How to Keep Wedding Guests Happy
Every couple wants their wedding day to be a joyful, memorable celebration for both themselves and their guests. But while you’re caught up in the details, there are a few wedding moments that might not be as enjoyable for those attending. From lengthy ceremonies to long gaps between events, some common wedding experiences can leave guests secretly wishing things were done differently. Understanding these less-loved moments can help you create a day that truly delights your guests from start to finish.
Here are the top ten wedding guest pet peeves and how to deal with them at the Gold Coast Farm House:
Long Gaps Between Ceremony and Reception
The time between the ceremony and reception is generally when the couple, their bridal party, and select guests are having professional photos taken. At the Farm House there are many stunning locations for your wedding shoot, so this can be a lengthy exercise. Our suggestion is to organise refreshments, light snacks, and activities to keep your guests entertained. These can include an ice cream cart, cocktail bar, lawn games, or simply a comfortable place to lounge and relax.
Overly Long Speeches
Wedding speeches can make or break a reception. A good wedding speech will be engaging and remembered for years to come, whereas a drawn out, boring speech will have your guests slipping out for some air. Encourage your speakers to focus on heartfelt and engaging stories within a time limit. You want your guests to focus on all the wonderful wishes and humorous anecdotes, not unnecessary details.
Unclear Seating Arrangements
Ambiguous or last-minute seating charts can leave guests awkwardly searching for their spot. Be sure to prepare clearly labelled seating plans and table settings to help ease the flow and make guests feel comfortable. Your Gold Coast Farm House venue coordinator can give you tips on how to plan and manage a successful reception.
Uncomfortable Weather Conditions
With breathtaking views and luxurious open spaces, outdoor weddings in the Gold Coast Hinterland are magical. There is one aspect, however, that is out of our control. The weather. Extreme heat or cold can be challenging for guests, so be sure to either plan your wedding in the milder months, or provide amenities to keep guests comfortable. Consult with our venue coordinators to arrange heating, blankets, umbrellas, or fans to keep you and your guests feeling good.
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Complicated Dress Codes
A wedding can be both stressful and exciting, not only for the couple but for the guests. Not knowing what to wear can cause a lot of confusion and stress for guests. Ensure you have a clear dress code or guidelines for your guest. Not only will this be helpful for them, but your event will look visually cohesive, especially in photos. A colour scheme can be a great way to keep the group feeling like one. Choose a palette of colours and encourage guests to dress within that selection.
Nonstop Dancing with Little Downtime
No one wants you to stop partying at your wedding reception. However, not every guest will feel comfortable near the loud and busy dancefloor. Some revellers may also need to take a break from dancing the night away. Be sure to create a relaxing space away from the party area for guests to chill or take a breather. At the Farm House, you can and your guests are welcome to use the deck of the house or indoor lounge and kitchen area.
Sparse Food and Drink Options
Don’t leave guests feeling hungry or thirsty. Ensure you have plenty of appetisers or grazing platters between meals for guests to snack on. Don’t forget times like after the ceremony and later in the evening, when guests will be looking for a little something to keep them going. Always have non-alcoholic beverages on hand to keep guests hydrated, and ensure you have enough bar staff to keep up with drink orders.
Unnecessarily Long or Traditional Ceremonies
Be mindful of your guests when it comes to traditional ceremonies. While you may have family and friends who share or are familiar with your culture or traditions, there may be some who find it all a bit confusing. Lengthy or unfamiliar ceremonies with many reading or rituals may test the patience or understanding of some guests. Try to strike a balance between what is important to you and what your guests will also enjoy. This will ensure a memorable and meaningful wedding ceremony.
Overly Trendy Photo Booths or Games
Your wedding guests should feel comfortable and relaxed at your celebration. If you plan on having interactive games or trendy photo booths etc. keep these optional, allowing guests to partake only if they feel comfortable.
Confusing End of Night Logistics
At the Gold Coast Farm House, we understand that our property is out of the way in the gorgeous Hinterland. Transportation can be tricky to order or organise, so we have taken that responsibility off your hands. With most of our packages, we include coach hire to transport your guests from the central Gold Coast locations out to the farm and back. Our friendly and organised staff will ensure all your guests make it onto the coach at the end of the night.