Attending a wedding may be a privilege, but sometimes it's not always a
pleasure. The last thing a bride and groom want is for their wedding
guests to spend the reception checking their watches, so here are 10
tips to keep any wedding guest yawns at bay.
No one expects things to run with military precision (especially when it
comes to rushing your older relatives), but you don't want to force
your guests to idle around while you take your formal wedding pictures.
This is where the cocktail hour comes in. Set up a lounge or shady
courtyard for your guests to mingle, and equip the area with snacks,
drinks, plenty of places to sit and even a little music to set the mood
and keep the party atmosphere alive.
3. Don't let guests go hungry.
Two words: hors d'oeuvres. Even if you plan on serving a full dinner at
your reception, it's a good idea to have a few nibbles for your guests
to nosh on while they wait for you and your new spouse to make your
grand entrance—lest your guests get bored and cranky. Mini
empanadas, soup shooters, vegetable skewers, and even fried macaroni and
cheese balls are all great options (go for one-bite appetizers so
guests can chat while they snack). Your guests will be refreshed from
the ceremony—and grateful for the sustenance.
4. Plan an exit strategy.
If you really want guests to be able to enjoy themselves at your
reception, arrange for transportation to get them home safely afterward.
Some couples choose to throw their reception in a hotel banquet hall
and block off rooms for their guests, while others hire a shuttle
service to run throughout the night. This extra consideration gives
guests the freedom to relax (and drink) without worrying about getting
home safely when the party wraps up.
5. Consider your venue.
Of course, your budget will be a huge factor in determining where you
throw your wedding, but picking an interesting reception site can go a
long way toward keeping guests entertained. Many science museums will
let you rent out their exhibit areas, and zoos often have banquet spaces
with the animals in full view. Even an otherwise bland reception space
can be dressed up with dramatic decor or specialty entertainment (like a
photo booth), so talk to your site manager about your options.
6. Work your seating chart.
There's nothing more uncomfortable than being the one couple at a table
where you don't know anyone and everyone else went to high school
together—particularly if you can see friends laughing it up five tables
away. A well-played seating chart is a cost-free way to make sure your
guests spend time with people they like—or even set them up with someone
new.
7. Put a time limit on toasts.
Yes, it's nice to hear words of encouragement and well wishes, but
unless your friends are moonlighting as stand-up comedians, an overly
long toast can easily go from sentimental to excruciating. Limit the
number and length of toasts to a few key guests (think: maid of honor,
best man, your parents), and let everyone get back to the party.
8. Bring in the entertainment.
Remember that scary clown/magician from your eight birthday party?
Today's specialty performers are nothing like that. The options for
wedding entertainment span from tricked-out DJs to belly dancers and
singing waiters—these people are pros at making sure weddings aren't boring.
9. Think beyond wedding cake.
Wedding cakes are still a staple, but consider expanding the selection
for those with a sweet tooth—we're talking a full dessert bar with
everything from whoopie pies and truffles to cupcakes and candies, along
with local delicacies like fried Oreos or black-and-white cookies. The
dessert bar can double as your wedding favor by setting out plastic bags
or boxes for your guests to take a snack for the road.
10. Relax—seriously.
Planning a wedding can be stressful, but when the day arrives, everyone
will have more fun if you can overlook any little mishaps (and there's
always something that goes slightly awry) and let loose. Think about it:
Do you have fun at parties where the host is incessantly on edge? To
avoid sabotaging your good mood, assign any last-minute tasks to a
bridesmaid, relative or your wedding planner—and designate a friend who,
if they observe you getting stressed, will ply you with a cocktail or
two.
0 comments:
Post a Comment