A Wedding Weekend in NJ: an Itinerary for Bear Brook Couples
Why have a wedding day when you can have a wedding weekend?! Maximize your special occasion by spending quality time with your closest friends and family all weekend long.
Check in to Your Airbnb or Hotel
We suggest booking an Airbnb for you, your family, and your wedding party. This creates a wonderful opportunity to stay together as you prepare for the big day and continue the fun afterward with a post-wedding gathering. The Napa House is conveniently located just a two-minute drive from Bear Brook Valley, making it an ideal spot for you and your guests.
If an airbnb isn’t an option, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.
Explore the Area
Since you’re making it a weekend affair, take advantage of exploring the stunning surroundings of Bear Brook Valley. New Jersey offers a variety of activities throughout the year—visit a local winery or brewery, go skiing at Mountain Creek (or enjoy the spa at Crystal Springs if that’s more your speed), indulge in some shopping, or hike on one of the beautiful trails!
Final Appointment
Monika deMyer | Laurelwood Designs
During the week of your wedding, typically on Wednesday or Thursday, you will attend your final appointment at Bear Brook Valley. At this meeting, you’ll drop off your decor and review all details with your coordinator to ensure a seamless day.
Rehearsal Dinner
You have the option to host your rehearsal dinner at the Airbnb, the hotel, or a local restaurant. Some of our top choices for rehearsal dinner spots include The Circle, Stone Water, Bell’s Mansion, Il Porto, Alice’s, and Cinders. While we don't host rehearsal dinners at the venue, your wedding coordinator will conduct a ceremony walkthrough with your wedding party on the day of the wedding.
Wedding Day
The big day is finally here! Wake up, enjoy a cup of coffee, and make your way to your dream wedding venue to start getting ready!
9am
- wedding party 1 arrives onsite (Silo Suite opens)
- sip on mimosas, enjoy a fresh breakfast, and
11am
- wedding party 2 arrives onsite (Woodford Lounge)
- play lawn games and video games while the drinks are flowing
12:30pm
- lunch is served in the suites
1:30pm
- begin getting dressed; photographer arrives
3pm
- first look and portraits
- your coordinator will run a ceremony rehearsal with the wedding party
3:30pm
- wedding party & immediate family portraits
4:30pm
- head to the lounges while guests begin to arrive
5pm
- ceremony begins
5:30pm
- guests make their way into cocktail hour
- extended family portraits
7pm
- reception begins
7:15pm
- introductions, first dance, other formalities
7:45pm
- dance floor opens
8:15pm
- dinner is served
9:30pm
- dessert is served
10pm
- late night snack is served
10:30pm
- reception ends
For additional wedding day timeline samples, click here.
The Day After
Many couples choose to have a brunch the morning after their wedding. If you’re staying at a hotel, you can set this up in one of the spaces. Or if you are staying at an airbnb, you can have a brunch catered for you and your wedding party or family. This is the perfect time to reminisce on your best day ever with all of your loved ones.
Once you are fed, you’ll make your way back to Bear Brook to pick up all of your belongings! We’ll have everything packed up and ready to go for you.
We know how special this time of your life is, so we encourage you to make the most of it and soak it all in!