Unique Wedding Idea: Have a Brunch Wedding

Tired of the same old wedding ideas? Not seeing anything new or different as you plan your wedding? How about a fun and unique idea that would delight your family and friends? A brunch wedding!!

Why Choose a Brunch Wedding?

• Cost-Effective: Breakfast and lunch menus are often more affordable than a full dinner service. Wedding venues are generally less expensive during the daytime hours as well. 
• More Venue Availability: Morning and early afternoon weddings are less in demand, making it easier to book your dream location.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: A daytime wedding tends to feel more casual, making it great for couples who prefer an intimate, stress-free celebration.
• Beautiful Natural Lighting: Perfect for outdoor venues, garden weddings, or spaces with large windows.

These days, weddings are very focused on the experience. There is a lot of emphasis on selecting a theme, color palette and venue that all work together to provide your guests with an event they will long remember. This is why the brunch wedding is so much fun! Chances are, most of your guests have never attended a brunch wedding, so there aren’t any preconceptions or expectations to fulfill. You really have a blank canvas to do whatever you want! 

Brunch Wedding Timeline

• 10:00 AM – Ceremony
• 10:30 AM – Cocktail Hour (Coffee, Mimosas, Light Bites)
• 11:30 AM – Brunch Reception Begins
• 1:30 PM – Cake Cutting & Dancing
• 2:30 PM – Grand Exit

Brunch Wedding Decor and Themes

There are some special considerations while choosing a brunch wedding venue. Make sure you go there at the time of day you will be holding your wedding so you can see how the lighting makes the room feel. Consider an outdoor venue. If the reception is taking place early on a mid-Summer day, it might be the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather before the day gets too hot. Look for venues that may not work for an evening wedding, but would be perfect for a brunch wedding – like a greenhouse, botanical garden, state park or city park that has lush greenery and blooming flowers. Consider these options: 

• Light & Airy Color Palette: Pastels, soft florals, or greenery.
• Rustic Elegance: Wooden tables, simple centerpieces, and natural lighting.
• Garden Party Feel: Outdoor seating with bistro lights and fresh flowers.

Brunch Wedding Menu Ideas

There are so many fun things you could do for a brunch wedding because it doesn’t have to be ALL breakfast or ALL lunch food. If you’re going casual, pick a few things to feature and let your guests nibble as they visit. Or you can make it fancy by offering chef stations (like omelette or ham carving). Plated and served meals are, of course, still an option as well! Here are some ideas:

• Classic Brunch Buffet: Scrambled eggs, bacon, French toast, pastries, fresh fruit.
• Interactive Stations: Waffle or crepe bar, omelet station, bagel and lox station.
• Signature Drinks: Mimosas, Bellinis, spiked coffee, non-alcoholic spritzers.

Brunch Wedding Attire

Brunch wedding attire is typically more relaxed and airy compared to traditional evening weddings. It’s really up to you how casual or dressy you want it to be. Be sure to clue your guests into proper attire since many of them probably have never attended a brunch wedding before. Semi-formal or dressy casual outfits—floral dresses, breezy skirts, and light suits work well for the daytime setting and are always appropriate. Accessories like sun hats and sunglasses are fun and stylish as well. 

For brides, consider light and flowy dresses in soft fabrics like chiffon or lace. Tea-length or midi dresses offering a charming alternative to a full gown.

Grooms can opt for a light-colored suit, such as beige, gray, or pastel tones, paired with a crisp dress shirt and no tie or a fun patterned bowtie for a more casual vibe.

Wedding Favors

Keep with your brunch theme and send guests home with something to help them remember your special day, such as:

Homemade jam or local honey. I truly love this idea! How fun and cute.

A trail mix station or mason jars filled with premixed trail mix and decorated with coordinated colors would be a great gift to send home with your guests.

A brunch wedding is a refreshing and unique way to celebrate your special day, offering a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere that embraces the charm of a morning celebration. With beautiful natural lighting, a delicious breakfast-inspired menu, and a more intimate feel, it’s an ideal choice for couples looking to create a warm and inviting experience. Whether you opt for a casual garden gathering or a chic restaurant affair, a brunch wedding allows you to break tradition while still making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Be sure to check out my post about post-wedding brunch.

For more incredible brunch wedding ideas, check out this post.