Unless you are having the most micro of weddings, you are probably concerned about what your wedding guests actually care about. In fact, you’re most likely looking for ideas that will make your wedding awesome for your guests.
Everyone wants their wedding guests to be super happy that they came. No, you can’t please everyone, but there are certain things that guests really do want to experience at a wedding. And those things may or may not be what you’d expect. When a guest comes to your wedding, and has such a good time that they tell you later that it was one of the best weddings they’ve ever been to, it is such a great feeling. To make this happen, it’s important to know what wedding guests actually care about.
When you plan your wedding with your guests in mind, you are setting your wedding up for success. The things that your guests care about may be the things that you care about, too. Plus, being a good host is part of having a successful wedding day. If you make the day all about you and what you like, and forget about the other people there, you likely won’t have your ideal wedding. It’s essential to think about others who are there for you on your wedding day, ready to celebrate and support you and your partner. It will help you have the best wedding day experience ever.
Seven Things Wedding Guests Actually Care About
From what is served, to how comfortable they are, to the overall look of the wedding, and how happy the couple is, there are lots of things that will leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests.
They may not remember the type of flowers you were holding. They’ll absolutely forget the colors of the napkins. But they will remember the big and important things. Knowing what those things are while you plan will help you see your future wedding from your guest’s eyes and enhance your day all that much more. You’ll also know where to best prioritize your dollars and your time.
Here are the things wedding guests actually care about:
1. GUESTS CARE ABOUT FOOD & DRINK
I mean, who doesn’t care about food and drink?
The thing about wedding foods and drinks is that guests lose a lot of control over the options. Also, they don’t have a choice over when they get to enjoy refreshments. And for most of us, what you eat and when is huge. A wedding that doesn’t serve good tasting food, at a decent temperature, at an appropriate time, is surely going to turn some wedding guests off.
To have the best food and drink experience for guests, there are some guidelines you should follow. First off, choose your wedding caterer wisely. Do a tasting before you commit, and make sure that the food is something that you yourself enjoy. The same goes for drinks, though they may be more forgiving. No matter if you are having an alcohol free wedding, wine and beer, or a full bar, ensure that there are different options for guests.
Second, make sure that food is available at appropriate times. Many guests may travel to your wedding, and be completely famished once the ceremony is over. Ensuring that there is something available for them to eat, right after the ceremony, will help them enjoy your wedding more. This is the reason that cocktail hours are a thing. The same goes for serving dinner at an appropriate time, and having a late night option should your wedding go into the wee hours.
2. GUESTS CARE ABOUT COMFORT
Have you ever been to a wedding that was uncomfortable? I have, and it’s what I remember.
While some things may be out of your control, whenever possible it’s important to help your guests feel comfortable. This applies to the climate of your wedding, the seating options, and having any other reasonable needs met. Let’s explore all of these scenarios.
Wedding Climate
When it comes to a wedding’s climate, what I mean is the temperature of the wedding.
Weddings that are too hot, too cold, too bright, or too windy can really put a damper on the day for guests. Whenever, possible, plan for your guest’s comfort. This may mean that you include heaters or blankets on your big day. Or, you could rent a tent, or move the wedding indoors. You may need to plan ahead with fans or extra icy bottles of water in case of a heat wave. If guests are comfortable in their environment, they will enjoy your wedding more and stay longer.
Seating Options
Having a comfortable place to sit at a wedding is really important. This applies to where you sit during a long ceremony, where you sit for dinner, and where you can rest during the evening. I’ve been to weddings in stilettos that required standing during the ceremony. There were weddings that had no seats during dinner. I’ve even been to weddings that had really uncomfortable chairs. Keeping these little things in mind should help you make wise decisions about seating options.
Other Needs
As an added bonus to guests, you could supply them with items that will enhance their experience, should something come up. Things like bathroom baskets, stocked with band aids, floss, aspirin, or hair ties are popular to provide. Also, dance floor flip flops, or shawls for a chilly ceremony are really thoughtful ways to ensure that your guests are comfortable throughout your wedding.
3. GUESTS CARE ABOUT THE AMBIANCE
One of the best parts of weddings is that they tend to take place in beautiful locations.
Now, of course, this is subjective, but think about a wedding that is somewhere relaxing. Maybe there is some soft lighting or greenery. The tables are decorated nicely, and there is an element of décor that looks like someone put some thought into it. There might be a view, or maybe there are some interesting elements in a big room. There are flowers or candles, or signs, all of which add to the experience.
Doesn’t that sound nice?
No matter where you get married, it’s somewhat important to make sure that it’s a nice place for guests to spend their time. If you’re getting married somewhere that is dirty, disorganized, or has harsh lighting, it will be very off-putting to your guests. While you don’t have to go crazy with a venue, you should choose a wedding location that you really do enjoy being at. If needed, embellish the space with design elements that make it seem even better. Your guests will appreciate it, even if they don’t notice all the tiny details. It’s the big picture that matters.
4. GUESTS CARE ABOUT YOUR CLOTHES
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. Who cares about your clothes?
Well, your guests will, to an extent. Even if you are having the simplest of weddings, in most cases guests will appreciate a couple who shows up to their wedding looking like they are ready to get married. Depending on your situation, this may mean a beautiful wedding gown, or amazing tuxedo, or a nice suit. It may also mean a sensible dress and button up shirt. Either way, your guests will notice. If you attend your own wedding in clothes that are ill fitting, or don’t seem wedding appropriate, expect your guests to remember.
No matter what you wear to your wedding, your guests will make comments to you and to each other about it. So, plan accordingly. The goal should be that you and your partner are the best dressed people at your wedding.
5. GUESTS CARE ABOUT ENTERTAINMENT
Have you ever been to a wedding where it feels like there is nothing to do? It happens.
Wedding entertainment can mean a lot of things. It could be music or dancing or it could be a performer. It could be a photo booth, unique ways to sign a guest book, or interesting toasts. Wedding entertainment simply means that you don’t just leave your guests to “hang out” all night. Ideally, there should be some attempt to entertain them. This could be as easy as providing some background music. Or, look for ways to intentionally spend time with guests throughout the wedding. It will help keep everyone engaged and keep them from getting bored.
6. GUESTS CARE ABOUT THE SCHEDULE
This is a subject that I feel very passionate about.
Your wedding schedule, or the timing of events, is so crucial to everyone’s experience. Weddings should have a thoughtful flow to them. Guests should have a generalized idea of what to expect, and in what order. For example, you don’t typically see dinner, then a ceremony, then dancing, and then appetizers, at the usual American wedding. What you are more likely to find is a thoughtful flow of a ceremony, cocktails, appetizers, dinner, and then dancing.
While there is some flexibility as to when to do the little details like the first dance, cake cutting, or toasts, it’s very important to analyze the right order for these events, and how long to allot for them. In order to do this, it’s probably best to set a schedule with your venue or photographer. Take that schedule and then review it with your other vendors for any edits or modifications.
By thinking through the schedule, and refining it once you have feedback, your guests will enjoy a wedding that has a nice flow to it. It won’t feel jumbled or rushed, either, if you do it right.
7. MOST IMPORTANT – THE COUPLE!
Last but not least, your guests care about you!
You and your partner are the whole reason your guests went to your wedding. It’s important for them to see you two enjoying yourselves. They want to see a thoughtful ceremony and they want to see a happy and excited couple at the reception. Guests want to enjoy this amazing day with you. If you have a guest that doesn’t want that for you, think again about including them at your wedding.
If at all possible, attempt to spend time with each guest at your wedding. You can do this with a receiving line (though this custom is largely out of trend), or by visiting tables and having a quick visit with everyone. During the reception, don’t be afraid to mingle and visit with your guests, either. They will surely appreciate this moment with you and will remember it long after your wedding.
If you feel you won’t have enough time with guests at your wedding, you can always include them in other wedding events. A welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or thank you brunch are common ways to spend a little more time with guests and make sure that they know how excited you are that they are at your wedding.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
There you have it, friends. When it comes to wedding guests, they really do have simple needs. They aren’t concerned with the details like you are. All they want is to enjoy some food, feel relaxed and comfortable, and have a nice time watching an amazing and happy couple get married. With some intention, and remembering the things that they care about as you plan your wedding, your guests will leave wishing they could attend it all over again.
More On What Wedding Guests Actually Care About From Hummingbird Wedding Advice:
Wedding Menu Tips For Feeding Guests With Dietary Restrictions
7 Wedding Expectations You Can Skip
My Favorite Things From 10 Weddings I’ve Been To
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