Monday, June 1, 2015

Give your Guests the Star Treatment

So it's your big day! All your friends and family have traveled and gathered to celebrate this momentous day in your life. Let's face it, how much fun would a wedding be if no one showed up to enjoy your wedding day with you?
 
It's important to show your guests you are SO happy they came and that the effort, time, and money they put in to joining you on your big day was well worth it for them. There are a lot of ways you can put in a little extra effort to show your guests you thought about them during your planning process.
 
Most wedding ceremonies incorporate some kind of ceremony program. Guests, especially relatives, really appreciate this little guide to your ceremony and wedding party because it helps them know what's going on and who you've chosen to take part in your day. It'll tell them who is who, the order of the ceremony, important passages or readings they can follow along with, and what is happening once the ceremony is over. This is also a really great time to type a note thanking your guests for coming, that you couldn't imagine this day without them, and how excited you are to share your future with them as a part of your life.
 
 
The programs pictured above double as a fan, which is another way to make guests more comfortable during a hot summer ceremony. Not only do people love cutesie, clever, practical items, but they'll really appreciate it when they are exposed to the sun for 30+ minutes. Another great way to achieve this level of comfort? Parasols. It's an adorable word for delicate, girly umbrellas that looks great and shade your guests. You can buy them for pretty cheap, or a lot of venues rent them out for the day.
 
Image from a wedding I assisted on with Soigne Productions, photo by Michael & Anna Costa Photographers Ltd.
 
Another great way to create a more comfortable environment for your guests is to add some amenities to the restroom(s) at your venue. You are not the only one who wants to look and feel great on your wedding day! Your guests want to look their best as well, and you can aide in this endeavor by throwing together a fun yet practical basket for the restrooms. Whether you are hosting your wedding in a hotel, a winery, or somewhere requiring you to bring in portable restrooms, there is always room to make the bathroom that much nicer.
 
 
Things to consider including: deodorant spray, floss, sunscreen, feminine products, a comb, and breath mints. People really appreciate it, and definitely notice that extra effort. You can even include a cute note for a personalized touch.
 
Finally, never send your guests home at the end of the night without a party favor. They will love it, they'll remember your night, and (hopefully) they won't throw it away! In my opinion, it's important to give your guests something they can use, not something that will add to the clutter drawer in their house. They will appreciate that you took the time to give them something thoughtful and practical. There are so many directions you can go with this, and that's what makes it fun! Try to find something that goes with your theme. Garden them? A cute little succulent (that can double as a place card!) is always a fan favorite. Aiming to go a little more DIY? Home-made, wrapped cookies can NEVER go wrong. If your wedding color is a mint green, "Mint To Be" breath mints are clever and very useful for guests young and old alike.
 
Image from a fellow blogger
 
Had to throw in one more party favor favorite of mine, "I Met My Match." I love the saying, with the names and the wedding date, and matches are something people always need, always keep, and will remind them of this special day every time they use one. You can even throw on a little "Thank you for celebrating with us!" note to show your gratitude one last time.

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