Top Ten Wedding Complaints from your Guests
Posted by Patti Wellington on Thu, May 13, 2010 @ 11:16 AM
Wedding celebrations are full of tradition and etiquette. While I realize you can’t please everyone, with careful wedding planning you can address some issues in advance that will help ensure that everyone’s memories of your wedding is a great one.
Here is a list of things wedding couples should consider avoiding - otherwise your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come - and not in a good way.
1. Too much time in between ceremony and reception - Out-of-town guests are often at a loss for ways to fill the time between a one or two o’clock wedding and a five or six o’clock reception. Try to keep the down time to a minimum. When it isn’t possible to hold the events within an hour of each other, ask the reception hall if it will open its doors early for your visiting guests and serve some drinks and munchies (it doesn’t have to be anything fancy). Other options include asking relatives or close friends to invite them to their home for a light snack, or arranging a hospitality suite for them at their hotel.
2. Centerpieces are too big - The centerpiece was so large that guests couldn’t see or talk to guests seated across the table. Smaller, shorter arrangements are best. Your centerpiece shouldn’t be the center of attention - it should help enhance the mood at the wedding reception (and not be the main topic of conversation at the table).
3. Speeches – Always way too long and guests couldn’t make sense of the words. Try to keep speeches less than five minutes. If possible, they should last between two and five minutes - and trust me, no one wants to hear about your childhood mishaps.
4. Seating Plans – Guests are always upset to find that they don’t know anyone at their table. Take the time to carefully plan your seating arrangement, placing guests at tables with others they know. They don’t have to be best friends, just acquaintances or people with some kind of connection. Try to seat out-of-town guests, who aren’t likely to know anyone, with others having similar interests.
5. Bride and Groom Mingling with Guests - The bride and groom didn’t stop by to say hello. Make the rounds of guest tables at the reception, but don’t spend too much time at each. A quick greeting, thank you or compliment will do.
6. DJ/Music - The DJ was unbearable and played terrible music. Find the best wedding DJ available using recommendations from other brides and the advice of wedding industry professionals. Some guests find the music to be too loud. Try to find a DJ that is experienced and focused on creating a unbelievable experience for you and your guests. Many guests would like to see tables and chairs away from speakers and seat older guests further from the sound equipment.
7. Cash Bar – Many guests will be offended when asked to pay for their drinks at a wedding that you invited them to. Open bars are the accepted norm. If your budget is tight, offer wine and beer only -- or limit drink choices to "call" brands. You can also close the bar during the dinner hour to save on costs.
8. Novelty Traditions - When it comes to money dances, novelty songs (chicken dance comes to mind), singles dances or cake smashing - most guests are in agreement that they’d rather not see it. As the host, your job is to make guests feel at ease and comfortable – so best to err on the safe side and refrain from these potential blunders.
9. Thank You – Guests are always invited to weddings, but couples always forget to thank them for the gift. We recommend sharing this task with your husband. Divide your list, write your notes at the same time, and make a pact to finish a certain number every night until they are finished. It is expected to mail thank-you notes within three months.
10. Receiving Lines - Guests really don’t like standing forever in a receiving line. The bride & groom, and their parents are the only required greeters and the bridal party can relax or finalize some last minute reception details. Or you can forgo the receiving line all together and consider visiting individual tables during or immediately following dinner.