Whether you’re planning a sprawling ski trip in the mountains or a dreamy beach getaway filled with sunshine for your wedding weekend, it can sometimes feel a little overwhelming trying to decide what activities are a must-include on your wedding weekend itinerary. Never fear – we’ve teamed up with Be Inspired PR to grab ideas to inspire you (and your guests!) so that you can enjoy an unforgettable weekend no matter what season or location you’ve decided on for your wedding!

Consider group activities as much as possible. 

“Always start with the vibe and aesthetic of the wedding. Is this a *party*, or are we going for more of a serene, quiet luxury vibe? With this framework and foundation, choosing your wedding-adjacent activities can become much clearer. I always steer fun-loving couples towards group activities like distillery/brewery visiting, putt-putt golfing, or hitting up a beach. For more quiet couples, gatherings at spas, wineries, or a round on a stunning golf course are always my go-to’s.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Throw a welcome brunch. 

“It’s likely whether you’re having a destination wedding or a local wedding that some of your family and friends have flown in from out of town. A welcome breakfast may be a little early for those with jet lag so throwing a brunch is the perfect way to kick off your wedding weekend.” – Lisette Gatliff, Lisette OC Photography

Have a bonfire! 

“This is entirely dependent on your venue’s restrictions, of course, but if they allow it, a late-night bonfire is a fun bonding activity for you and your guests. Set up camping chairs, provide a few flannel blankets, and break out the marshmallows and roasting sticks for s’mores. You can even provide warm drinks like hot cocoa or mulled wine to keep your guests extra cozy.” – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Local activities are key! 

“There’s nothing quite like having a fun wedding weekend of activities for friends and family to participate in while celebrating the happy couple. Some ‘fun in the sun’ beach activities for a coastal wedding weekend or wine tasting tours for a wine weekend. We also love the idea of creating a curated “locals guide” of fun activities that will encourage guests to explore the area locally, such as restaurant recommendations, shops and local attractions.” – HoneyFitz Events

You can’t go wrong with a pool party for a little R+R. 

“My favorite pre-wedding event is a pool party! Your guests have likely traveled so this gives them some time for R+R and also provides more time for interaction and catching up in a more casual environment. You can get creative with signage and decor and use it as a kick off to set the tone for the weekend’s festivities!” – Nora Sheils, Founder Bridal Bliss and Co-Founder Rock Paper Coin

Host a fun movie night. 

“Set up a cozy seating area and a projector and get into the wedding spirit with a movie like Bridesmaids or Father of The Bride. You can even create an easy DIY popcorn bar: Fill glass containers with popcorn, provide a few flavor shakers or mix-ins, and let your guests have fun mixing up their own personal popcorn party. – Jenna Miller, Creative Director of Here Comes The Guide

Offer options with a competitive aspect.

“I always recommend activities that are local specialties to where you are getting married – odds are, your guests will never have experienced these activities. I would suggest offering one activity that is a little cliché, as your guests may expect that, but then maybe have another one that is a little crazier and different… For example, if you’re in Italy, you can do something as typical as wine tasting, but what if you do a live drawing class and the winner gets a case of the wine you tasted the day prior? The cherry on top of the cake is to combine activities with hobbies or things you enjoy doing yourself.” – Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fete

Plan for outdoor activities.

“You don’t have to spend a ton of extra money to have fun on the weekend of your wedding. You can find a local conservatory, have a picnic in the park, take a walk on the beach, or even a nearby hike to ease those pre-wedding butterflies. Plus, if you choose an outdoor activity, it can give you the extra energy that you’ll need to celebrate your big day!” – Lisette Gatliff, Lisette OC Photography

Highlight seasonal specialties whenever you can.

“A fall wedding that overlooks a beautiful orchard with served spiked hot apple cider is delightful! A summer wedding at a lakefront yacht club in a tent can focus on serving champagne and gelato at sunset to highlight the natural beauty of the scenery right in front of them after guests sit down from the lakefront nuptial ceremony. A winter wedding with views of the mountains at a ski lodge would be perfect for a hot cocoa bar! A spring garden wedding is so refreshingly beautiful, and the short window of time you have to use tulips and/or lily of the valley in your wedding floral is perfect for this seasonal feel!” – Valarie Falvey, Kirkbrides

Treat yourselves to a spa day! 

“This doesn’t mean that you have to book all your close wedding guests and bridal party at the nearest spa for massages and facials; unless that’s what you’d like to do. It can be as simple as getting together and pampering each other at the hotel while watching your favorite movie and eating your favorite take out.” – Lisette Gatliff, Lisette OC Photography

Vendor credits (in order of appearance):

(1st, 2nd, 3rd & 6th) Photographer: Rebecca Yale Photography; Planner: Bridal Bliss; Creative Partner: Joy Proctor
(4th, 5th, 7th & 8th) Photographer: Nicole Leever Photography; Planner: HoneyFitz Events; Venue: Saddlerock Ranch; Mobile Bar: Hello Penny Mobile Bar; Florist: Shindig Chic