t o d ay ’s
PLANNING
Crowd Pleasers KEEP YOUR GUESTS HAPPY AND AVOID THESE ULTRA-ANNOYING WEDDING MOMENTS.
Yes, it’s your big day. We know. Everyone will constantly remind you of it. “It’s your day! Do what you want!” While this is mostly true, you do want your guests to enjoy your wedding, too. It can sometimes be difficult to see through wedding-planning fog. You become so focused on what you want that you can forget that there are others you have to consider. If you want your guests left with nothing but good memories of your wedding, think carefully about these wedding frustrations. WEATHER ISSUES Keep your guests well informed of all conditions for the ceremony and reception. They will want to dress appropriately. If your wedding is going to be on a cliff in the hotter-than-hot sun, then mention this to your people via the invitation, your wedding website or word of mouth. Tell guests that suit jackets aren’t needed, or summer dresses are recommended, etc. On a hot day, have fans, bottled water, sunscreen and even sunglasses at the ready. Try to do everything to provide shady options, particularly for older guests. Opposite of this, inform your guests if they can expect cool conditions – an evening ceremony under the stars or maybe a reception in an old barn. In this case, shawls and blankets are a nice touch and will quash the goosebumps. Shivering through the vows is never fun. Oh, and hot chocolate and apple cider are delicious, just saying.
CASH BAR
This tradition is on its way out, but still lingers at some celebrations. The idea is that the couple, couple’s parents, and often the wedding party, stand at the entrance and greet each guest. While it’s a great way to get face-to-face time with the couple, guests don’t really want to say hello to a bunch of strangers. Not to be rude, but it’s simply not the reason they are there. Instead, make time between dinner courses to visit each table and say your hellos.
While economical for you, it is a nuisance for your guests who have already (most likely) spent money to be at your wedding (gifts, dress, suit, hair, makeup, etc). An open bar is an important part of your budget. If you’re looking to keep costs down, offer only the basics: beer, wine and three or four liquors. At cocktail hour, provide a fun cocktail or punch (enough for two glasses per person). You can also keep the bar closed during dinner and speeches, leaving bottles of wine on the table, but your guests will appreciate full access to the bar all evening. Be sure you have enough bartenders. When the party gets going, standing in line for 15 minutes for a beer can definitely be a buzzkill.
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THE RECEIVING LINE
Ahh. The cash bar. It has long been controversial and one of the most frustrating parts of a wedding.
