To brunch or not to brunch? A daytime wedding may not be for everyone, but if you’re an early riser, this could be the perfect plan for you! Read on about what to consider before booking brunch, fun & unique brunch wedding ideas, as well as a sample timeline.

Before making your decision

Timing

Rise and shine! Before you make any other moves, understand that if you are having your ceremony the same day as your brunch reception, you will be getting up very early to do your hair and makeup. Some vendors will charge a fee for delivering or setting up before a specific time, so make sure you ask before you sign a contract.

You’ll also need to take your set up and design plan into account. How long will it take your vendors to set your reception space? Is everything happening in one room or do vendors have extra time between guests getting from your ceremony to reception? It’s possible your venue will allow for items to be delivered the night before.

Dress Code

Brunch weddings tend to be on the more casual side as far as dress codes go. They also lend themselves well to getting playful. If you want to ask your guests to dress for a certain theme, go for it!

Music

Yes, you can still dance during brunch! People may be less likely to dance as much in the morning as they would at an evening wedding, but you definitely don’t need to cut this piece out. Since brunch timelines are generally shorter, your dancing portion will be condensed as well.

Brunch is also great for couples who are looking to skip the dancing altogether. There are plenty of musicians that can create an upbeat vibe without bumping the tunes. Consider jazz quartets or string duos.

Cost

Brunch weddings can certainly be more affordable in some areas. A venue may discount your rate if you’re either out by a specific time so they can book an evening event, or if they wouldn’t typically book an event at all and you’re bringing them extra business (for example, a Sunday morning).

If you opt for a brunch buffet, your food cost should also be less expensive than a multi-course dinner. You can also save money on beverages by sticking to signature brunch drinks, rather than a full open bar.

Ideas to Make Your Brunch a Hit

Food & Beverage

There are countless ways to do brunch. Maybe you opt for all savory for the main course, and add sweet in the form of dessert. Chicken & waffles, frittatas, and a bagel spread all lend themselves well to a buffet. Give people some time to digest, then bring out donuts or build-your-own crepes for a sweet finish.

For drinks, decide on a limited bar menu: mimosas, bloody marys and a light beer work well and all of your guests will be satisfied. For those wanting an extra boost, ask the bartenders to provide Bailey’s for coffee.

Entertainment

If you’e having an outdoor wedding, lawn games are a huge hit for daytime weddings. Rent giant Jenga or get a customized corn hole set that you’ll have a memento post-wedding! For game-loving couples having indoor weddings, set up a board game station.

Unique entertainers might be overlooked at an evening soiree when guests are more focused on loud music and drinking. Get creative by hiring a haiku poet or a tarot card reader.

Favors

There are so many awesome favor ideas to give your guests that won’t break the bank:

-A coffee mug filled with a bag of local beans

-Mini boxes of cereal

-Special edition of the morning paper (featuring you on the cover)

-Candied bacon

-Maple syrup

-Mini cocktail kit (great for guests who are getting on a plane!)

After the Party

Just because you had a daytime reception, doesn’t mean you need to stop hanging with your guests. Whether you’re going to continue with a planned activity, or let guests go off on their own, it’s always nice to give options.

One option is to take guests on a your of your city. Rent a fun form of transportation like an open-air bus or a trolley and take in some of the popular sites. Another option for a warm weather weddings is to invite everyone to relax by the pool, beach or lake.

Big sports fans? Rent a box for a local game or get everyone cheap tickets and sit up top!

If you and your S.O. just want some alone time after, give your guests a list of fun suggestions to do by themselves.

Sample Timeline

5:00am - Wake up!

5:30am - Hair & makeup begins (bride, bridal party, family)

*this can start later if wedding party is small or it’s just bridal hair & makeup

9:30am - Leave for first look

10:00am - First look

10:15am - Formal photos (couple, family and wedding party)

11:00am - Guests begin to arrive for ceremony

11:30am - Ceremony

12:00pm - Brunch begins

3:00pm - Brunch end

New York Brunch Wedding Venues

The Musket Room - New Zealand-inspired fare with a private room for up to 40 people.

Red Rooster - Comfort food at it’s finest, located in Harlem.

The Nomad Hotel - The rooftop at the Nomad Hotel has a gorgeous canopy and can accommodate between 40-80 people depending on the weather.

Juliette Williamsburg - The sweet Winter Garden is a lovely spot if you’re open to a weekday brunch.

If this convinced you how awesome a brunch wedding could be and you want to start planning yours in New York, let’s talk!