We have all attended weddings that score average or perhaps slightly better than average? However, how many times have we been truly impressed by the way a wedding was planned and executed?
It isn’t too difficult to plan a wedding that scores an average or slightly-above-average rating. However, you can do much better. When you host a wedding, take care of the details and your wedding will be elevated to an outstanding level. And the best part is, not only will your guests “love” your wedding, they will never forget it. So, what are these factors to keep in mind? Let’s take a look, shall we?
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Welcome bags for guests from out-of-town
There is no rule that this is a necessary part of your wedding. However it can be quite impressive when the couple thoughtfully gift welcome bags to their out-of-town guests. Have these placed in their rooms, and your guests will be impressed by your thoughtful gesture. Fill it with snacks for them to munch on. You can also add souvenirs like sunglasses or key chains, perhaps even a magazine or crossword puzzle. Finally, we think you should use this opportunity to also introduce the theme of your wedding to your guests in a subtle way. Use the theme colors or motifs to give them a sneak peek into what they can expect at your wedding. More ideas on creating perfect welcome bags here, on the Knot.
An impressive entryway
First impressions last forever. Let your wedding occupy a permanent spot in your guests memories, through a stellar entryway that will not go unnoticed. Create statement style décor in your entryway, with theme pieces that are striking and majestic. Plan the design well, and keep it uncluttered so it is neat and noticeable. Meaningful additions like family or couple photos would also make it more impressive. Similarly, make sure your reception hall is well decked and picture-perfect long before the guests arrive. This sets the ambiance for the event. Choosing the right lighting, décor elements and seating arrangements will make or break your wedding scene.
Create wedding programs that multitask
The wedding program is stationery that is rarely put to much use. Make yours different with some creativity. Let your wedding program be suitable for something else as well. If your wedding is outdoors in summer, print the program on a fan that your guests can use during the day. Or, print it on a bag that doubles up as confetti holder. Small, but unusual details like these go a long way in making a wedding rather memorable.
Have a short and sweet ceremony
Long ceremonies can really bore and tire out your guests. With nothing to do or contribute, it can get rather dreadful when the ceremony drags on and on. So, skip all that is unnecessary. Keep your ceremony short and crisp. Discuss this factor with your wedding officiant, so it is handled efficiently. Take your time for the vows and walk down the aisle in full style. Your guests want to see you get married and capture that memory perfectly. But try to keep the rest of the ceremony to the point, and nobody will complain. Guests will appreciate it when they have some free time to walk around and mingle, rather than staying put in one place for a function that drags on.
Well-organized transportation plans
Guests will appreciate it a lot when you arrange transportation for them. This is even more important if your wedding venue is remote. Arrange a shuttle service, and your guests will be relieved that they needn’t hire cabs for their onward and return journey. If your ceremony and reception are held at different venues, arrange transportation between these two points. This will allow your guests to relax and ride in comfort, while they park at the first location. However, ensure that the arrangement is well-organized. Clearly communicate the plans to your guests. Have it on your invitation and wedding website. Provide proper directions and timelines, so there is no confusion. Also try to make the ride enjoyable by booking comfortable vehicles and include soothing music for the ride.
Plan interesting pre-wedding activities
There will always be few wedding guests who aren’t familiar with most of the people at your wedding. They may feel rather bored with nobody to mingle with. Make sure these people do not feel left out or lonely, by planning a pre-wedding activity where they can meet and mingle with others. This could be a cocktail hour before the main event, when they get to hang out with the others in a casual environment. People tend to naturally get talking at such events and this will help them get to know the others. You can also host simple games, through which the guests introduce themselves to the others. For more ideas on how to get your guests to mingle and mix, visit this post on the Wedding Wire website.
Don’t leave them hungry
Guests just hate it when they are famished by the time food arrives. Neither is it fun when few items on the menu suit certain guests, due to dietary or other restrictions. Make sure your caterers deliver on time, and the food service is efficient. Also include a wide range of items on your menu so there is something to please every taste. While planning your menu, think of diverse options that suit vegetarians, vegans, people with allergies and food restrictions due to health conditions. When there is a variety of food to choose from, your guests will be excited to enjoy it and look forward to the entire experience.
Indulge them in an open bar
There is no denying that an open bar is rather expensive. Nonetheless, it is one of the things guests look forward to most eagerly. So, don’t disappoint in this area, if you want your wedding to be remembered fondly. If the cost bothers you, keep the selection limited to just beer, few signature cocktail drinks and local wines. Just remember that this is definitely better than the guests having to pay for their drink or there being no alcohol at all. For budget-friendly bar options, visit this post on the Brides website.
Gift them favors that they will actually use
Most wedding favors are simply tossed or stashed away in a corner of their cupboards and forgotten forever. Don’t let your money go to waste. Pick favors that your guests will actually appreciate and use. The more unique they are, the better you can guarantee this factor. You will want to customize your wedding favors. Nonetheless, try to have the customization done is such a way that your guests won’t mind using it despite the printed impression on it. Edible favors are always a good idea. However, if you want to gift something that lasts longer, consider items like key chains, sun glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, candle stands or décor items.
Don’t have the speakers blasting at full volume
There will be elderly guests at your wedding, and they won’t be keen on loud music at your wedding. So, be considerate and set your speakers to a moderate volume. Also, plan your seating arrangement in such a way that your older guests are away from the speakers and sources of music. It would also be a good idea to have an alternate lounging area, where they can sit and relax while the youngsters dance to the beat. This will allow them to mingle with others their age and have a good time of their own.
Invite them to participate
Rather than sit as mute spectators throughout the event, guests love it when they get to participate in the wedding. Invite your guests to request songs, and have your DJ play some of them. We are sure your guests will appreciate the opportunity to dance to tunes they love, than just to those you love. You can even involve them in the wedding ceremony. This post on the Intimate Weddings blog suggests a variety of interesting ideas like a musical procession, a prayer circle or including them in the unity candle ceremony. Find something interesting like this, and you will easily create fond memories for your guests.
Add an unexpected twist
Just imagine how impressed your guests would be if a group of onlookers would out-of-the-blue break into dance for a certain song. You could even impress them by taking dancing lessons and owning the dance floor with a spectacular number for your first dance. Or your bridal party can perform a choreographed dance when it is least expected! These items are never forgotten. So, add it to your wedding celebration. This will wow your guests and will be the talk of town. I wouldn’t be surprised if your guests think this is the most unforgettable event from your wedding, in the years to come.
Serve some nibbles after the party
Dancing to the beat for a long time can make your guests hungry. Serve your guests tiny snacks and watch their moods be uplifted in no time. Have these snacks served late at the reception, and it will instantly energize everyone. Midnight snacks like cookies, milk shooters, pop corn and even tacos will be appreciated by your guests. Distribute it around and your guests will be re-energized to continue on the dance floor again.
Appreciate your guests presence
You are truly blessed when most of who you invite attend your wedding. Some of them may have traveled from afar to witness your wedlock. Others may have put aside several plans to make it to your special day. Openly express your gratitude for their presence at your wedding. They will definitely appreciate the gesture. Make it a point to at least greet and spend few minutes with each of your wedding guests. This will make them feel that their efforts were worthwhile. Also remember that nobody likes a couple that’s too engrossed in themselves. Your wedding day is special, however it is also about those who take the pains to be a part of it.
Make an exciting exit
Memorable exits add the perfect finishing touch to a well-planned wedding day. So, plan yours well. Use showstopper elements like balloons, candles or even bursting wedding sparklers for a perfect exit from the venue. Consider bubbles or even flower petals instead of the traditional confetti for non-messy and sustainable options. Make it matter by also choosing a vehicle that makes a statement. Ride off into the night on a bicycle, hire a horse and carriage or even go for a fully decorated vintage car to complete the day in full style.
Don’t be one of those couples who are so busy that you forget about the other people who are in your wedding. Focus on the guest experience; we are sure your guests will love your wedding. After all, all your efforts pay off when your guests openly commend you on the preparations you did and how impressive your wedding was. So, think from their perspective when planning your wedding. Keep it personal and you can immortalize your wedding in the memories of those who attend it.
At Best for Bride, we understand the challenges of planning and organizing a wedding. Although it is difficult, we have the right solutions for your most challenging tasks. Whether you are on the search of the perfect bridal gown, need dresses for your bridesmaids or have to pick out the perfect wedding cake and favors, we have the solutions for all your needs. Visit our website on this link to bring your wedding vision to life.
We help modern brides find the perfect wedding dress and everything else they need to bring their wedding ideas alive, as the one-stop, hot and happening bridal destination. Visit Best for Bride today to make your wedding day dreams come true!
Where I am from, if you can provide a kick-ass dinner for the guests, they will talk about your wedding day for many years to come!
I like the idea of keeping a few things secret until the wedding day. That way your guests can provide some shock and awe back tone to the event.
These are awesome tips! Thank you very much for sharing. I am hoping to have a great party that my guests are talking about for many years.
This is true- my aunt had an orange flavored wedding cake for her wedding in 1979 and my mom STILL talks about it to this day. Just talking about it brings up the memories of the wedding for my mom. I wasn’t born yet, but I sure wish I could have tried some of that cake!
Wow that’d be so embarrassing to make your guest pay for their drink!
@Sarah, omg lol my uncle did this at his wedding, it was so off putting. No one really had a good time either. They all drove like 150 miles just to pay for their own drinks basically – and the drink prices were high too.
Ma Handley, the situation in my hometown is exactly the same. Since it is small, everyone knows each other. Of course, a mind-boggling wedding that everyone would like is a big rarity. You just have to include in your “party” through at least half of the points from the post. And ideally, to realize – success is obvious. It will be a wedding for several years to discuss. It will be filled with vivid memories!