Last week, we looked at the 10 things your guests don't care about. You can check that out here.
So this week, we take a look at the things your guests actually do care about.
If you are planning your wedding on a budget, these are the main things your guests will remember - as such, these are the things you should focus the money on.
If the food is bad, you will hear about it for the next many years from your guests! There are so many great venues & caterers out there, so find something that's delicious that suits you & your budget. Definitely do a tasting beforehand so you know what to expect. And make sure there is enough food - you don't want your guests grabbing Macca's on the way home!
2. Booze
Your guests have spent time & money attending your wedding - they do not want to have to pay for booze! There are lots of ways you can provide an open bar without breaking the bank. A beverage package as part of your all inclusive package is one, beverages on consumption is another. Some venues might allow BYO & some bottle shops do a buy back system, where they will buy back what you don't consume. So look into all of the options to be able to provide your guests with drinks all night. You don't need fancy cocktails or spirits available either - standard beer & wine is more than sufficient! You can always have spirits as a cash bar, so you don't have to wear the cost for your whisky or vodka drinkers - & that's OK. As long as there are free options.
3. Music
The age old question: wedding band or DJ. The choice is entirely up to you. But just remember that your guest list has a wide range of people who will all have different preferences. Is it good, easy listening music? Is it too loud? You don't want people to be screaming over each other whilst they eat dinner & your Nan doesn't want to hear songs with offensive words in them. So just give it a thought as to what part the music will play in your day - you can use music to differentiate between the sections. For example, a ceremony playlist, a cocktail hour playlist, dinner music & then a pumping DJ set list to get people on the dancefloor to finish off.
4. The ceremony
At the end of the day, you have gathered all of your nearest & dearest together to watch you get married. Regardless of how long or short you want this to be, make sure our guests have something to see! By the same token... make sure it's not too long either... :)
5. Info on the day
People just like to know what is happening - where they should be & when. The best way to do this nowadays is to put all of your details on your wedding website. How to get to the venue, where they can stay, the run sheet (what is happening & when); that way, when the guests arrive, they don't feel lost.
6. Thank you notes
Yes it might be an extra cost, but sending a thank you for coming / thank you for the gift is hugely appreciated by your guests. Even just an email would be better than no thank you at all.
7. The venue
Where is your venue? How far do guests have to travel? How are guests going to get there? Where can they stay nearby? How will they get from their accommodation to their venue & back again? Is the venue too hot or too cold? What is the ground like - are stiletto heels appropriate?
All of these questions are things you should ask yourself before selecting your venue. They are all things that make the guests as comfortable as possible, so if you haven't thought them through, your guests might not have the best time . You want people to arrive easily, be in a good mood, be warm enough/cool enough & have a great time, so tell them about the venue & what to expect beforehand.
Guests will also notice if the venue is neat & tidy, if the staff are friendly, if they got fed their dietary requirement meal & if the staff are filling up their beverages. Make sure your venue knows what you & your guests expect.
8. The seating plan
People don't like to walk into a room full of other people they don't know & have to work out where to sit. Take out the awkwardness & make a plan.
9. The personal touches
Your guests will notice all of the little things you add to your day to make it yours. You don't have to break the bank going crazy with personal touches, but your guests will notice them, because it is what sets your wedding apart from every other wedding.
10. A huge wedding gap with nothing to do
I know the tradition is to get married in the afternoon, take photos & then have the reception in the evening. But what are your guests doing when you go to take photos? The longest wedding gap I ever experienced was 5 hours. Which is just ridiculous. I get that it's your wedding but at least have some consideration for what your guests can do in that time.
Have a think about a slightly later wedding so the gap is only an hour or two. Think about having a cocktail hour (or 2 hours) with lawn games & food & booze whilst you go & take photos. Have a first look & do all of your photos first so you never have to leave & there is no gap at all. Just consider your guests is all I ask - they will notice if there is a huge gap where they have nothing to do (especially if they have travelled far).
I'm doing a first look with no wedding gap because this one is my biggest pet peeve! I can't wait!
See you next week :)
Hx
No comments
Post a Comment