Types of Parties to Have Before a Wedding: Venue ideas and Inspiration

The journey to the big day is just as special as the wedding itself. In fact, the months (or years) leading up to the ceremony are filled with love, laughter, and a series of special celebrations. They are not any parties, they are milestones. Opportunities to party to celebrate you coming together, to cheer on new pages, and to commemorate the journey toward wedded happiness in a manner all about you. So, if you have ever asked yourself, “what parties do you have before a wedding?” or simply want ideas to make the moments memorable, this guide is for you.

Whether you’re the one tying the knot, planning something special for a friend, or helping coordinate a flawless celebration, here are the key pre-wedding parties to consider, along with inspiration for venues and vibes that set the scene just right.

Engagement Parties: The First Toast to Forever

Why Host an Engagement Party?

The proposal might be an individual moment, but the celebration need not be. Engagement parties are a wonderful initial chance to get friends and family familiar with the euphoria. It’s a relaxed affair that establishes the tone for what lies ahead, and a lovely way for both sides of the couple’s cosmos to become acquainted. 

Tips for Planning a Memorable Celebration

Untucked or bejewelled, no law. Some do low-key cocktail hour; others go in on themes or a full-sit dinner. Post-engagement sheen and comfort, and being with friends, are the keys.

When to Have it: Post-Proposal Perfection

Typically, a few months post-engagement, but there’s no hurry. Pick a date that works for your inner crew and gives everyone something to look forward to. 

Venue Tip:

The Chapel Bar’s Terrace Room is ideal for a small celebration with soft lighting and a dedicated bar, while the Lounge & Club Room offers a sophisticated atmosphere for dancing, socialising, and bespoke cocktails.

Bridal Showers: From Classic to Contemporary

Traditional vs Modern Bridal Shower Ideas

Traditionally tossed by the bridal entourage or the immediate family, bridal showers used to run on a strict formula back in the day. Now, though, it’s an open free-for-all of creativity. From casual brunches to spa sessions and interactive craft workshops, anything is possible, as long as it suits the bride. 

Top Themes: Afternoon Tea, Wellness Brunches & Cocktail Soirées

Imagine a vintage tea party with dainty china and sponge cake. Or a wellness-themed brunch with mimosas and smoothie bowls. Cocktail tutorials, custom games, and DIY bars add some entertainment too. 

Venue Tip:

Book The Chapel Bar for an upscale private dining evening or refined cocktail soiree. The trendy interior, adaptable room and experienced staff make it simple to arrange and the mood unforgettable.

Hen and Stag Parties: Unforgettable Last Fling Fun

Chill Hen & Stag Party Trends: Spa Days, Brunches & Night Out

Hens and stags as a night on the pub crawl are a thing of the past. While that’s still on the list, more and more groups are adding in daytime action like spa days, bottomless brunches, or crazy classes like pottery and dance. 

Top Hen/Stag Activity in London: Rooftop Cocktails, Themed Nights & More

London has no shortage of options, karaoke rooms, gin tastings, escape rooms, even drag brunches. If you’re looking to keep things simple, a stylish private hire party could be the way to go.

Venue Tip:

With exclusive hire available and enough space to dance, sip and laugh the night away, The Chapel Bar is an excellent choice for a hen or stag celebration that blends class with chaos.

Rehearsal Dinners: A Moment to Connect Before “I Do”

Why Rehearsal Dinners Matter

Though more popular at American weddings, rehearsal dinners are becoming increasingly popular here as well. It’s a lovely way to express gratitude to your wedding party, raise a toast to your family, and ease the pre-wedding nerves the night before. 

Casual vs Formal Pre-Wedding Dining Ideas

You could choose a country buffet, something casual such as sharing platters, or a sit-down feast that is fully catered with toasts and a slideshow. Make sure to monitor the tone so that it is in harmony with the mood of your wedding.

Venue Tip:

The Chapel Bar’s welcoming but sophisticated dining rooms are just right to be refined yet relaxed, ideal for heartfelt speeches, fabulous food, and a toast to tomorrow.

Welcome Drinks & Mixers: Breaking the Ice for Guests

Why Welcome Drinks are a Good Idea

If you’ve got guests travelling in or staying nearby, a welcome drinks evening is a great way to break the ice. It gives people a chance to mingle before the big day, especially if they’re meeting for the first time. 

Ideas for Casual Mixers

Nothing too stuffy, just a nice bar filled with plenty, cosy music, and possibly a grazing table or hors d’oeuvres. Fancy dressers, signature cocktails or customised drinks are always a winner.

Venue Tip:

The Chapel Bar’s flexible design is ideal for hosting a stylish standing reception or relaxed evening with plenty of room to mingle, chat, and toast the weekend to come.

Combined Celebrations: Smart & Stylish Event Pairings

Save Time & Cash with Pre-Wedding Event Mashups

If diaries are jammed or finances tight, experiment with combining celebrations. Try a hen night that just follows on from an engagement party or a rehearsal dinner vibe with a welcome drinks party. Both are absolutely possible. 

Most Popular Combinations: Engagement + Hen, Rehearsal + Welcome Drinks

Select combinations which complement each other naturally. With amazing food, great lighting, and the ultimate playlist, you can have an event which shifts character throughout the night.

Venue Tip:

Chapel Bar is also versatile in its layout. Whether consecutive celebrations or combining them into one great event, the venue fits easily to suit the atmosphere.

Plan Your Pre-Wedding Celebrations with The Chapel Bar

Every step to your wedding is worthy of celebration. From the excitement of the engagement to the hen do laughs, every party is an added memory to the experience.

If you’ve ever wondered “what kind of parties do you have before a wedding?” Well, you know now that it’s not just about the wedding day itself, but about what lies in between.

At The Chapel Bar, we believe that every step counts. With versatile space, a welcoming team, and all the little details to enable you to bring your ideas to life, we can help host it all under one roof. Whether it’s an off-the-cuff one-off or a planned event, we’re here to make it work.

Get in touch with us today to find out more about private hire, same-day booking, and how we can bring your pre-wedding party dreams to life.