After the excitement of your wedding day, a post-wedding brunch is a wonderful way to extend the celebrations and bid farewell to your guests. In a city known for its vibrant food scene and cozy cafes, the Emerald City offers the perfect backdrop for this intimate gathering. Let’s explore how to plan a memorable post-wedding brunch in Seattle.
Why Have a Post-Wedding Brunch?
- Extended Celebration: It gives you more time with loved ones, especially those from out of town.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: A chance to chat with guests you might have missed during the busy reception.
- Seattle Showcase: An opportunity to highlight more of Seattle’s culinary delights and beautiful venues.
Choosing the Venue
Seattle offers a variety of options for your post-wedding brunch:
- Hotel Restaurants: If many guests are staying at the same hotel, this can be convenient.
- Local Cafes: Showcase Seattle’s famous coffee culture.
- Waterfront Restaurants: Offer stunning views of Puget Sound or Lake Washington.
- Parks: For a casual picnic-style brunch (weather permitting).
- Your Home: For a more intimate gathering, if you’re local.
Pro Tip: Our day-of coordination team can help you select and book the perfect venue, ensuring it aligns with your overall wedding vision.
Timing is Everything
Consider these factors when scheduling your brunch:
- Typically held between 10 am and 2 pm the day after the wedding.
- Allow enough time for guests (and yourselves) to get some rest after the reception.
- If you’re heading off for your honeymoon, factor in your travel plans.
Menu Ideas
Embrace Seattle’s local flavors and brunch favorites:
- Salmon Eggs Benedict: A Pacific Northwest twist on a classic.
- Local Fruit Platter: Featuring Washington apples and berries.
- Artisanal Coffee Bar: Showcase Seattle’s renowned coffee roasters.
- Northwest-inspired Quiche: Incorporating local vegetables and cheeses.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: Catering to Seattle’s health-conscious crowd.
Don’t forget to include some hair-of-the-dog options like a Bloody Mary bar or mimosas for those who want to keep the party going!
Decor and Atmosphere
Keep it simple and relaxed:
- Use leftover floral arrangements from the wedding.
- Incorporate Seattle-themed decor like miniature Space Needles or ferry boat models.
- Display photos from your wedding day for guests to enjoy.
Entertainment
While you don’t need extensive entertainment for brunch, consider:
- Soft background music (perhaps a playlist of Seattle artists).
- A slideshow of candid wedding photos or video clips if your photographer/videographer can provide them quickly.
- Lawn games if you’re having an outdoor brunch.
Who to Invite
Typically, you’d invite:
- Out-of-town guests
- Wedding party
- Close family members
- Any other guests you’d like to spend more time with
Pro Tip: Clearly communicate the brunch details in advance. You can include this information in your wedding invitations or on your wedding website.
Budget Considerations
A post-wedding brunch doesn’t have to break the bank:
- Consider a buffet-style meal to reduce staff costs.
- Limit the open bar to just mimosas and bloodies, or skip alcohol altogether.
- Use in-season, local ingredients to keep food costs down.
- If budget allows, hire a DJ for low-key background music to set the mood.
Make it Memorable
Add special touches to make your brunch unique:
- Set up a photo booth with Seattle-themed props for guests to take home souvenirs.
- Create a guest book specifically for brunch attendees to sign.
- Offer small favors like local coffee beans or chocolate as parting gifts.
Weather Considerations
Seattle’s weather can be unpredictable, so:
- Have a backup plan if you’re considering an outdoor venue.
- Provide umbrellas if guests might need to walk between venues.
- Consider venues with both indoor and outdoor spaces for flexibility.
Relax and Enjoy
Remember, this is a time to wind down and relax after your big day:
- Don’t over-plan or stress about every detail.
- Enjoy this last opportunity to spend time with your loved ones before heading off to your honeymoon.
- Take a moment with your new spouse to soak in the joy of your first meal together as a married couple.
Bringing It All Together
A post-wedding brunch in Seattle is a wonderful way to cap off your wedding festivities. It allows you to extend your celebration, spend quality time with loved ones, and showcase more of what makes Seattle special.
Complete Weddings + Events Seattle
For more tips on planning your perfect Seattle wedding weekend, including recommendations for brunch venues and vendors, visit our Complete Weddings + Events Seattle page. Let us help you create a wedding experience that’s memorable from start to finish!