Wedding Etiquette Wedding Etiquette Ideas: Bridesmaids Luncheon

What is and who hosts a bridesmaids’ luncheon?
A bridesmaids’ luncheon is an optional event usually hosted by the bride as a thank you to her bridesmaids - however other close family members and friends are also often invited. Additionally, despite its name, a bridesmaids’ luncheon doesn’t necessarily have to be a lunch, and other popular ideas for this event - which in fact can take place at any time of day - include a picnic, afternoon tea, a meal at a restaurant, time at a spa or just a girls get-together at home with finger food and cake. It’s also a great opportunity for the bride-to-be to give her bridesmaids their thank you gifts.

There’s also a lovely tradition that dates back to Victorian times - which is often included in the luncheon - of a cake with silver keepsake charms. Nowadays, charms are attached to ribbons and usually placed underneath the bottom layer of the bridesmaids’ cake. Each bridesmaid then pulls a ribbon to receive a silver charm with a special meaning; charms might include a wishbone, a shamrock, a horseshoe or a ring.