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<\/a><\/p>\nAn inconvenient location<\/h2>\n
It truly is lovely that you’re holding your wedding reception <\/a>at the remote cattle station in Whoop Whoop where you grew up, but is it somewhere most of your guests can\u00a0get to?\u00a0OK, that’s an extreme example, but if you’re holding your wedding somewhere no one can get to without considerable effort, taking time off or booking flights and accommodation, consider the impact on guests. If it’s a truly out-of-the-way location, opt for a reception venue <\/a>that’s easy to get to by road or public transport and within a reasonable distance of the local airport if a large continent of guests will be travelling from out of town.<\/p>\n Providing no dress code is as unclear as providing one that says “dress as you wish” or “surprise us” (which can be a dangerous decision in itself) – and it’s one of the most oft-quoted things guests hate about weddings! Be sure to outline the dress code clearly<\/a> so that your guests won’t end up being over-dressed or under-dressed or, worse still, embarrassed by their choice of outfit.<\/p>\n [ew-supplier-carousel]<\/p>\n You\u2019ll have spent ages sorting out the seating plan. Great, but how do your guests know their spot? You need a clear and accessible seating plan both on a board where people can look for themselves and on a clipboard where the ushers\/compere can easily locate a person and their table. Don\u2019t have guests wandering around the venue looking for their name tag on a table.<\/p>\n When the music stops, everyone needs their own chair. It\u2019s far better to have too many chairs as opposed to too few. Double check to make sure nobody is left standing and, even if it’s a cocktail wedding where such things are expected, be sure to have ample seating for those who need seats, such as guests with back problems or those who are elderly.<\/p>\n Many weddings feature someone who doesn\u2019t know that brevity is the soul of wit. Have a chat with everyone who is to make a speech<\/a>. Stress that they are not to speak forever. You or your partner will know the person. If it means giving them a time limit, do so. If they have a written speech, ask them if they\u2019ve timed it. Guests get cranky very quickly when someone thinks the sound of their voice is something to behold.<\/p>\n If your reception venue is a little tricky to find, you don\u2019t want your guests pulling out their hair because they can\u2019t find the place. Offer guests simple directions. Even consider having a friend out at the important crossroad, pointing guests in the right direction or propping up the odd\u00a0balloon-festooned sign or two. The easiest way to do this, of course, is to include a map with your wedding invitations <\/a>and, of course a Melways\/map reference.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter how old your wedding guests are, they need to be able to hear themselves think. Not everyone will be dancing. Many guests want to chat with someone on their table. But if the volume from the band<\/a> is such that conversation is impossible, your guests will not be happy campers. Either hire brilliant acoustic musicians or TURN DOWN the volume.<\/p>\n Yes, it can be tricky putting everyone on a table where they will be happy. But at least try. If someone is a rabid football fan or a person with particularly strong political views of a certain persuasion, don\u2019t seat\u00a0them next to someone who hates everything that other guest does or believes. You or your partner should spend time to get the best seating arrangement for your guests <\/a>so that they have as much fun as you’re going to.<\/p>\n Again it can be tricky but if you are inviting cousin Sue and you\u2019re not sure if she\u2019s in a relationship, and, if so, with whom, ask. \u2018Sue and Friend\u2019 can be hurtful if Sue and Stu have been dating for the last 18 months. Just take a little time to get things just right and make your guests happy to come to your wedding. Finding \u2018Sue\u2019s Partner\u2019 on the place card <\/a>is not a good look.<\/p>\n You may\u00a0think this is a good way to stop your guests getting drunk or, perhaps, your budget doesn’t stretch far enough to pay for oodles of alcohol\u00a0at your wedding reception. Either way,\u00a0having\u00a0a cash bar – without warning guests – is a sure fire way to upset some of your guests. Instead, offer a limited range of drinks and have that clearly spelled out on a sign, or have the MC announce this when all guests are assembled. Just avoid putting guests in a position where they’re unclear as to whether they have to stump up for drinks, especially if they don’t have (enough) cash on them!<\/p>\n You can\u2019t control certain things with the weather being one of them. Obviously you\u2019ll be watching forecasts as the big day draws nigh. But be prepared for bad weather. If that means a supply of umbrellas or a temporary covered way, then have things in train. Your guests won\u2019t blame you for the rain, but they\u2019ll certainly love you for making their passage around the venue a safe and dry one.<\/p>\n Let people know about your wedding date as early as possible by sending out Save the Date cards – or your actual wedding invitation in a timely fashion<\/a>. That allows them time to take off, if need be or, if you’re having a child-free wedding, it gives them time to arrange a babysitter. The more notice the better!<\/p>\n And while it\u2019s true that all the above are good mistakes to avoid, there are also many positive things you can do to make your guests thrilled to be a part of your wedding. Don\u2019t forget to accentuate the positive.<\/p>\nBeing unclear about the dress code<\/h2>\n
But where do I sit?<\/h2>\n
It\u2019s not musical chairs<\/h2>\n
Trim those speeches<\/h2>\n
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<\/a>Lousy directions<\/h2>\n
Earplugs are optional<\/h2>\n
Strange seating plans<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s written on the invitation?<\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/h2>\nPay for your drinks<\/h2>\n
Expect the unexpected<\/h2>\n
Advertise early<\/h2>\n