Pre-wedding celebrations are events and rituals that take place before the actual wedding ceremony. These celebrations vary widely across different cultures and traditions, but they often serve as a way to bring together friends and family to celebrate the upcoming marriage. Here are some common pre-wedding celebrations:

1. Engagement Party: This is often one of the first pre-wedding celebrations, where the couple announces their engagement to friends and family. It can be a formal event or a casual gathering.
2. Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: These are typically organized by the couple’s closest friends and are a chance for the bride and groom to have a night out with their respective friends before the wedding.
3. Bridal Shower: This is a party for the bride, usually organized by the bridesmaids or close friends. It involves gifts, games, and often a meal or snacks.
4. Rehearsal Dinner: The night before the wedding, a rehearsal dinner is held to practice the ceremony and for the families and bridal party to come together for a meal.
5. Mehndi Ceremony: In many South Asian weddings, especially in Indian and Pakistani cultures, there’s a ceremony where the bride has henna applied to her hands and feet. It’s often accompanied by music, dance, and other festivities.
6. Sangeet: Another tradition in South Asian weddings, the sangeet is a musical night where family and friends perform dances and songs in celebration of the couple’s union.
7. Pre-wedding Photoshoots: Couples often have professional photoshoots in their wedding attire at picturesque locations before the wedding day. These photos are often used for invitations and displayed at the wedding.
8. Cocktail Party: Some couples choose to host a cocktail party as a more relaxed and informal gathering before the wedding, giving guests a chance to mingle and socialize.

Remember, the specific pre-wedding celebrations can vary greatly depending on cultural, religious, and regional customs. Couples often choose the traditions that resonate with them and their families, creating a unique blend of pre-wedding festivities.