Weddings are a long day for everyone involved. As much as your wedding day is about you and your groom, it’s also nice to think about the people who are surrounding you with their love and support on this special day. Lately I’ve been noticing some nice gestures that couples have been incorporating into their wedding planning to make sure that their guests are comfortable throughout the day. Here are a few ways you can insure your guests will be dancing late into the night with you:
Providing Transportation: This is a good thing to think about if your location is somewhat secluded or has limited parking. Providing a shuttle bus at your guest’s hotel will take all the trouble and worry from their minds on the day of the wedding. Your mind will also be put at ease knowing all your loved ones will be getting home safe and responsibly after maybe a few too many cocktails.
Something Comfortable to Slip Into: How many times have you put on your most gorgeous and not to mention highest heels only to discover that the wedding ceremony will be taking place on the dreaded … GRASS?! Yeah, it happens to the best of us! Lately, I’ve been seeing the thoughtful gesture of a basket or bucket of flip flops set out before the ceremony in a variety of sizes, especially for those ladies who chose to wear their 5-inch stilettos! This also comes in handy at the end of the night when your guest’s feet are tired, but they want to continue boogieing into the night with you!
Taking Precautions for Weather: Let’s face it, the weather can really put a damper on your wedding day and may even make your guests plan their escape before the ceremony has even started! How about providing inexpensive shawls and scarves for a windy day? You can get these in a variety of colors at many flea markets and retail stores. Your guests will be grateful, and it might even make for a cute picture! Or how about providing parasols in your chosen wedding colors for a really hot summer wedding? This will keep the sun out of your guest’s eyes and protect them from potential sunburns.
Open Seating: This is a hard one for some brides to give up. However, some couples are giving up the control of who sits where for the comfort of their guests. This may or may not work for you. I always say if the majority of guests do not know each other, then it’s best to create assigned seating. No one wants to be taken back to the memory of the high-school cafeteria, awkwardly trying to find a seat. However, if it’s a big family wedding and everyone pretty much knows each other, save yourself the hassle of creating a seating chart and let them choose where they sit.
I hope some of these tips help you in the midst of your planning! Going the extra mile for your guests will also pay off for you and your groom. Knowing your guests are comfortable and taken care of will put you at ease on your wedding day, and that is the best feeling of all!