Between rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, pictures, the reception, brunch, oh, and who could forget the actual wedding itself- wedding weekends are always jam-packed with activities. Despite the activities being a fantastic way to celebrate your nuptials (and, let’s be honest— you), moving a mile a minute means you might not get the opportunity to spend quality time with every single guest who wants nothing more than to feel like they’re a part of your special day.
In a nutshell, your wedding weekend means you’re the star of the show, and so many people want a piece of you might as well call yourself Britney Spears.
And, as bummed as you might be that you don’t have the time to split between everyone, your guests are ten times sadder because their sole purpose for attending your special day is to celebrate you! Unless they’re single… then their sole is finding someone they can spend the rest of their life (or night) with.
So, because you won’t be able to have heart-to-hearts with everyone, one of your adoring fans… I mean, guests, here are the five best ways to make them feel included during your “I DOs.”
Letters from the heart
Individual Letters to Each Guest
The best way to make guests feel special on your wedding day is to — surprise… tell them they’re special. So, how do you do this to everyone without spending hours making rounds?
By writing them a letter, they can open it as soon as they make it to their spot at the dinner table. Nothing over the top; this is your wedding, not “Dear John” we’re talking about. But a little note, letting them know how excited you are that they’re there and how thankful you are that they traveled far and wide (and probably for a pretty penny), will go a long way.
Also, personal sentiment can never hurt. So, if your best work friend is in attendance and she saw you through multiple office bathroom cries due to stressful wedding planning, let her know this day wouldn’t have happened without her… because, truthfully, it probably wouldn’t have!
Your guest will feel great knowing you’re thinking about them… even if all you’re thinking about is getting out of your heels AND bra.
Double the parties, double the fun
Have a welcome party instead of a rehearsal dinner
Rehearsal dinners are a way of the past. Why waste a whole night “rehearsing” when most of the rehearsal is walking? Instead, rehearse before your ceremony, and spend the night before your wedding at a welcome party with all your guests!
With two nights to party, you’ll have twice as much time to connect with friends. Which means twice as much time to drink and receive compliments… who doesn’t love that?
On top of quality time with you, your guests will have something to do the night before your wedding. This is incredibly awesome for out-of-towners who might not know the local hotspots or old friends who just can’t wait to reunite. Everyone loves another reason to party, and thankfully, you’re here to provide!
Same fun friend, new last name
Celebrate other soon-to-be brides
Your wedding is a celebration of your love — but also a celebration of all love. Have you ever noticed that couples get mushy at weddings? It’s because there is love in the air. That’s scientifically proven (please don’t ask for proof).
And, what better way to celebrate love than to congratulate other soon-to- be-married couples? Because you just went through it, you know how stressed out they probably are right now planning their wedding. Reminding partners that there is light at the end of the tunnel (aka less time spent planning with in-laws) will lift their spirits and make them feel even more connected to you and your journey.
So, throw a shout-out to all your engaged couple friends on the back of your wedding program or change their last name on their placard (if they’re taking it their partner’s last name, of course). Add a message that reads, “can’t wait for your big day! Thanks for celebrating ours.” Sharing in the love will warm their hearts and make them love your day even more… Plus, they’ll probably love how it made them feel so much they’ll steal it for their big day. But don’t worry; you’re weddings still the best.
One photo to rule them all
One group picture, one million minutes saved
You’re your wedding’s biggest celebrity, and everyone wants a picture with the show’s star. But, unfortunately, if you took an individual photo with everyone, you would have no time to crush it on the dance floor, spend near the snack table, or even more importantly, spend with your beau. So instead of taking pictures with everyone throughout the night, take one big group pic. Now your guest has a beautiful memory from your wedding that isn’t just them and their partner trying on different hats in the Photo Booth. And you have the beautiful memory of doing more than smiling for grainy pics taken by your parent’s friends.
You’re the Dancing Queen
Get everyone on the dance floor
The most fun part about the evening is the dance floor… duh. But sometimes, the beginning of the dancing is unclear, and it takes a hot second for everyone to feel comfortable getting their groove on… unless they’re plastered (which why shouldn’t they be? This is a party). So, for the girlies in their Mamma Mia era, which honestly should be everyone, a fantastic way to get everyone on the dance floor is to start the night by inviting out all the dancing queens. Pass out boas, fun sunglasses (and maybe even shots), and let everyone channel their inner Christine Baranski. Because nothing says let’s dance like Abba’s “Dancing Queen.”
Now that you have everything in place to make your guest feel special at your wedding, the day can be worry-free. So, it’s your guest’s turn to worry about making you feel special. Because, duh, this day is really about you, of course! Get it, queen!