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Spotlight: The Guest Experience

Experts offer advice on how to create an unforgettable wedding experience for your guests

July 29, 2024

Planning a wedding involves numerous details, but one of the most important aspects to consider is ensuring your guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience. From the moment they arrive to the final farewell, every element of your celebration should be designed to prioritize to make your guests feel welcomed, entertained and comfortable. We've gathered expert tips on how to create a truly unforgettable wedding day - covering everything from welcome beverages and immersive floral decor to unique entertainment and thoughtful seating arrangements - ensuring your wedding not only celebrates but love but also leaves a lasting impression on all in attendance.

1. Unexpected Surprises

"As a wedding guest, we often know the traditional routine: ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing. While these elements are always enjoyable, why not throw in a curveball to surprise your guests and make your day even more memorable? One unexpected idea is having an artist draw a portrait for each guest. Imagine the delight as guests receive their personalized sketches, making them feel truly special and engaged. This unique touch not only presents a lovely keepsake, but also sparks conversation and interaction among guests. It’s a way to add a personal touch to your wedding, ensuring your day is talked about for years to come!" ~ Jaffe Wojcik & Kacie Vandiver, Graceful Events

^{Erik Anderson Photography}

2. Personalized Touches

"Our favorite weddings are the ones where the couple places guest experience as the most important part of their wedding plans. When the focus is on what the day feels like from the guest perspective is when we really see the true magic happen and hear the "best wedding ever" comments as the guests leave. Personalized touches that infuse parts of the couples' love story are always a fun way to really create a memorable guest experience. A great meal and fantastic entertainment is also important, but one of the most important ways to create a STELLAR guest experience is to craft an excellent timeline that lets guests glide seamlessly throughout your day without large gaps between events and make sure that guests have enough to eat throughout the day. Provide ample time for socializing and let guests feel relaxed and pampered." ~ Heather Farr,

^{Santiago Murillo Photography}

3. Engaging Vendors

"Select vendors who will actively enhance your celebration. Choose those you can envision your family and friends enjoying and dancing with. These vendors will be looking for opportunities to enhance your big day and make it memorable." ~ David Porto, Blue Plate Catering

^{Courtesy of Blue Plate Catering}

4. Movement, Activity, and Music

"Three things to ensure your guests have a memorable and enjoyable experience at a wedding are: movement, activity and music. Movement means giving guests a chance to experience different places and environments around the grounds or within the venue. Try to utilize as much of the space as possible. Our Lake Geneva couple had Beer Burros (donkeys) for their cocktail hour. Guests were invited to partake in cocktails on the patio from the bar, or to walk around the grass and follow the burros for their next drink. Activity means giving guests something "to do". We've seen Magicians at cocktail hour, a Photo Booth at the reception, cigar bars, glow sticks on the dance floor, or involving every single guest in the ceremony with a butterfly release. And music of course sets the mood for the guest experience during any part of your wedding day timeline. Consider songs for the older generations for the beginning of your reception; music that everyone will dance to. That crowd tends to leave earlier, so after that, then play music that the late night crowd will like." ~ Jenna, Mitch and Jenna Weddings

^{Katie Lee Photography}

5. Interactive Activities

"Enhancing the guest experience at your wedding can create lasting memories and ensure everyone has a wonderful time. To elevate the guest experience at your wedding, consider incorporating unique and interactive activities. Ideas include a giant crossword puzzle about the couple, a mobile bar, live fashion illustrations, or a s’mores station. Another fun interactive idea is to have a hands-on DIY drink station where guests can build their own cocktail and add their own garnishments. These memorable experiences will leave a lasting impression on your guests!" ~ Renee Breanne, Renee Breanne Design + Co

6. Chef-Attended Stations

"Chef-attended stations can elevate any culinary experience. Interactive experiences with a personal chef touch can give guests an opportunity to customize food on the spot and have an experience tailored to them." ~ Gwen Eckhardt, Noble Catering & Events

^{Front Room Studios}

7. Versatile Venue Spaces

"Impress your guests by providing a space that allows for a mixture of outdoor and indoor usage. Guests love the opportunity to celebrate while enjoying the summer weather. Pick a location where you can enjoy cocktail hour inside or out! Compliment with your favorite game for guests to enjoy. Or feature an onsite outdoor ceremony - providing not only convenience to guests but the opportunity to showcase the outdoor beauty of your setting." ~ Sara Anderson, Northern Haus

^{Main Photo by Liv + Remember}