Quite often “experts” will tell you that the only way to make your wedding day stand out is to pay attention to all of the “fine details.” I wholeheartedly agree that those “fine details” make quite an impact on your overall day, but I also understand that this doesn’t always fit within everyone’s budget. If that is the case for you, here are the five wedding day details that your wedding guests will truly notice —
1. Music. I listed music first because it sets the tone for a wedding ceremony and reception — In fact, music can be the difference between “yawns and early departures” and a wedding day filled with dancing and merriment (yes, I said merriment). So, before you book ceremony musicians, a deejay and/or a band, make sure that you check out their video and/or audio clips and check their reviews and/or references. And, make sure that they can accommodate your preferred music needs. For more details, you can order our music planning guidebook here.
2. Communication. I know, I know. Communication sounds like such a boring detail. But, have you ever been to a wedding where you didn’t know where to park upon arrival? It’s a little unsettling, right? If you add a little note in the invitation about parking, hotel accommodations, and/or unique directions that aren’t on GPS, your guests will feel “cared for.” It seems small, but it goes a long way. Here’s another one — Have you ever sat through a wedding ceremony where you weren’t familiar with the cultural or religious traditions? It’s all very lovely, but you wish you knew what was going on. So, as you plan your own wedding, consider adding a short blurb in your wedding program that explains the rituals specific to your culture or religion. It will make everyone feel included and a part of your “wedding day community.”
3. Food and Drinks. Okay, this goes without saying — But, I am going to say it anyhow— No one forgets bad food at a wedding. No one. So, be creative in your choices; be mindful of dietary restrictions; and make sure that you get to taste the caterer’s food before you actually select a caterer. Are you unsure what to ask a caterer when you interview them for your wedding? Check out this post for more details.
When it comes to alcohol, you don’t have to have a open bar if your budget doesn’t allow it. But, steer clear of cash bars (they are tacky) and make sure that you don’t run out. If your budget is an issue, consider a beer and wine bar or lower your guest list or work with your caterer or beverage supplier to purchase on consumption. If you are unsure about the amount of alcohol you should order our Wedding Day Cuisine Planning Guidebook.
4. Staffing. Have you ever been to a wedding and waited forever for your entree to be served to you? That’s typically the result of the caterer not having enough staffing. The food may taste great, but no one wants to wait an hour to receive their food — Especially when they are really, really hungry.
The same goes for the bar — Make sure that you have enough bartenders booked for your wedding reception to avoid long lines. So, how do you make you have enough staffing? Check out this post for instructions and details.
5. Punctuality. Long before I became a wedding planner, weddings that don’t start on time have always been a pet peeve of mine. I am not talking about the weddings that start 15 minutes late. Oh no! I expect that. I am talking about the weddings that start 45 – 60 minutes late. It’s rude and unfair to wedding guests — If your wedding begins at 4:30 p.m., many of your wedding guests won’t eat beforehand because they expect to eat dinner around 5:30 p.m. If your wedding starts an hour late, your guests begin to get tired, hungry and irritable. And, that’s the emotion they will think of every time they think of your wedding day.
Love & Soul Always, Kay