Multi-Day Weddings: Day One – Welcome Gatherings & Rehearsal Dinners
As we continue our deep dive into multi-day weddings, let's explore the first day of celebrations—a perfect opportunity to set the tone for the days ahead while spending relaxed, quality time with your closest family and friends.
Many luxury wedding venues in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, and Herefordshire now offer exclusive multi-day hire, meaning your wedding isn’t just a one-day affair but a beautifully curated experience from start to finish.
A Warm Welcome: Setting the Atmosphere
The first day of a multi-day wedding is all about creating an inviting, effortless atmosphere for your guests. From the moment they arrive, your styling and floral design can subtly introduce them to the theme, tone, and aesthetic of your wedding weekend.
The size of your guest list for Day One is often dictated by your venue, making it the perfect time for intimate pre-wedding gatherings before the larger celebration.
Afternoon: A Relaxed Garden Picnic
A quintessentially English garden picnic is a charming and relaxed way to welcome your guests. Think:
Beautifully laid-out picnic blankets and low tables under ancient trees
Locally sourced food and drinks, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients
Soft, textured linens, colorful glassware, and delicate floral arrangements to elevate the setting
Guests mingling over light lunch and a few glasses of wine, soaking in the countryside charm
This relaxed gathering lets guests unwind after their journey, enjoy meaningful conversations, and settle into the weekend’s celebrations.
Evening: A Formal Rehearsal Dinner
After a short break to refresh or explore the local area, the evening calls for something more structured and elegant—a beautifully styled rehearsal dinner.
Long banquet tables dressed in refined linens
Low floral centerpieces running the length of the table, adding an intimate yet sophisticated feel
Candlelight and elegant tableware, setting the stage for a magical evening
Unlike the relaxed afternoon gathering, this event leans into a more formal, polished aesthetic, offering a moment of quiet anticipation before the wedding day itself. It’s also an opportunity for close family and friends to connect on a deeper level before the big day.
Ending the Night on a Perfect Note
A rehearsal dinner should feel meaningful and celebratory but not overly long—you’ll want to ensure guests get enough rest before the wedding day! Consider ending the evening with a small nightcap with your partner, a cherished quiet moment before retreating to your separate rooms (if you’re keeping with tradition!).
At Bloomify Floristry, we love designing distinct floral and styling concepts for each event within a multi-day wedding—ensuring every gathering has its own unique atmosphere while seamlessly tying into your overall vision.
Let’s Create Something Extraordinary
Over the next few posts, we’ll continue exploring the styling of each multi-day wedding event. If you’re planning a multi-day wedding in the Cotswolds, Oxfordshire, or Herefordshire, get in touch—we’d love to help bring your vision to life!
