Couple's often decide to begin their celebrations up to a week prior to the wedding day for a few reasons.  Firstly it engages the guests earlier and builds the anticipation, it also provides activity for those guests who have travelled some distance to attend the event and consequently arrive early and it can also be an opportunity to celebrate with guests who are not able to attend on the actual wedding day.

The options are extensive and really are only limited by your imagination.  Below are a few of my current favourites:

High Tea - a lovely genteel concept offering delightful sweets over tea, coffee or champagne.  Can be held at a home or in one of the better hotels on the Coast. This concept is more popular with the ladies.

Lingerie/Pamper/Cosmetic - an opportunity to structure your gathering around hosted events with specialised partyplanners, giving your guests an opportunity for facials or massages, beauty makeovers or lingerie offerings. This concept is again more popular with the ladies and can be enjoyed over champagne and canapes.

Barbecue Party - this is an outdoor party option for everyone to share.  Guests are invited to bring along a gift fitting the barbeque/outdoor concept. This is a relaxed and combined style of event.

Girls/Guys Night out - these nights should alway be held at least a week before for the wedding, allowing each of you to go and let your hair down with your friends!

Cellar Party - A great way to increase your wine cellar is to hold a cellar party and it is another combined style of event.  It can be enjoyed over a selection of fine cheeses and tapas.

Garden Shower - your guests are encouraged to bring gifts for your garden/terrace by bringing plants, flowers, pots, tools, statues, water features etc.

Bath & Bed Shower - this is another focussed event where guests can give you anything from bubble bath to linen to "fun" toys!

Time Shower - this is an unusual concept encouraging your guests to use their imaginations. The gifts are relevant to the time that you invite each group of guests over,some ideas are: 10am - tea/coffee cups, china plates;  7pm - crockery/wine glasses, tangines;  10pm - liquer glasses, dvds, lamps, etc.

Alphabet shower - another creative concept is to give each guest a letter of the alphabet on their invitation and ask that they choose a gift commencing with the letter.