You’ve got the wedding day under control—now it’s time to shape the rest of the weekend. As you start planning in the Barcelona area, we’ve curated a selection of pre-wedding activities designed specifically for group gatherings.

From relaxed, sociable moments to more immersive experiences, these ideas strike a considered balance between culture, gastronomy, and a few unexpected touches. Each option is chosen to help you create a welcome event that feels seamless in flow, enjoyable for every guest, and a confident start to your wedding celebrations.

Here at Studio Marieta, we love helping our clients plan both pre- and post-wedding events, creating a complete weekend experience for them and their guests.

Welcome drinks at rooftop

When in Barcelona, why not admire the city from above? A rooftop terrace can be the most relaxed and easy-to-organise option for a welcome event, offering stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere. With so many hotels featuring beautiful rooftops across the city, you simply need to choose the one that suits your style. We’ll be happy to recommend a few great options to help you get started in this blogpost (link al post de rooftop terraces Barcelona).

Catamaran cruise

A boat cruise is the perfect way to make the most of the warmer months in Barcelona. Fun, relaxed, and scenic, it offers a unique perspective of the coastline while enjoying time with your group. Catamarans for up to 100 guests are available to rent, complete with drinks and music on board for a lively atmosphere. This experience is especially popular from June through September, when the weather is at its best.  This activity could be either a day time activity including swimming, or a sunset cruise. We’ll be happy to assist you in arranging the ideal catamaran for your event.

Vineyard visit in Penedès

Just a short drive from Barcelona and Sitges lies the beautiful Penedès wine region, home to a wide selection of excellent vineyards. Among our personal favourites are Parés Baltà and Jean Leon, both offering high-quality wines and memorable experiences.

Penedès is also renowned as the birthplace of Cava, making it a must-visit destination for sparkling wine lovers. Beyond traditional tastings, many wineries offer engaging group activities such as creating your own cava or blending your own wine. For a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy a brunch paired with local wines.

Smaller groups may prefer a guided terroir tour, offering a deeper understanding of the landscape, vineyards, and winemaking traditions. For those looking for something more active, cycling between wineries with a guide is a wonderful way to experience the region at a slower pace, with time to stop, taste, and take in the surroundings along the way.

This activity is especially recommended in May, early June, September, and October, when the vineyards are at their most vibrant and the countryside is green and full of life.

Drinks and Flamenco Show

What better way to welcome your guests to Spain than with drinks and flamenco in the heart of Barcelona? Invite them to an intimate restaurant where they can enjoy local food and drinks while experiencing a live flamenco performance up close. It’s a warm and atmospheric introduction to the weekend, combining Spanish cuisine, music, and culture in a memorable setting.

This activity can be enjoyed year-round. We can also organise a flamenco performance at a venue of your choice, whether at a private villa or on a rooftop terrace.

Gastronomic walking tours in Barcelona

For smaller groups, a tapas tour is an excellent way to experience the essence of Barcelona. Blending a guided walk through the city with stops at carefully selected local eateries, it offers a seamless mix of culture and cuisine. Along the way, you get to discover hidden corners of the city while sampling traditional dishes and regional flavours.

These tours are best suited to groups of up to 10 people, allowing for a more intimate experience that fits naturally with the smaller, often family-run restaurants visited along the route.

Some of our personal favourite tapas include Rabas (crispy fried squid strips—not to be confused with octopus rings, as rabas are noticeably more tender), Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham), a selection of cured cheeses, Croquettes (crispy croquettes filled with creamy béchamel, and Iberian ham), and Patatas Bravas (crispy fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce), to name just a few. This activity can be enjoyed year-round. 

Hands-On Paella Experience in Barcelona

Another fantastic gastronomic experience to enjoy in Barcelona is a paella cooking class. Discover the secrets behind this iconic Spanish dish while sharing great food, wine, and quality time with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether hosted in a professional kitchen in the city centre or arranged at your private villa, this activity offers a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in local cuisine. This activity can be enjoyed year-round. 

Pool party at your villa

Another fantastic gastronomic experience to enjoy in Barcelona is a paella cooking class. Discover the secrets behind this iconic Spanish dish while sharing great food, wine, and quality time with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether hosted in a professional kitchen in the city centre or arranged at your private villa, this activity offers a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in local cuisine. This activity can be enjoyed year-round. 

If your wedding venue is a private villa, a poolside gathering is a natural way to bring everyone together. It makes the most of the setting and creates a relaxed start to the weekend. We can assist with arranging a DJ or curated sound setup, as well as a bar service tailored to your preferences. We can also help with arranging a BBQ or paella meal. It’s a simple, well-considered way to use the space and set an easy tone for your guests on arrival.