What Makes a Wedding Feel Special to Guests (Not Just Pinterest-Pretty)

A bride’s guide to planning with your guests in mind.

Most wedding advice tells you how your wedding should look. Very little talks about how it should feel.

When I planned my wedding, I constantly reminded myself: I wasn’t planning a photoshoot. I was hosting people I love.

So instead of starting with colors or centerpieces, I walked through the day like a guest and identified potential bumps in the road they might experience:

• Where should I sit?

• Do I know anyone? I don't know what to do with myself

• I'm hungry... Where's the food?

• It's too hot in here
  

These questions changed everything. Below is how I planned each part of my wedding around guest experience—and the small, thoughtful touches that told my guests: “I thought about you before you arrived.”

Ceremony

What I added:

• Tissues (because people cry, even when they swear they won’t)

• Hand fans & tent (because love is warm, but so is the sun)

• Water and a light refreshing drink in case it got hot

If you have a photoshoot after the ceremony -

• Pick someone to be responsible to guide guests to different activities in the meantime.

• Think about activities they could do in the spare time

  • Cool idea: Take three bottles of wine labeled 1, 5, and 20. Tell your guests to leave notes in each which you will open on your 1st, 5th and 20th anniversary respectively.
    

Cocktail Hour

What I added:

• Enough places to lean or sit

• Music that feels social, not sleepy

• Seating chart

• A snack!

• One small conversation starter

  • Cool idea: Hang signs that ask yes or no questions about you as a couple, and let people defend you and start getting to know each other before the reception.
    

Reception

What I added:

• Things to do before dinner:

  • Cornhole set

  • I rented a voice recorder in a shape of a dial-up phone where people could record messages

• Short center pieces so people could talk to each other easily

• Face gems and a small mirror near the dance floor.

• Hola hoops for those who don't like to dance but want to be part of the party

A gentle reminder (most brides need this)

The fact you are hosting doesn't mean you should forget about your own taste. Plan an event you would enjoy as a guest. Happy guests = happy bride :) Looking for ways to make your wedding memorable and your engagement time enjoyable? Get your own copy of Mostly Rational Bride.