to combine a get-together with an activity, because it entertains guests without one hostess having to do all the work,” says

 Meet the Parents 
Some couples parents and grandparents have had limited contact with each other, so organizing an event just for them is a nice touch. Opt for a hint of elegance, such as booking the private wine room and offering chef-selected dishes at Muffuletta, advises Parasole’s Lange. Parents love upscale dinners at W.A. Frost in St. Paul, and the fun vibe at Salut in Edina or St. Paul. Focus on your loved ones’ tastes, Lange says, and keep it simple.

 A Three-Hour-Tour 
If you want to introduce the Twin Cities and its natural wonders to out-of-town guests, an organized tour is an easy way to go. On the Queen of Excelsior, guests cruise Lake Minnetonka on one of two luxury liners made just for events. The cruises bustle with wedding receptions, Sunday brunch outings, and rehearsal dinners, says owner Bob Ziton. To help guests discover their own fun, bride Jessica Flannigan and her fiancé, Jamal Faleel, crafted a website just for wedding visitors. “Weddings can make you feel like you have to do everything and organize every event,” she says. “But if you give people suggested activities ahead of time, they’ll have fun making their own plans to explore the cities.”

Farewell Brunch 
One tradition that's changed little over the years is the post-wedding brunch and gift opening. The event usually includes immediate family, but many couples also invite out-of-town guests, says Angela Piper, business and catering manager at The Gale Mansion in Minneapolis. “It’s a send-off for the bride and groom,” Piper says. It’s okay to skip the gift opening, says Georgia Meyers of Christos Union Depot Place. “[Some couples] leave the gifts for when they get back from the honeymoon,” she says. “They focus instead on using the time to graciously thank everyone who helped them celebrate their big day.”

For more rehearsal dinner tips and trends, go to mspmagweddings.com