 Weddings are wonderful days that bring two people together as a couple to start their lives together. But weddings are about more than just two people, they are also about bringing the families together and making your guests feel as welcome and included as possible.
Brides and grooms often get so caught up in all the other details of photography and attire that they forget to take the time to do a few things strictly on their guests’ behalves. Here are some tips on how to be a better host and help your guests have the best time possible.
Watch your timing schedule
Nothing annoys a guest more than having to wait three hours for the reception to start because you’re getting your pictures done. Your guests shouldn’t be left too long while you do your thing, it’s rude. Keep the time between the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the reception to one hour or less if possible. During this time have appetizers provided, music or other entertainment. Just think about how bored you would be if you had to sit around for hours waiting for the rest of the party to begin, that’s not fair to your guests. They will appreciate you thinking about their amusement and time and leave everyone in an overall better mood.
Visit with all of your guests
It may be difficult but you really should spend the time to go around and speak to each of your guests even if only for a moment or two. Then everyone feels welcome and excited, plus they get to tell you their favorite parts or what they loved during the ceremony which is always fun to hear! The best way to make sure you get to everyone is to go table to table during the food service. This way everyone is pretty much seated and you’ll have their attention. So, make sure you get served first, eat and between courses, chat with your guests.
Provide a varied meal
Not everyone loves steak and some people are allergic to broccoli. While there is no way to make everyone happy you can try to at least accommodate the majority by providing a few meal options. That way the vegetarians can have their meatless meal and the allergic ones can have a good time without breaking out in hives.
Have greeters at the ceremony
Even though weddings are typically mostly family and close friends there are often people invited that not everyone knows or who, perhaps doesn’t know anyone else. Make these people feel welcome by having greeters at the ceremony who will welcome them, help them find seating and talk with them for a few minutes to get to know them and possibly introduce them to others. They will appreciate not feeling left out and making new friends and acquaintances in the process.
Send your thank you cards out right away and include photos
Show you appreciation for the gifts right away. People become annoyed if they don’t receive a thank you card within three months of the wedding. Etiquette says you have up to a year but try to get them out as soon as possible. This shows your guests that you really do appreciate their kind thoughts and presents. For an even more special touch include photos from the wedding in the cards. Have prints made at Costco, Walmart or an online photo printer so you only have to spend ten cents or so per print. Include photos of the happy couple and any pictures you have of them so they can remember the day forever!
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