The basics behind a post-wedding brunch

By Metro Creative Services

You are finally husband and wife! If you aren't jetting off to your honeymoon immediately, some couples opt to continue the celebration with a morning-after brunch. It gives them the opportunity to thank their guests for trekking into town and a chance to say goodbye. Plus, they'll get to hear about everything they might have missed at the wedding while they were playing hosts -- like how Aunt Sue boogied on the dance floor, or that their little cousin ate two dozen shrimp at the cocktail hour.

What kind of brunch you have is up to you. You can make it an open house and invite everyone who attended the wedding, or you can limit it to guests who spent the night at a hotel, or invite your wedding party and a few close friends and family. Just be sure to get the guest list approved by whoever is paying for it. Wedding experts say the bride's family traditionally pays, but today, the bride and groom, a friend, or a family member often will host the brunch.

There is no established way to invite guests. For a more formal invitation, get printed cards and send them with the wedding invitation. Casual brunch invites can be sent via e-mail or over the phone.

Now it's time to decide where the brunch will be. You can do brunch in that cute little restaurant of the hotel where everyone is staying. Maybe you want everyone to come over to one of your parents' homes, or perhaps everyone can picnic at a park or in someone's backyard. Just make sure you feel comfortable wherever it may be held.

If you had a late-night wedding, guests will likely be tired and have flights to catch (as might you!). In that case, schedule the brunch so that it's early enough for the early birds in your group, but long enough for those who may want to sleep in and arrive a little bit later. That will give you enough time to eat and say goodbye to guests without you or them feeling too rushed.

Keep the meal simple and laid-back. Serve bagels, breads, muffins, eggs, French toast, croissants, waffles, hash browns, pastries, fruit, pancakes, or other breakfast foods. For those who prefer lunch-based foods, you can offer steak, salad, pasta, fish, or sandwiches. Provide orange juice, tea and, of course, an endless pot of coffee. If you want to get fancy, serve up some mimosas or Bloody Marys (whether food is served as a buffet or sit-down style is up to you).

After the brunch, you'll leave for your honeymoon well-fed and, of course, as newlyweds. Plus, you'll be armed with some gossip about your Aunt Sue!