Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, but it’s also a significant event for your guests.
These are the people who have come to celebrate with you, often investing time and money in attending your big day.
Showing them that you appreciate their presence is key to creating an unforgettable experience, not just for you but for everyone involved.
By taking thoughtful steps before, during, and after the wedding, you can ensure your guests feel special and included.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Making your wedding guests feel special involves thoughtful gestures and planning before, during, and after the event.
Start by giving ample notice through “save the date” cards and a guest-focused wedding website with important details.
On the wedding day, greet guests personally, provide refreshments, and create quiet spaces or child-friendly areas to ensure comfort.
For outdoor events, consider providing insect repellent. After the wedding, send off guests with bottled water and organise a farewell brunch.
Finally, express gratitude with prompt, handwritten thank-you notes to show appreciation for their presence. These small touches will create a memorable and inclusive celebration.
Before Your Wedding
Give Guests Plenty of Notice
One of the best ways to make your guests feel considered from the start is by giving them ample time to plan. Once your venue is booked and the date is set, send out “save the date” cards as early as possible.
This not only shows your excitement for their attendance but also allows guests to schedule time off work, arrange childcare, book travel, and prepare outfits.
Guests will appreciate the advance notice, particularly if they are travelling from afar.
You can also include additional information in the save-the-date cards, such as a link to your wedding website, which should have all the essential details they will need.
Create a Wedding Website with Guests in Mind
A wedding website is an incredibly useful tool for keeping guests informed. Your website should include everything they need to know, such as the venue address, directions, parking details, and accommodation options.
Make sure to add recommendations for local restaurants and attractions, particularly for out-of-town guests who might want to explore the area.
Consider adding maps to help guests navigate the venue, parking areas, and nearby accommodations. If you’re not covering parking costs or if they need cash for parking or other expenses, let them know in advance so they can be prepared.
It’s also a good idea to provide dress code information and outline the wedding day schedule so guests know exactly when and where to be.
Request Song Suggestions on RSVPs
Including a section in your RSVP cards where guests can request songs for the reception is a fun and inclusive way to make them feel part of the celebration.
Guests will be delighted to hear their favourite songs played at your wedding, and it adds a personal touch to the event.
This small gesture will let your guests know that their enjoyment is a priority for you, making them feel valued and included in your big day.
Upon Arrival
Welcome Guests at the Hotel
If you’ve blocked off rooms at a hotel for your wedding guests, greet them with a welcome sign in the lobby.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant – a simple “Welcome to [Your Names]’s Wedding” sign can make a significant difference.
This small, thoughtful detail will show that you appreciate their effort in travelling to be part of your celebration.
If you want to go the extra mile, consider placing handwritten welcome notes or gift bags in their rooms.
The bags could include bottled water, snacks, and a schedule of the weekend’s events. Guests who have travelled a long way will appreciate the extra thoughtfulness and comfort.
Offer Refreshments Upon Arrival
When guests arrive at the wedding venue, they might be hungry or thirsty, especially if they’ve travelled far or arrived early.
Set up a refreshment table with drinks and snacks for guests to enjoy while they wait for the ceremony to begin.
Providing simple refreshments like cold water, lemonade, or iced tea along with light snacks can make guests feel comfortable and well looked after.
This gesture also ensures no one is left feeling parched or hungry before the festivities begin.
During the Wedding
Greet Guests Personally
If possible, greet your guests as they arrive at the ceremony or reception. While this may be difficult to do yourself, particularly if you’re busy with preparations, you can have family members or friends take on this role.
Having a dedicated “welcome wagon” at the entrance can ensure that every guest is greeted warmly. This gesture sets the tone for a personal and inclusive event.
This simple act of acknowledging each guest as they enter the venue can go a long way in making them feel special and appreciated.
Create Quiet Spaces for Relaxation
Weddings can be overwhelming for some guests, particularly introverts or elderly attendees.
Create small, quiet spaces within the venue where guests can take a break from the noise and excitement of the party. You can set up lounge furniture in a quiet corner or use outdoor seating if available.
These quiet areas offer guests a place to recharge, and including a small bar or refreshments nearby can enhance their comfort even further.
This thoughtful addition shows that you care about everyone’s comfort, ensuring no one feels overlooked.
Accommodate Special Needs
It’s important to ensure all guests feel included and comfortable, especially those with special needs.
Reach out to any guests who might require assistance before the wedding to ensure their needs are met. Make sure the venue is accessible, and if necessary, arrange for dietary accommodations through your caterer.
For guests with mobility issues, ensure there are suitable seating arrangements and easy access to bathrooms.
Discreetly handling these details ahead of time ensures all guests can enjoy the day without feeling singled out or uncomfortable.
Set Up a Separate Kids’ Area
If children are attending your wedding, create a designated space for them to eat, play, and relax. This area can include kid-friendly food, games, and activities to keep them entertained throughout the event.
Hiring a babysitter or professional childcare provider can help ease parents’ worries, allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration.
Parents will greatly appreciate the effort you’ve put into ensuring their children are cared for, and kids will have a fun, memorable time as well.
Provide Insect Repellent for Outdoor Weddings
If you’re hosting an outdoor wedding, especially in a garden or tropical setting, consider providing insect repellent for guests.
Mosquitoes and other pests can be a nuisance, especially during evening receptions. A simple table with insect-repellent sprays or wipes can help guests stay comfortable throughout the event.
After the Wedding
Send Guests Off with Water Bottles
As your guests head home at the end of the night, make sure they’re well taken care of. You can arrange for the valet service to place bottled water in their cars as they leave the reception.
This small but thoughtful touch will be much appreciated, especially after a night of dancing and celebrating.
Providing water ensures your guests leave the event refreshed and shows that you’ve thought about their well-being, even after the party.
Organise a Farewell Brunch
If you’ve had a large number of out-of-town guests or if you’re hosting a destination wedding, consider organising a farewell brunch the morning after the wedding.
This is a relaxed way to thank guests for attending, catch up with friends and family, and extend the celebration in a more intimate setting.
Brunch gives everyone a chance to unwind and reflect on the wedding, making the entire weekend feel more connected and thoughtful.
Send Handwritten Thank-You Notes
After the wedding, be sure to send handwritten thank-you notes to all your guests. These notes should express your appreciation for their attendance and any gifts they may have given.
Sending these notes promptly, ideally within a couple of weeks, shows that you value their presence at your wedding.
Handwritten notes feel personal and meaningful, and this simple act of gratitude can leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Conclusion
Making your wedding guests feel special requires thoughtful planning and small gestures that go a long way in showing your appreciation.
From giving them ample notice and information before the event to providing personal touches during the wedding and thoughtful follow-ups afterwards, every step helps ensure your guests feel valued and included.
These small acts of kindness not only enhance the guest experience but also create a memorable atmosphere that will make your wedding day even more special for everyone involved.
By taking care of the details that matter to your guests, you can create an unforgettable celebration that will be cherished by all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do wedding guests want?
Your guests want to be social.
Weddings are fantastic opportunities for social interaction, and your guests will likely spend much of your big day reconnecting and mingling with friends and family members. However, your event will be less enjoyable if your guests don’t know anyone.
What do wedding guests remember most?
Your guests will remember your hospitality. Welcome your guests with a box full of sips and treats or a welcome letter. Include a reminder of the wedding weekend events and a note of thanks. Your guests will love the attention to detail and your thoughtfulness.
What do wedding guests care about most?
Guests do care about how on time everything happens. Starting your wedding ceremony late or listing an earlier than expected start time to prevent any late arrivals leads to unhappy guests. Schedule extra time the morning of your wedding for hair and makeup, photos, and travel, so you stay on time.
What is an honorary guest at a wedding?
An honorary bridesmaid or bridal party member is an attendant to the bride whose involvement in traditional bridal party duties varies based on the bride’s desires. They typically walk down the aisle but will not stand at the altar.
Who is the most important guest at a wedding?
A bridesmaid is, first and foremost, someone the bride wants to be a part of her wedding. She may be a sister or a very good friend; her friendship and support of the marriage are very important. More than that, the bridesmaid serves a practical purpose.
