While multi-day wedding celebrations are completely common in many cultures, it's something western couples are only just starting to consider. However, the addition of events extending beyond the ceremony and reception is something that Jess Martin, wedding planning expert at Ginger Ray expects to see more of here in the UK, as the Wed-cation is revealed to be a key trend for the wedding industry.
Jess Martin, wedding planning expert at Ginger Ray explains: "A Wed-cation makes it easier for guests to turn the event into a short holiday of their own. Most Wed-cations that we see include fun additional events outside of the traditional ceremony and sit-down dinner part of the wedding, such as a welcome party for all guests the night before the wedding or a rehearsal dinner, and then day-after get-togethers like a booze-less brunch or farewell lunch. It's a great way for guests to connect with the couple and each other outside of the actual wedding ceremony, giving more opportunities to create lasting memories with their friends. It's also a great way for the couple to avoid the dreaded 'who do I speak to first' dilemma many face when they only have a few hours to get round to all their guests on their wedding day."
More than a quarter (27%) say they love the idea of a Wed-cation, while another 34% say it would all come down to the additional cost to the guests. Jess says that couples should "ensure guests aren't overwhelmed with additional events or out-of-pocket expenses. Include in your wedding invitations which events are optional and which guests are required to attend."
5 top tips for hosting a Wed-cation
1. Welcome Party
"Big welcome bashes are going to be a big trend for 2023," says Jess. "Not a traditional party, but something more laid back and entertaining for guests, as a way to get involved and mingle with other guests ahead of the big day. From fun fair games or a DJd barbecue lunch, to a gorgeous garden picnic or drinks at the local pub, getting your guests together the day before the actual wedding ceremony is a great way to welcome all your guests to the destination, as well as working through any nerves before the big day."
2. Midday Ceremony
Jess says that midday ceremonies are another big trend for 2023. "The most memorable part of any wedding is often the reception, but it can be tiring for everyone to go straight from the ceremony to the party, especially if they need time to get ready. "By having the ceremony in the middle of the day, guests have the chance to rest up in the afternoon, explore the rest of the venue or location, or have time to have something to eat, before everyone comes back together that evening for the real after party."
3. Grazing Grub
Jess says offering guests the opportunity to graze throughout the day could also help couples save on their wedding day costs. "After the ceremony, instead of splurging on cocktails and canapes, why not set up a grazing table of finger foods and pre-made drinks for guests to enjoy in their own time, " suggests Jess.
4. After Party
Alongside a truly personal wedding ceremony experience, couples are also looking for unusual wedding entertainment ideas that not only continue to express their own personality, but that also allow their guests to let loose in unique ways. "Couples are increasingly wanting to make sure their wedding reception is as memorable as it can be," says Jess. "Wedding entertainment will become more of a focus, as couples are looking for wedding experiences rather than just wedding days, and are wanting to entertain their guests more than ever – especially those who have travelled far to celebrate with them."
5. Day-After Brunch
“As a final thank you to guests for spending their Wed-cation with them, couples are also starting to do more day-after hosting”, says Jess. “From boozy (or booze-free!) brunches or casual sit-down lunches after check-out, this casual meal is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the events from the days before, before saying goodbye to their nearest and dearest.”
For all the perfect Wed-cation decorations and accessories, visit Ginger Ray.
2026 brides and groom told to remember one important thing
Couples are being warned to think ahead on possible disasters, and what they can do to protect their big day. Whether planning a destination wedding abroad or an intimate garden wedding at home, it is crucial for couples to understand the essential checklist and plan for what could go wrong. The research comes after a survey revealed 26% of those planning a wedding in the next three years would not take out wedding insurance.
READ ARTICLE
The Instagram Effect on Wedding Venues: How Social Media Is Reshaping the Industry
In an era where a single photograph can reach millions of viewers within hours, wedding venues are experiencing a seismic shift in how they attract couples and showcase their spaces. Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into the most powerful marketing tool the wedding industry has ever seen and it's fundamentally changing what couples look for in a venue. We spoke with Nick from Country House Weddings to explore how social media, particularly Instagram and TikTok is reshaping venue selection, design, and the entire wedding experience.
READ ARTICLE
The Wedding Music Trends Couples Are Choosing for 2026
For couples planning 2026 weddings, music has moved beyond background noise - it's now a defining, intentional part of the overall experience. Beyond the first dance or the late-night party set, couples are curating soundtracks that reflect who they are, where they come from, and how they want their guests to feel. The result? A new era of wedding music that's immersive, personal, culturally rich, and joy-led. Few people have seen this evolution up close quite like DJ China L'One, founder of We Run the World, the UK's leading Black-owned, all-female DJ agency. Having performed at hundreds of weddings and private celebrations, China has noticed a clear shift - especially for January weddings - towards upbeat, celebratory sounds, genre-blending playlists, and DJs who bring both polish and personality.
READ ARTICLE
The ultimate commitment: What couples must know before buying a home
For decades, the "gold standard" of commitment was a ring. Nowadays, many are opting to get on the ladder first, before considering a bigger wedding celebration. What's important to remember however is that while a wedding is a promise to each other, a mortgage is a legal commitment with your lender or bank. You aren't just responsible for your half of the loan; you are both legally liable for every penny of it. So, if you're planning to make the ultimate commitment this Valentine's Day, Ryan Etchells, Chief Commercial Officer at Together shares his top four tips for navigating the path to co-ownership:
READ ARTICLE
