As the couple, you are the guests of honor of a pretty significant celebration.  Family, friends and colleagues are going out of their way to ensure that you are honored, happy and comfortable on your special day.

To ensure that your wedding guests are as comfortable as you, I recommend that you avoid some of the little wedding missteps below.

Come dressed to impress!  I saw this phrase on a wedding web site once, and I must tell you this – this is definitely not the best place to be clever with wording.  Sure, your “fashionistas” wedding guests will know exactly what to wear, but the rest of your guests will find this phrase a little confusing.  If noting the proper attire is important to you, then go with the most popular terms – Casual, Semi-Formal, and Formal.  Or better yet, explain what you mean in detail (i.e., Formal: Tuxedos, Ball Gowns).  Everyone tends to get that.

Valet parking – Please allow me to clarify – Having a cute young guy take your car and park it for you can be “quite” comfortable.  Not knowing that you had to pay for the valet parking isn’t.  If your budget can afford it, I recommend that you pay for parking.  If you cannot cover the cost of valet parking for your wedding guests, please note the valet parking fee on your map/direction card.  If you don’t want to pay AND you don’t want your wedding guests to pay, then seek out wedding venues that offer free parking.

Inappropriate wedding toasts or garter removals – Sure, nothing is probably funnier than hearing about the bride’s risqué antics at her Vegas bachelorette party, but it may be a little difficult for her grandma, godmother and (gulp) dad to hear.  As tempting as the revealing toasts may be, I recommend you keep them rated G for the ease of everyone involved.  The same goes for the garter removal.

Monetary gifts preferred – Given the state of our economy, I can understand a couple’s need for cash, but your wedding invitation has one purpose – To invite your guests to the wedding.  Anything regarding your gift preferences on your wedding invitations would be considered inappropriate and off-putting.  If cash is what you need the most, I recommend the following:

Tell your best friends and your immediate family about your gift preference so that they can share this information with anyone that is interested.

Don’t register for gifts.  It sends a mixed message.  (However, please understand that some guests will buy gifts anyhow)  If you have a bridal shower, let the shower host know so that she can relay this information to your shower guests.

Cash Bar — Speaking of money, nothing sucks the cash out of your wedding budget like an open bar.  So, I can totally understand why a cash bar would be tempting.  But even in the most contemporary circles, cash bars are considered un-cool.  It’s like inviting friends into your home and asking them to pay for the wine that you served at dinner.  If you are trying to stay within your wedding budget, but you would like to serve alcohol, consider the following tips:

• Purchase your own alcohol.  Some venues will allow you to bring in your own alcohol as long as you pay a corkage fee.  (But be careful.  A corkage fee can send the price right back up!)
• Talk to your caterer and explain your budget for beverages.  Caterers deal with this all of the time, and they can probably make a few less expensive recommendations.
• Serve alcohol during your cocktail hour only.
• Serve a signature drink only.

So, there you have it!  Avoiding these missteps may take a little forethought, but it’s well worth the effort to ensure that your wedding guests are comfy and having fun!

Love & Soul Always, Kawania