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One worry you might have during the wedding
process is wondering whether your guests will truly enjoy your special
day. Why not take some time out now to put yourself in your guests'
shoes and take the tension away? Start by targeting these typical
trouble spots, and then fill in any other arenas that come to mind.
Watch the Clock
Do your utmost to start your ceremony on time. Guests get antsy
when they have to wait for a wedding to commence. Planning well
and scheduling to have everyone and everything in place 30 minutes
prior the ceremony's start time means you have room to take care
of any last-minute emergencies. Your guests won't be kept waiting.
And another bonus—your wedding party will be relaxed rather
than rushed.
Go with the Flow
Doorway receiving lines make for bottlenecks as guests are slowly
dismissed. So position this greeting line well away from the main
door of your ceremony site. Although everyone wants to wish you
well, some guests might have obligations that prohibit them from
lingering in a long line.
Say Cheese
And more. Don't leave your guests all dressed up with no place to
go—or have them arrive at the reception site with nothing
to do. Setting the ceremony and reception an hour or more apart
leaves guests at loose ends. And stating it's "immediately"
afterwards and then leaving guests hanging around waiting for your
arrival is frustrating, as well. Simply setting out trays of hors
d'oeuvres (simple platters of cheese and crackers will do) and beverages
at the reception venue helps welcome guests. Be sure they know it's
okay to indulge before you arrive.
Can't Take the Heat
It would be a rare, and likely welcomed, day in Juneau if the weather
got too hot to handle, but do consider the sky's activities if guests
will have to be outdoors for any length of time. Indoor temps matter
too, so make sure there's heat or air conditioning—whatever
is appropriate for the season.
Cha-ching
A cash bar might not be the end of the world, but it far more generous
to offer an open, or at least a limited bar. If that doesn't work
for you, consider eliminating the bar altogether.
And You Are?
Not too surprising, guests actually like to sit with people they
know, so they can comfortably interact with one another. If you
have a formal seating plan, think it out carefully. In the event
a guest might not know anyone else, try to seat them near someone
with whom they are apt to click. Risqué Rose and Grandma
Prudence might not be a smart mix.
Appetite and Ambiance
Keep exotic and unusual dishes on the sidelines, and make your entree
something that tends to appeal to the masses. Keep the sound gentle,
as well. Keep music at a background level during the meal so guests
can converse. Don't turn the volume up until it's time to dance.
Thank You
Thoughtfully chosen wedding favors add a personal touch to your
wedding and make your guests feel appreciated. Make your day a happy
memory to all long after the ceremony's done with a simple thank-you
keepsake. Wedding favors range from simple seed packets impressed
with a notable sentiment to luxurious treasures of silver and gold.
Also consider small picture frames, candles, heart-shaped paperweights,
scented soaps with local flavor, and the like. Gifts don't have
to be expensive, but tacky is out. Wrap up some colorful and/or
locally-concocted candies in lace, and tie it off with a slender
silk ribbon. Or use rubber stamps or stickers that somehow coordinate
with your wedding (color, theme, etc.), and turn blank bookmarks
into a take-home treats. Not artistic? Have the bookmarks professionally
printed. If you have a seating plan, brand the guest's name on the
reverse side and the bookmark doubles as a placecard.
Breathe!
You've done your best, so don't fret the small stuff. Remember,
the more fun you're having, the more fun your guests will have,
so relax and have a good time.
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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