Weddings
New Orleans Wedding Party & Guest Guide
Plan wedding parties, guest accommodations, and wedding weekend activities in New Orleans for groups of 11-30.
You’re getting married in New Orleans. Or someone you love is. Either way, you need to figure out where the wedding party is staying, what to do the nights before, and how to keep 20+ people organized.
This guide covers the logistics—because weddings are stressful enough without accommodation drama.
Types of Wedding Groups
The Wedding Party
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the couple. Usually 10-20 people who need to be together for photos, prep, and bonding time.
What they need:
- One rental where everyone can gather
- Space for hair/makeup (bridesmaids)
- Room to get ready together (groomsmen)
- Pool for the recovery day
Out-of-Town Guests
Extended family and friends traveling for the wedding. Often 15-50+ people who need recommendations.
What they need:
- Hotel block or rental suggestions
- Ideas for exploring NOLA
- Welcome event venue options
Combined Groups
Smaller weddings where the entire guest list stays together in one large rental.
What they need:
- One property that can handle everyone
- Common space for welcome dinner
- Pool for post-wedding brunch
Where to Stay
For Wedding Parties of 11-30
Castleday Retreats — Three private villas in the Bywater, each sleeping up to 30. Private pools, full kitchens, multiple bedrooms. Perfect for bridesmaids getting ready together or groomsmen hosting the pre-wedding party.
The Syd — Multiple villas in the Lower Garden District, each sleeping up to 22. One block from St. Charles streetcar, easy access to everything. Shared pool and hot tub for group gatherings.
Bridesmaids vs. Groomsmen
Some couples put bridesmaids and groomsmen in separate rentals. Others put everyone together. Both work.
Separate rentals:
- Less chaotic morning-of
- Traditional feel
- Need two properties
Together:
- More cost-effective
- Better for bonding
- Assign floors/wings
Wedding Weekend Timeline
Thursday: Arrivals
For the wedding party:
- Early arrivals check in
- Grocery/alcohol run
- Welcome dinner (casual, at the house or nearby restaurant)
- Bachelor/bachelorette activities if not done separately
Pro tip: Don’t plan too much. People are tired from traveling.
Friday: Pre-Wedding Day
Morning:
- Sleep in
- Bridesmaids: spa treatments, nails
- Groomsmen: golf, fishing, or recovery time
- Pool hangout
Afternoon:
- Rehearsal (wedding party only)
- Free time for other guests
Evening:
- Rehearsal dinner
- After-party at the rental (keep it reasonable—big day tomorrow)
Saturday: Wedding Day
Morning:
- Bridesmaids: Hair and makeup at rental
- Groomsmen: Relaxed morning, get ready later
- Breakfast at the house
Afternoon:
- Photos (often at rental, then venue)
- Ceremony
Evening:
- Reception
- After-party (return to rental or hit Frenchmen Street)
Sunday: Recovery
Morning:
- Very late start
- Pool recovery
- Leftover wedding cake for breakfast
- Relive the highlights
Afternoon:
- Farewell brunch (at rental or restaurant)
- Departures
Getting Ready Logistics
For Bridesmaids
Book hair and makeup to come to your rental. Having everyone in one place keeps things on schedule.
Local options:
- Most NOLA hair/makeup artists offer on-location service
- Book 6+ months ahead for weekend weddings
- Budget: $150-300 per person including trial
Space needs:
- Good natural light for photos
- Multiple mirrors
- Power outlets for tools
- Champagne within reach
For Groomsmen
Much simpler. Need showers, mirrors, and somewhere to put suits.
Morning-of activities:
- Casual breakfast at the house
- Maybe a card game
- Get ready 2-3 hours before ceremony
Wedding Party Activities
Bachelor/Bachelorette
Often done as separate trips, but sometimes combined with the wedding weekend.
Bachelor options:
- Golf at TPC Louisiana or City Park
- Fishing charter in the morning
- Frenchmen Street at night
- Gambling at Harrah’s
Bachelorette options:
- Pool day at the rental
- Spa at Belladonna Day Spa
- Boozy brunch at Atchafalaya
- Dancing on Frenchmen Street
Group Bonding
Activities that work for everyone:
- Pool day at the rental
- Group dinner at long table
- Walking tour of the French Quarter
- Beignets at Café Du Monde
- Jazz at Preservation Hall
Where to Host Events
Welcome Dinner
Your rental’s courtyard or common area works perfectly for casual welcome dinners.
Restaurant options for 15-30:
- Compère Lapin (private space available)
- Cochon (family-style works great)
- Brennan’s courtyard
- Commander’s Palace private dining
Farewell Brunch
At your rental:
- Hire a caterer or cook together
- Set up by the pool
- Casual, no reservations needed
Restaurant options:
- Atchafalaya (best brunch in the city)
- Brennan’s (classic and celebratory)
- Ruby Slipper (casual, handles groups)
Budget Breakdown
Wedding Party Rental (Per Person, 3 Nights)
| Style | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Budget ($200-300) | Good rental split many ways, mostly eating at house |
| Mid-range ($350-500) | Nice rental, mix of house and restaurant meals |
| Splurge ($600-800) | Best rental, welcome dinner out, all the extras |
Excludes wedding costs, flights, personal expenses
Who Pays for What
Typically the couple covers:
- Welcome dinner (or hosts at rental)
- Rehearsal dinner
- Farewell brunch
Wedding party typically covers:
- Their share of rental
- Personal meals
- Hair/makeup (bridesmaids)
- Bachelor/bachelorette activities
Pro Tips
1. Book the rental before the venue
Large group rentals book fast, especially for peak wedding season (March-May, October-November).
2. One person coordinates
Assign a bridesmaid/groomsman to handle the rental logistics. Don’t add this to the couple’s plate.
3. Create a shared document
Arrival times, room assignments, weekend schedule, emergency contacts. Keep everyone informed.
4. Build in buffer time
Wedding days run late. Pad the schedule by 30+ minutes everywhere.
5. Keep one day unplanned
Don’t schedule activities for every hour. The best moments happen in the downtime.
6. Stock the rental
Assign someone to arrive early with:
- Coffee and breakfast supplies
- Snacks for getting-ready time
- Champagne/beer/wine
- Late-night food
7. Plan transportation
- Uber/Lyft for small groups
- Charter a van for larger groups moving together
- Coordinate rides to ceremony/reception
Common Questions
Can we do photos at the rental?
Yes. Most Castleday and The Syd properties photograph beautifully—courtyards, pools, interesting architecture. Many couples do first look and wedding party photos at their rental.
How early should we book?
6-12 months ahead for popular wedding weekends. Longer for major events (Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest).
Can we host the welcome dinner at the rental?
Absolutely. Cater it, hire a private chef, or potluck-style. That’s the whole point of renting a space this size.
What about out-of-town guests who aren’t in the wedding party?
Send them to hotels, or book multiple rentals on the same property. The Syd’s multiple villas work well for this.
Book Your Wedding Weekend
For wedding parties of 11-30:
- Castleday Retreats – Private pools, perfect for getting-ready photos
- The Syd – Central location, multiple units for large wedding groups