So many couples complain, right after their wedding day, that they totally missed their wedding. They feel like they’ve been robbed. They spent most of the day (especially with large wedding receptions) greeting, speaking to and hugging and thanking their guests. Suddenly the day is over. What happened? Hopefully this will help clear your mind and rid you of the ‘guest guilt’ that plagues so many wedding receptions. What could possibly help is to have tea party favors greet them at the door!
First of all, have a receiving line after the wedding ceremony. This may seem like a nuisance right now, but you will be glad that is over and done with on the day of your wedding. Also, when you get to the reception, do not greet people immediately. Enjoy your time with your new spouse. Take in the sights, the smells; listen to the sounds of people, enjoy the music. The day will be over before you know it and if you have candle wedding favors lighting up the room, it will help even more to relax you.
Your day will be spent with others telling you what to do and where to go. If you’re not ready to cut the cake or have that first dance, say so. Please remember, it is your wedding. Now of course you can’t put it off forever, or you’ll never get to it and have that part missing in your photos and video. But show people around you, right from the first dance, that this is your day and you and your loved one are going to make sure that you enjoy it.
Guests are wonderful people for the most part. But they, more than anyone, forget that it really is your wedding and that they are not the only people there. They will walk up to your table while you are having an intimate conversation as a couple and intrude. If this happens, I would very nicely look up, smile and ask them if they could come back in a few minutes. And give them their beautiful inexpensive wedding favors and they will be happy.
When you feel it is the right time, greet the guests that you didn’t see at your ceremony, but don’t get caught up in useless conversation. Before you know it, hours will have past and you didn’t even enjoy your own wedding.
One idea we used on a wedding I was the consultant, was to put wedding riddles, puzzles and games on each table as well as a wedding camera. We added a note for the guests to please take many pictures of themselves for a keepsake for the newly married couple. Also, another way to keep guests occupied so you can enjoy yourself is with a great band or DJ that encourages your guests to get involved on the dance floor.
More than anything, you have to remember that this is your special day. It’s not your guests. They will have forgotten it in a few days, but you will remember the highlights and lowlights of this day forever. Be polite but do not forget that you have but a few short hours to enjoy this day and it will be one forever.
