Wedding Planning - 5 Star Guest Experience

What is usually the first thing you have to think about when planning a wedding - Who to invite and how many?

This is often one of the longest and toughest parts of wedding planning - why? Because we want to have everyone we love present on our big day!!! When you really think about it, a wedding is not only for the bride and groom but for everyone you love who is coming to celebrate the sacred day with you.

If we are going to spend so much time deciding who to invite to our big day, we should spend just as much time making sure this is going to be the most special day for EVERYONE.

The second I got engaged I started to dream and pray about this day being the best day for everyone involved. It was always a desire of mine to give back to everyone who had poured into mine and my husband's lives. And when would we have EVERYONE in one place like that ever again?

I am very passionate about telling the bride that a top priority should be thinking about their guest experience on their big day. In the end, if the only people who walk away with beautiful memories are the bride and groom, that would be weird... right?

It is so tough to get around to talking to every single person you invited to your wedding - BUT, if you spend time planning to make sure every person feels included, valued, and thought of - that goes a long way.

There are a number of simple ways that you can do this, and I will just list them out for time's sake. I want this to be an easy take away for brides. This process of inclusion starts from the invite all the way to the wedding day send-off.

Logistics:

- Wording On Invitation (Address them personally, "to celebrate with")

- Seating Charts (Thoughtfully plan who they would enjoy sitting around)

- Food (Be sure to acknowledge different allergies and intolerances guest might have when planning the meal)

- Timing and Schedule (Never have guests waiting around too long for the next thing, OR provide activities/drinks/food if they are)

- Signage (Have clear signage present in all areas, so guests never have to feel confused or lost)

- Ceremony (Plan the ceremony to your liking and preference, but consider the timing of how long guests will be sitting and observing vs. participation)

Courtesy:

- Ceremony (Plan a song, reading, greeting time to allow for guest participation)

- Dancing (Be sure to try and dance with everyone, not just stand in one place)

- Receiving Line OR Thank You (Be sure to greet each person or give a thank you over the mic at the reception)

- Speech (Have the host of the wedding pray or give a speech, thanking everyone as well)

- Games/Fires (Provide activities for those who might not know enough people to mingle or be interested in dancing)

- Introducing The Wedding Party (Introducing the party into the reception gives everyone the opportunity to feel included and aware of those close to you)

Fun Additions To Create Intimacy:

- Family Memorabilia (include items from family members to create a family/homey feeling)

- Photos (Photos of the couple, family pictures, friends, creates an ambiance of inclusion)

- Guest Book (Gives everyone the opportunity to write you a sweet message/advice they might not have had time to tell you directly)

- Personal Table Touches (Leave notes at each table)

- Photo Booth (A place for photo opportunities provides memory and take away for guests)

- Bouquet/Garter Toss (This is common, but it also allows for many to participate in a fun way who wouldn't otherwise)

- Marriage Game (Longest one married wins - dance version)

- Personal Touches! (Just make the wedding feel like one big hangout, exactly your true style)

If you want more help specifically catered to your big day on how to do this - I would love to chat!

Blessings,

Abbie