Times are certainly changing, and although weddings may not have been top of mind lately, things are getting back to what may be our new “normal”!
I know, weddings as we know them have been changed and modified a bit due to our current health crisis. However, if you have decided against a larger event, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate with a smaller, intimate gathering of close friends and family. Today I wanted to talk about some awesome ways to welcome your wedding guests, whether there are 20 or 200!
Throughout your time planning, know that there are various ways to creatively and personally welcome your guests to your big day. You can consider providing a song suggestion in part of your stationery suite for them to send back with their RSVP. This way, during the reception, you can be sure your family and friends will be right there on the dance floor with you! Additionally, providing directions to and from your ceremony and reception sites helps translate distances early on and provides easier visualization for your wedding guests to plan ahead (resulting in no late walk-ins during your ceremony)!
Many couples elect to create a wedding website. This is especially helpful in communicating to your guests what to expect. Sending your guests here to view any important information like a schedule of events makes them feel valued and considered. It also helps them to know crucial information such as when dinner will be served! You can provide driving directions and a Google map link for those who prefer to leave their printed invitations at home.
If you plan on having out-of-town guests, one thing I would suggest is to welcome them to their hotel with some local treats or activities! There so are many things to provide such as fresh-baked cookies from a local bakery, a small bottle of wine from a local vineyard, or an attraction ticket to check out the local entertainment during their stay. Whatever you choose, they are sure to appreciate the thought put into their special welcome while enjoying a little local flavor!
This bride personally made all of these for their very special guests — olive oil, canned veggies, and cookies!
This bride’s step-father made bottles of wine for everyone!
During your wedding, there are many unique ways to make your guests feel comfortable. From providing some much-needed water bottles at your ceremony for those hot spring and summer days to bathroom basket amenities (deodorant, body spray, aspirin) to help them freshen up from dancing, and flip flops to be more comfortable in while dancing!! You can also consider leaving each guest a personalized note from you and your soon-to-be spouse to provide that special detail and ensure they know you care about sharing your day with them!
pc: Kimberly Brooke Photography
Instead of ending the party at the last song, you can provide a few other options to your guests to really keep the hospitality coming. Depending on what type of guests you have, you can provide “after-party” kits complete with a water bottle, Advil, and a sleep mask as a spirited gesture (and add a box of donuts for those late-night or early-morning munches!). You could also host an after-wedding brunch the next morning to spend quality time with those you may not have been able to during your big celebration day.
Whatever you decide, there are endless ways to personalize and provide a welcome to your guests. From the invitation to the morning after your wedding, you can choose what fits you both best as a couple and create the best welcome for your guests and for you! Wedding planning is fun – or at least it should be! If you are having some trouble finding the perfect gifts for your guests, let’s book a planning session today!
