Welcome Party & Day-After Brunch: Co-Hosting with the Other Mom

When two families are about to come together through marriage, it’s a great chance for the moms to co-host some of the pre and post-wedding events.

Whether you’re planning the welcome party or a day-after brunch, teamwork is essential.

Let’s dive into how you can smoothly plan and host these events alongside the other mother-in-law, making them memorable without unnecessary stress.

Welcome Party Planning

The welcome party sets the stage for your wedding weekend. It’s a relaxed, fun way to mingle before the big day. Here’s how you can plan it with the other mom:

Budget Split

Start with a conversation about the finances. Decide together how much each family is comfortable contributing. The split doesn’t have to be exact, but having a clear understanding avoids any tensions later. Maybe one mom covers the venue and the other takes care of catering. Discuss what feels fair and balanced for everyone involved.

Simple Menus

Keep food simple and crowd-pleasing. Finger foods and appetizers keep things casual and stress-free. You might consider:

Mini sliders or sandwiches
Cheese and charcuterie boards
Fresh fruit platters
Simple desserts like cookies or cupcakes

If there’s a family favorite dish, consider incorporating that into the menu. A little personal touch can add a lot of warmth.

Light Decor

No need to go overboard on decorations. A few statement pieces can create a lovely ambiance without overwhelming your guests or your budget. Think along the lines of:

String lights for a warm, inviting glow
Fresh flowers or potted plants
Personalized welcome signs

Work with the other mom to choose decor that reflects both families’ styles. A shared Pinterest board is a handy tool for gathering and agreeing on decoration ideas.

Optional Short Speeches

While this is a casual gathering, you might want to say a few words. Keep it short and sweet. A simple toast welcoming the families and expressing excitement for the upcoming wedding is often enough. If public speaking isn’t your thing, no worries—skip this step!

Dress Code Suggestions

Give your guests a dress code to simplify their outfit choices. For a welcome party, go with ‘dressy casual’ or ‘smart casual’. This keeps it relaxed but still special. Let guests know in advance, so they come dressed appropriately.

Create a Shared Checklist

Stay organized by creating a shared checklist with your co-host. Include all crucial tasks, from invitations to menu selection and decor setup. This ensures that nothing falls through the cracks and both of you are on the same page. Consider using apps like Google Keep or shared documents for easy access.

Day-After Brunch Wedding Planning

After the whirlwind of the wedding day, a day-after brunch provides a lovely opportunity for a more intimate gathering. This event is usually more laid-back, giving everyone a chance to debrief and celebrate once more.

Simple Menus

Just like the welcome party, keep it simple. Offer a variety of breakfast and lunch items to cater to different tastes and dietary needs:

Bagels and assorted spreads
Scrambled eggs or a build-your-own omelet station
Yogurt parfaits with granola and berries
Pastries and muffins

Consider adding a mimosa or Bloody Mary bar for a fun brunch twist.

Light Decor

For brunch, the decor can be even simpler than the welcome party. Fresh flowers or a few elegant tablecloths will do. You might add in some family photos from the wedding day itself for a personal touch.

Thank-You Tasks

A day-after brunch is a good time to hand out small thank-you gifts to key contributors from the wedding day. This could include thoughtful gestures like:

A handwritten note
A small, personalized gift
A photo collage from the wedding ceremony

It’s also a great time for the moms to express gratitude for family members’ help and support throughout the event.

Dress Code Suggestions

This event is more relaxed than the wedding day itself. ‘Casual’ or ‘Sunday best’ attire works nicely, giving attendees comfort while still feeling special.

Co-Hosting Tips with Another Mom

Here are some additional tips to help the two of you work effectively together:

Frequent Communication: Keep lines open so each of you knows the other’s expectations and plans.
Leverage Strengths: If one of you enjoys cooking while the other prefers organizing or decorating, divide tasks accordingly to play to your strengths.
Be Flexible: Prepare to make adjustments as needed—whether it’s changes from the venue or unexpected RSVPs.
Enjoy the Process: Remember that this is a joyous occasion. Allow yourselves to enjoy the moments and the crafting of these family events.

Co-hosting with the other mom can enhance your bond and add a special layer to wedding festivities. Embrace the opportunity to work together and celebrate this union in style.