5 ways to go the extra mile for your guests
Part of a fabulous wedding is thinking about the experience your guests will have. I like to have couples walk themselves through how their guests will experience the wedding day. From entrance to exit.
#1 How to Go The Extra Mile for Your Guests: Shower Them With Flowers
Flowers make people feel loved, honored and well cared for.
You can shower your guests with flowers in a variety of ways:
Corsages for the extra-special women.
Boutonnieres for the extra-special men.
Beautiful flowers on the table while your guests dine. This could come in the form of a garland, cluster of bud vases or luxurious centerpieces.
Wow them with lush and romantic backdrops. This could come in the form of floral arches, floral walls and extra-lush arrangements placed at the bar, the welcome table and wherever else guests will be spending time. You could also give them an opportunity to have their picture taken with some of the florals.
Curios what wedding flowers cost? GO HERE to read our blog: “What do Wedding Flowers Cost?”
A floral arch is a popular way to adorn the ceremony with lush floral. GO HERE to read more about the floral arch
Corsages are an inexpensive way to honor your guests and make them feel extra special.
#2 How to Go The Extra Mile for Your Guests: Write a personal note to each guest.
We all know how it feels to travel to a wedding and then barely get to see the couple. And let’s face it, you’re going to be busy! It’s unlikely you will get to spend as much time as you like with each of your guests.
That’s why I love this simple act of writing an individual note to each guest.
I received a note from my step brother on his wedding day and I’m still thinking about it many years later.
If you plan ahead, you can pull this off in relatively little time. Plan to write a few notes per day so that you’re all finished by your wedding day. In addition, this note can serve as a marker for your assigned seats.
What a fabulous exercise in practicing gratitude. You will generate so many warm, loving and positive emotions in regards to each of your guests that you will be overflowing with joy.
And joy is the place where you need to be spending most of your wedding day!
I gave the idea of the personal note to Nicole and Garrett who were married in July of 2022 at The Salted Roots Cabins in Seward, AK.
#3 How to Go The Extra Mile for Your Guests: Give toasts to your guests of honor.
Everyone likes to be recognized. This is such a lovely and traditional way to call people out, and recognize them.
Think of 3-5 people you and your spouse could recognize and write a quick 30 - 60 second toast to each.
If you’re shy about speaking up in front of a crowd of people (like I was at my wedding), practice before-hand, know it’s OK to feel nervous and don’t be afraid to use notes.
#4 How to Go The Extra Mile for Your Guests: Make a point to look each guest in the eye at least once and give them a hug or warm handshake.
Your wedding is not only for you and your spouse. That’s what elopements are for!
Make time in your wedding schedule to connect one on one with each guest, even if it’s just for a few minutes each.
If you have a longer guest list, you could make this happen by organizing a receiving line, or scheduling in a time to visit each person during dinner.
Another idea I love is setting up a small table behind the bride and groom with two chairs. Folks can be invited to visit this table and spend some one-on-one time with the bride and groom.
#5 How to Go The Extra Mile for Your Guests: Write Thank-You notes.
There’s nothing better than a hand-written thank you note mailed to someone’s door a week after they attended your wedding.
Give yourself a deadline for this, so you don’t forget. Then set aside 30 minutes per day until it’s completed.
Make sure you put this task in your calendar or planner so you know it will get done.
If you take a few of these ideas and implement them, your guests will leave your wedding feel loved, cherished and full of warmth.
Photos courtesy of Chugach Peaks Photography and Kristian Iray Photography.