Vendors & Venues
Fashion & Beauty
Weddings
Podcasts
Magazine
Events

Spotlight: Pre-Wedding Hype

How to Build Anticipation Before the Big Day Even Begins

May 26, 2025

Long before the first toast or walk down the aisle, a successful wedding experience begins with anticipation. Couples today are redefining what it means to “set the tone,” offering guests creative sneak peeks into their celebration well before they step foot at the venue. From welcome boxes to digital teasers, here’s how Nebraska's top wedding pros are helping couples build that buzz - and why it makes the whole event feel more like an immersive journey than a single day.

Let the Invitations Do the Talking

Your invitation isn’t just a piece of mail - it’s the first chapter of your wedding story. “There’s nothing more exciting than building the buzz before your big day - and what better way to do that than with stunning, personalized wedding stationery?” says Rayna Roseby of Divine Events by Rayna, LLC. “From the moment your guests open their invitation, you’re setting the stage for your wedding’s vibe, theme, and energy. It’s more than paper - it’s a preview of your love story. So go ahead, infuse it with your colors, your style, and even a heartfelt note or playful teaser."

To really turn up the volume, some couples are going beyond traditional invitations. “Our favorite way to build anticipation is through the invitation itself - specifically, when it’s paired with intentional design, elevated materials, and a clear reflection of the event’s fashion-forward elegance,” adds Rebecca Walls, Store Manager at Skeffington’s Formal Wear, Omaha. “A sophisticated invitation suite, complemented by a private digital lookbook or teaser showcasing the couple’s style (including a preview of the groom’s tuxedo or formalwear vision), sets the tone long before guests arrive. It signals that this won’t just be a wedding - it will be an unforgettable, high-style affair where every detail has been thoughtfully curated.”

Send a Pre-Wedding Box That Sparks Excitement

Surprise your guests before the big day even begins with a beautifully curated pre-wedding box. Think of it as a welcome kit sent in advance: include locally inspired snacks, a mini candle in your signature wedding scent, a QR code linking to a curated playlist, or even a playful “wedding bingo” card with fun predictions to spot during the celebration. It’s a creative and thoughtful way to make everyone feel part of the experience from the start.

Launch a Wedding Website

A wedding website is a great way to build excitement and make your guests feel truly involved before the big day. Beyond sharing essential details, your site can include a relationship timeline highlighting key milestones with photos and stories, helping guests connect with your journey as a couple. Adding fun guest polls or quizzes - like asking which song will get them dancing or their favorite cocktail - engages attendees and even assists with planning. You can also create an interactive RSVP experience where guests can share song requests, dietary needs, or leave personal messages for you. Including a countdown timer and regular updates with sneak peeks or announcements keeps anticipation high and encourages guests to check back often, turning your website into a dynamic part of the wedding experience itself.

Kick Off the Celebration Before the Ceremony

Some of the most memorable moments happen before the wedding day. Hosting pre-wedding events like an intimate bridal shower or a welcome party can create a sense of togetherness and shared anticipation. “Hosting a welcome party the night before for your closest friends and family is the perfect opportunity to kick off the festivities in a more relaxed and intimate setting,” says Anna of Anna Brace Photography. “With great food, some live music, and a few fun signature drinks, the days building up to your wedding can be full of joyful memories that you can enjoy with your guests before the whirlwind of the wedding day begins!"

Samantha Johnson from Venues at The Granary agrees, noting that a little mystery can go a long way. “In our experience, the best way to build anticipation is through the timeless approach of keeping things a bit mysterious while creating memorable experiences,” she says. “Host pre-wedding events at a special location, but keep some details under wraps to maintain that element of surprise. After all, there's nothing like the excitement of arriving at a wedding and seeing it all come together for the first time.”

Drop Stylish Clues with Digital Teasers

We live in the age of Instagram - use it to your advantage. Share subtle sneak peeks on social media or create a wedding website that drops stylish clues about what’s to come. A short film introducing your wedding party, a curated mood board, or behind-the-scenes dress shopping moments can all serve as breadcrumbs that leave guests wanting more. For a more exclusive feel, consider sending guests a password-protected link to a website that teases what they can look forward to.

Build a Spotify Playlist Together

Get your guests involved musically by creating a collaborative Spotify playlist. Ask them to submit their favorite party songs or tracks that remind them of the couple. Not only does it generate buzz, but it also provides a crowd-sourced soundtrack that you can feature during pre-wedding events or even on the dance floor. It’s a modern way to bring your people into the process - and spark a little dancing-in-the-kitchen joy before the celebration.

Host a Signature Cocktail Contest

Invite your guests to submit ideas for your signature wedding cocktail. Offer a few parameters - flavor profiles, ingredients you love, or names that reflect your theme - and then choose your favorite to serve on the big day. Not only does it build buzz, but the winner gets bragging rights (and maybe a shoutout on your menu or signage)!

Set the Tone With a Personal Energy Ritual

Before the whirlwind of celebration begins, take time to ground yourselves. Whether it’s a short morning yoga flow, a calming walk, a private moment for intention-setting, or a few deep breaths in solitude, starting the day with mindfulness can transform your energy - and your guests will feel it. When you walk into your wedding radiating love, that feeling ripples through every moment of the celebration.

Main photo by Anna Brace Photography