It's Not Just About the Bride ~
How to Treat Your Guests Like Royalty |
| |
So much of wedding planning is
focused on the bride, the groom, and the details of the ceremony
and reception that, often times, little focus is actually placed
on the wedding guests. True, your wedding is a celebration you,
but you're asking your family and friends to set aside their time
to attend, not only your wedding, but engagement parties and showers;
to spend time and money shopping for shower and wedding gifts;
to arrange for travel, babysitting, etc... so that they may attend
your events. Your guests are an integral part of your wedding
day and deserve your time and consideration when planning your
event. |
| |
Treating your guests like royalty
is easy when you incorporate them into the planning process from
the beginning, rather than throwing a few favors their way as
an afterthought. When creating a wedding budget, one of the first
things you'll need to assess is the number of guests. The cost
of your reception, invitations, cake, and so many other items
will depend on this number. But don't forget to budget in a little
expense solely for them. Here are some very simple ways to make
your guests feel as special and important as they really are and
to include them in your celebration.
Prior to mailing your wedding invitations, be sure to reserve
a block of rooms, both smoking and non-smoking, at one or two
hotels near your wedding reception facility for your out-of-town
guests. As a way of thanking your out-of-town guests for making
the trip, leave a small gift box of truffles or candies in their
room with a handwritten, personalized thank you note.
If you're interested in an "adult only" wedding reception,
rather than excluding children from your event altogether,
you might consider providing a child care alternative in a nearby
room or facility. Services that specialize in special event/wedding
child care offer both fun options for children, including craft
workshops and tea parties, as well as peace of mind for parents.
Even if children will be welcome at your reception, you might
consider this option, or perhaps a "nanny" who can direct child-oriented
crafts or activities on the sidelines at your event.
Your guests' favors are a direct reflection of the care and
consideration you put into including them in your wedding preparations,
so put some care and consideration into choosing them! A plastic
shoe filled with dinner mints just doesn't say we're so
thankful for you. At the same time, going above and beyond
doesn't necessarily mean you need to spend a fortune on favors.
Giving something unique, beautiful, creative, handmade, etc...
is the key. There are any multitude of online wedding favor
vendors and do-it-yourself websites just clammoring to help
you find that perfect something. Here are a few that we found
fun and unique:
And don't forget your littlest guests... how about coloring
books and crayons, or Matchbox Cars for boys and play makeup
or jewelry for girls?
How many times have you attended a special event and have
later remarked, "I was designated driver, so I got stuck drinking
soda all night." Let's face it... food and drink are the staples
of a wedding reception, but not all of your guests will want,
or be able, to drink alcohol during the reception. Instead of
leaving those guests sipping on soda, why not feature at least
one non-alcoholic beer and one or two fun virgin cocktail
choices, like the Pina Colada or a tasty Melon Daiquiri (or
other flavoring suited for wedding theme), so that all
guests may imbibe in the fun.
Be sure to personally talk with each of your guests. Greeting
your guests in a reception line is nice, but not quite personal
enough to make a lasting impression. During the dessert course,
the bride and groom should visit each table to personally thank
each guest for attending. A few minutes spent with your guests
at that point will go that extra mile toward making your guests
feel welcomed and will free you up later for dancing and more
casual socializing with friends and family.
Because it is generally considered in poor taste for guests
to take pictures during the ceremony, most of your guests will
go away from your event without so much as a single picture
to remember it by. Think back... how many weddings have you
attended and how many photographs from those weddings do you
have, let alone have you even seen? As a final touch, let your
guests know how much they're appreciated by including a photograph
or two from your wedding ceremony with each thank you note. |
These are but a few suggestions.
Depending on your own wedding budget and theme, there are likely
a whole host of ways in which to honor your guests, but one of
the easiest and most personal ways is a warm embrace and a heartfelt
"thank you, we're so honored that you could come." |
| |
Article by the
Chicagoland Wedding Directory © 1998 - 2008. All rights reserved. |
 |
 |
|
