Originating in the United States, the welcome dinner is now winning hearts across Europe. Held a few days before the wedding, this gathering gives couples the chance to bring together family and friends in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. More casual than the wedding reception itself, it’s the perfect opportunity to thank your loved ones and encourage new connections among your guests. Thinking of hosting a welcome dinner in Paris? A cruise on the Seine aboard a private boat offers the dream setting for unforgettable moments with the people who matter most.
Unlike the ceremony and the wedding reception, the welcome dinner is all about keeping things light and easy. Forget rigid schedules or the pressure for everything to be perfectly orchestrated — this is your chance to unwind, surrounded by the people who mean the most in your life and in your heart. No need to worry about when the champagne is served, the arrival of the wedding cake, or the playlist curated by the band or DJ. Instead, it’s simply about enjoying time together with family and friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Keep in mind that the welcome dinner is not a rehearsal for the wedding day. There’s no strict dress code, no seating chart — just a focus on joy, connection, and conviviality. This cherished gathering helps release any pre-wedding stress and leaves you feeling refreshed and uplifted for the final stretch before you say “I do”.
A wedding often brings together people who may not know each other well, sometimes even coming from different cultures or backgrounds. On the big day, a little awkwardness can linger at first, and it may take some time before everyone feels completely at ease.
A welcome dinner creates the perfect setting for connections to form. Families, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and close friends of the couple can meet in a laid-back setting — chatting over dinner or drinks, sharing a dance, and getting to know one another. Bonds begin to form naturally, helping set the stage for a wedding day filled with joy and harmony.
Some couples even invite a few of their wedding vendors to join this event. For instance, the photographer can use this opportunity to blend into the couple’s world, making it easier to capture the most authentic and memorable shots on the wedding day.
Your family and closest friends have supported you throughout your wedding preparations. They’ve stood by your side at every step, encouraged you during moments of doubt, and will of course be there on your big day. A welcome dinner is your way of thanking them for their love, support, and presence. It also gives you the chance to spend more time with those who live far away and whom you don’t get to see as often as you’d like. This intimate gathering isn’t about inviting everyone — it’s reserved for your closest circle.
There’s no need to impress your guests with a grand reception. What matters most is offering them a thoughtful gesture: an intimate evening in a simple, welcoming setting. They’ll truly appreciate it.
A dinner cruise on the Seine is the perfect setting for a welcome dinner in Paris. On board a private riverboat reserved just for you, follow the flow of the river as you discover the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, La Conciergerie, Pont Alexandre III, and Grand Palais and Petit Palais. Enjoy an aperitif followed by dinner, either on the panoramic deck or in the elegant dining room, depending on the season and the weather.
As the sun sets or the city lights shimmer against the Parisian night, you’ll be immersed in a truly enchanting atmosphere. We take care of every detail of your private cruise in Paris — from fine dining to live music tailored to your wishes — so you can enjoy an unforgettable evening, an unforgettable prelude to a beautiful wedding.
