Adding some of your own special spins on tradition can be an exciting and creative way to make that wedding all your own. Having a rodeo wedding with your cowgirl sister as the best man? Terrific. Wearing a rainbow/tie-dye wedding dress over the more common white? Why not. But there are just some things that you should never change… mostly for the courtesy of your guests, as well as their impression on you as a host.
- The “break” period between the end of the ceremony and the reception shouldn’t be any bigger than an hour (less is better!). This is mainly because longer intermission means guests will get bored and not want to stick around for the reception (which is where all the fun is!).
If you really can’t avoid a longer than optimal wait time, you can try to keep everyone occupied. A cocktail hour with a light breakfast/lunch/dinner might be a good choice. Or perhaps you can host an open bar for people to socialize until things are ready.
If you don’t have a typical way to keep people on board, then get creative! Stand up in front of the crowd and announce an “open mic” entertainment for wanna-be comedians or musicians/singers. Have the DJ or Brother Kevin and his boom-box put on some tunes for people to get jiggy to. Personally, I’d try and set up a humorous play that depicts what my life might be like with my new partner!
- Include your guests in everything that matters. This really means anything that will affect the event somehow. Don’t tell them about personal problems with your family. However, if someone’s mother is getting irate about something unfortunate, you might want to inform the guests to prepare for cannon fire. Good surprises are the only good surprises
- Be a proper host. Greet attendees in the proper manner, even those that you don’t know! It could be with a line at the front door, or by going table to table and introducing yourself as one of the newlyweds. If you can afford it, you might want to cover everyone’s expenses (guests, too) for the event. No-Cash Bar, anyone?
- Your wedding is not a corporate presentation. Painfully long speeches, ridiculously huge slideshows, sponsorships and “company recommendations”, as well as other stiff formalities will bore your guests to tears or just plain irritate them. Try to be a little light and levy about things. It’s a time of celebration and your guests are there to have fun.
- Weddiquette: make the comfort of your guests a top priority. Inviting the elderly? Don’t force her to climb an 80 step monster of a staircase. Planning on having the wedding in a particularly unusual place? If there are fashion hazards, you might want to inform your guests to leave the expensive attire at home. Oh, and don’t forget the most important part: the food and drink!
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Updated by Marble on 1/30/2013
