If you're in the middle of planning your wedding, you've probably seen the advice: "It's Your Wedding, Do What You Want" .... and we absolutely agree that your celebration should be SO YOU but also, if you choose to invite guests to come and party with you, shouldn't you keep them in mind during the planning process?
We think so!!
Here are 9 ways to create a memorable experience for your wedding guests (because who doesn't want everyone to talk about their epic wedding for the rest of their lives, right?!)
Communication! The key to a successful celebration is a lot of communication and making sure that your guests have all the details that they need. We highly recommend creating a wedding website for this reason. It's easy to include on your invitation and allows you to go IN DEPTH about anything and everything that you need your guests to know.
Date, Time, Location
Dress Code
Schedule of Events
Lodging & Other things to do in the area
Registry
RSVP -- don't forget the important things!
Great Food- Don't skimp on the food. People will ABSOLUTELY remember whether or not the food was good so choose something fun and try to schedule a tasting with your caterer in advance. Typical 'beef and chicken' not your jam? DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT! Most of the time, chefs are willing to create custom menus so if you're looking for something fun and unique, talk to them!
Good Music - this is another one that people will remember. If you want people to get out on the dance floor and have a good time, then the vibe & music are key. Have in-depth conversations with your DJ about the type of music you like and DON'T like!
4. Entertainment! Think about fun ways to make your guests feel special throughout the event, here are a few ideas:
a. Hand-written letters at each seat.
b. Photobooth
c. Pre-ceremony cocktails
d. Interactive activities like tarot readings, caricature artists, and live painters.
e. dedicated photographer for 'guest' photos during cocktail hour
f. late night snacks
5. Transportation: when your guests don't have to worry about drinking & driving, they're way more likely to cut loose and have a good time. This is especially important if you're in more of a remote location where uber/lyft are not readily available!
6. A Smooth Timeline: When things run smoothly, your guests will feel that calm energy and this means planning ahead with a professional planner or coordinator to make sure that you're allowing enough time for each event and not scheduling yourself too tightly! Keep the day moving from one activity to the next so that guests don't get antsy.
7. A spacious venue: choosing a venue that includes specific areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception will keep the transitions smooth and make it more enjoyable for guests. A dedicated space means they're not in the middle of chaos if you're trying to flip a room with guests 5ft away and also keeps things interesting as they move from one space to a new beautiful space! Keep in mind the weather if you're planning an outdoor wedding and provide gifts/props for your guests to keep them comfortable no matter the time of year. Ex. pashminas and hot beverages in the cooler months, fans and and indoor reception in the summer months!
8. Hire a planner - your VIP guests are typically your closest family and friends and they're the ones that you ABSOLUTELY WANT by your side all night. You want the crazy photos of you and your best friend on the dance floor, your want the candid shots of your mom as she zips up your dress, and you want the memories of you with your people on the most important day of your life. The best way to do that is to work with a planner who will handle LITERALLY everything else that day so that your VIPS don't get pulled away for anything!
9. YOU having the best time of your life! Your guests can feel your energy so if you're having a great time, they will too. They are there for YOU and want to see you, dance with you, and celebrate your love. I'm not saying that you need to make the rounds at dinner to say hello but encourage all of your guests to get out on the dance floor and make memories with you that way!
Need some help bringing your ideas to life? Not sure the best ways to incorporate some of these ideas into your own celebration? Feeling totally lost and overwhelmed with the planning process?
We've got you! Let's chat!
-Jacqueline & The SunRae Planning Team
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