Why Wellness Is The New Must-Have For Wedding Weekends—And 11 Trends Couples Are Embracing

For decades, wedding weekends have been about celebration, from welcome dinners to farewell brunches. But couples today are weaving moments that support physical, spiritual, emotional and mental well-being, especially those who are throwing destination weddings or multi-day affairs. “Wellness adds another layer to the experience,” says Solara Gatherings event planner Celeste Montgomery. “It keeps the couple centered and energized, and for guests, it’s a memorable, thoughtful touchpoint.”

You can include anything from guided hikes to intention-setting ceremonies with the right planning, budget, and venue. “Different techniques work for different dynamics,” Montgomery says. “But at the end of the day, wellness is about providing moments when people pause and reflect and get connected.”

Here, a look at this growing trend — and 11 of the most beloved wellness practices that are being woven into wedding weekends.

Why Couples Are Making Wellness a Priority for Their Wedding Weekends

Already attuned to wellness or scratching out something new for readers, many couples are embracing even more far-reaching routines than those involving just matters of the day. “It’s not only what the wedding looks like, but also how it feels,” Montgomery says. “Wellness activities provide a deliberate pause from the merriment.”

Extended wedding timelines — welcome parties, rehearsal dinners, and farewell brunches, oh my! — allow for much-curated moments of peace. “Multiday celebrations can take such an emotional and physical toll,” says Liora Sanz, the creative director at Nova Events Studio. “Wellness moments let everyone recharge their batteries.”

These events naturally also give guests a chance to mingle outside formal events. Whether they’re a walk through nature or a sound bath by candlelight, wellness elements help guests bond in a more laid-back, mindful way.

4 Elements to Consider If You’re Looking to Target Wellness

Your Interests — and Your Guests’

Choose activities based on your personalities. “If you are already doing mindfulness practices, it sort of makes sense to incorporate it,” adds Montgomery. “If it’s new, consider it something to explore with your loved ones.”

And consider guest access while you’re at it. “A nature hike may be a great option for some but the perfect nightmare for others, who may rather take part in seated meditation or a sound bath,” she adds. “Serve a menu of moments — some optional, some served to share.”

Your Budget

Wellness experiences don’t need to be of the spa takeover variety. “You don’t have to book a lavish treatment either; a group sunrise or sunset yoga session or a meditation session could be just as impactful,” says Sanz. For those whose budget permits, treat a selection, like your bridal party or closest family members, to spa services.

Your Schedule

Ensure your moments of wellness fit within the time frame. “The whole point is defeated if you stifle the itinerary with too many activities,” says Kai Elwood from Northlight Celebrations. “When thinking about timing, consider the arrival times, other events and logistics, such as getting there.”

Your Venue

There are some places that are just more conducive to certain kinds of experiences. “For example, a mountaintop retreat could lend itself to forest bathing or hiking,” Montgomery says. “Spa experiences or indoor sound baths may be more suitable for an urban location.” Partner with a planner who knows how to seamlessly blend wellness with your aesthetic.

11 Wellness Practices to Bring to Your Wedding Weekend

Yoga

A popular hobby for couples Gently challenging, yoga sessions can be modified to fit any level and occur virtually anywhere. “A gentle morning flow can get the day off to a very centred start,” says The Ridge at Laurelie spa director Joy Ashcroft. You can host a big group class or opt to keep it more intimate with the wedding party only.

Aura Photography

Trade the photo booth for an aura station. “It’s interactive, personal, and it gets the conversation going,” says Elwood. Partygoers leave with souvenirs that harness their energy in the here and now.

Hiking

Guided hikes or nature walks also contribute to helping guests soak up the destination and begin the weekend with activity. “It’s all-inclusive, energizing and it encourages casual talk,” notes Montgomery.

Sound Baths

Sound healing, with crystal bowls and gongs, provides a meditative experience for guests of all backgrounds. “It’s kind of a quiet moment that they have together, that happens before the ceremony or thrown on its own,” Montgomery says.

Forest Bathing

Ostensibly based on the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, forest bathing involves a slow, meditative walk in the forest that promotes presence. “It’s a sensory experience that plays in stark contrast to the party energy of a wedding weekend,” Sanz says.

Herbal Hydration Stations

Ditch soda in favor of infused waters, wellness elixirs, or herbal teas. “Create a hydration bar for your after-party or welcome event,” Montgomery says. Bonus: it ensures everyone looks his or her best.

Chakra Workshops

Chakra workshops are a mix of learning, creativity, and reflection. “We walk people through what the chakras mean and have them create a gemstone bracelet based on what they learned,” says Ashcroft. “It’s a shared experience and they have something to show for it.”

Tarot and Numerology Readings

Infuse the day with a bit of mysticism with mini tarot or numerology sessions. “It’s a conversation starter, reflective and can be a fun surprise,” Elwood says. These are usually during cocktail hours or brunches.

Massages and Spa Services

The four-hour masses, laden with noise and music and gathered in the streets or churches, are a very exciting and playful start to the festivities. “If you can’t make full treatments a possibility for everyone, chair massages during the welcome event or brunch are a nice idea,” says Sanz.

IV Drip Therapy

Provide an IV bar for hydration and recovery — so needed after a crazy night of celebrating. “It’s perfect for the bride and groom and wedding party, or anyone needing a wellness pick-me-up,” Sanz says.

Communal Intention Ceremonies

History and intentionality Set intentions with guests, writing some on dissolvable paper, creating public art in the form of a shared artwork or adding to a group journal. “It transcends everyone on a deeper level,” says Sanz. If you’re not into a full ceremony, create a gratitude or intention wall, where guests can stop by throughout the weekend.

Health Heightens the Celebrating

Wellness isn’t a substitute for the party, it’s a way to make it better. From morning yoga to intention walls bathed in candlelight, these are more than moments of repose: they are invitations to presence, connection and meaning.