Of course, your wedding day is all about you. But it’s your family and friends who share it with you that make the day all the more special. To host a successful event, you need to make sure that they will have a good time too. After all, most of them are putting in a lot of time, money and effort to celebrate with you.
It just takes a few small touches to make your guests feel appreciated. In this article, we’ve come up with some creative ideas to keep your guests comfortable, ensure that they have a good time, and to thank them for sharing this time with you:
Help them weather the weather
Being too hot, too cold or wet can really put a damper on your guests’ experience – pun intended! Take the season and the weather forecast into account and take steps to keep guests comfortable, whatever the weather. This is especially applicable if you’re having an outdoor ceremony.
- Wedding fans help guests deal with the heat (and can look pretty as decor too).
- Have bug spray or citronella candles available if there are bugs buzzing around.
- Give custom sunglasses away with your wedding date as favours!
- Provide blankets, hand warmers, or hot drinks in cold weather.
Fuel and feast
Like being hot or cold, no-one likes being hungry or thirsty. Serving sufficient food and drink (with a few surprises thrown in) will keep mosts guests full and festive.
- Welcome drinks are an appreciated touch on hot days. No need for anything fancy; just having cold water with ice blocks and lemon slices available as guests arrive will help keep them hydrated and happy throughout your ceremony.
- Take your guests’ dietary restrictions into account where possible, and be aware of any food allergies.
- Make sure there’s plenty of food and drink to go around.
- Offer a surprise late-night snack for guests who have been dancing for hours.
Getting there
Clearly state the address and directions to the ceremony and reception on your wedding invitation or website. Most guests will use GPS, so make sure that the pin of the venue is accurately placed on Google Maps (it’s not always in the right place, especially in rural locations). If this is the case, be sure to provide detailed directions and advise guests NOT to use GPS.
You can also make guests’ lives easier by offering transportation between venues or a shuttle to/from their accommodation if it’s close by.
Something for the little ones
If there will be kids at your wedding, it helps everyone to offer some activities to keep them entertained.
- Set up some outside games like croquet, Cornhole or sack toss, or Tic Tac Toe – your adult guests will likely enjoy them too!
- Create a kids’ corner with a colouring station and games inside the reception venue.
Make it personal
Send your guests home with a personalised thank-you gift or wedding favour. There’s no need to spend a lot of money; a simple ‘Thank You” note will also convey a heartfelt appreciation and personalised name places show your guests that everyone has been thought of and included.
Try to visit each table or group of guests, even if only for a few minutes. This will make everyone feel welcome and give them a chance to congratulate you.
Sensible seating
Be sure to provide your guests with comfortable seating for the day’s proceedings. Ensure that you have provided enough seats for your number of guests (as well as a few extras). Along with having enough seating, it’s also important to consider where you place your guests. Place them at a table with other guests they know and like, or group people who you know will share common interests. Give yourself plenty of time to work on this; it can be tricky!
Leave it to us!
We know that there is just so much to consider when planning a wedding, and it’s impossible to think of and execute every little detail yourself. At Harrington House, it’s our goal to make your perfect day ‘just happen’. We’ll go to every effort to keep your guests comfortable, satisfied and having the time of their lives! Get in touch to find out more about our venue and services: https://www.harringtonhouse.co.za/contact/.
