When it comes to planning your wedding weekend, there’s one event that sets the tone for all the fun ahead—the wedding welcome party! I recently had the honor of planning a welcome party at the historic Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado. It was the perfect way to kick off the festivities and create an unforgettable start to their wedding weekend. So, why should you host a welcome party for your Colorado wedding? Let me break it down.

What’s a Wedding Welcome Party?

The wedding welcome party is a relaxed, informal event designed to get everyone mingling and excited for the big day ahead. It’s especially perfect if you’re planning a destination wedding, where guests may not know each other well. The best part? There’s no set structure for this event—no formalities, no traditions—just a chance for everyone to connect, have fun, and set the vibe for your wedding weekend. As a Colorado mountain wedding planner, I’m a huge fan of welcome parties because they let couples and their guests ease into the celebrations in a laid-back way. No rules, no pressure, just good times!

Why You Should Host a Welcome Party

1. It sets the tone for the weekend

Your wedding day is all about structure, but the welcome party is where you can let loose. It’s the perfect opportunity to show your guests what’s in store and get them excited for what’s to come.

2. It’s a great icebreaker

Let’s face it—your wedding is bringing together friends and family who might not know each other yet. A welcome party gives everyone the chance to meet, mingle, and get comfortable. By the time your wedding day rolls around, the dance floor will be packed with people who feel like they’ve known each other forever.

3. You can make it your own

Unlike a rehearsal dinner or reception, there’s no set format for a welcome party. Want a cocktail hour with live music? Go for it. Prefer a casual BBQ or a fun theme night? The options are endless. At the Sheridan Opera House, we created an unforgettable atmosphere with live entertainment and signature cocktails, all while keeping it relaxed and enjoyable for everyone.

4. More time to connect with your guests

Weddings go by in the blink of an eye, and it can be hard to spend time with all of your guests on the big day. A welcome party gives you a chance to catch up with everyone before the main event. This way, you can enjoy your wedding day without feeling like you’re missing out on meaningful moments with your loved ones.

The Sheridan Opera House

For this recent event, the Sheridan Opera House was the perfect venue. With 130 guests in attendance, the Opera House offered a warm, inviting space that felt intimate yet spacious enough for everyone to enjoy. What made this party extra special was the live music and laid-back vibe, allowing guests to really soak in the beautiful surroundings while connecting with one another.

At Kemp and Co. Collective, I believe that hosting a welcome party for your Colorado wedding is an essential part of your wedding weekend. It’s your first chance to set the mood, bring your loved ones together, and create memories before the formalities begin. If you’re still asking yourself why you should host a welcome party for your Colorado wedding, the answer is simple: it creates unforgettable memories, breaks the ice for your guests, and allows you to enjoy every moment of your wedding weekend. If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in the stunning Colorado mountains, I’d love to help you plan the perfect wedding weekend, starting with an epic welcome party. Let’s make it a celebration to remember!

Sheridan Opera House Wedding Welcome Party Vendors

• Live music: Petty Breakers
• Photography: Abie Livesay