They say your wedding day is all about you...
but don't forget your guests! I personally cannot stand a boring wedding. Your loved ones will come from near and far to celebrate your marriage, and memorable wedding experiences help make it fun for everyone! Fair warning, many of these ideas revolve around food! What can I say? The best way to a wedding guest's heart is through their stomach! In this blog post, you'll find ideas that fit different needs and budgets! Hopefully you'll find something to add to your wedding plan!
Here we go!
Charcuterie Boards at each table
Generally, I see food at weddings being served buffet style. I think this is a great way to serve guests, especially if you're expecting a large amount of people at your reception. But imagine having an appetizer or, better yet, an entire charcuterie board already at their table to nibble on while they wait for dinner. I saw this at a beautiful wedding I photographed and it blew my mind! It brought so much color to the table and was such a unique and thoughtful detail for guests.
Say Cheese!
One thing wedding guests love is a photo opportunity! They've set today apart to get out of the house and dress up, so let's give them a chance to document it! You could offer anything from hanging a backdrop to a 360 video booth, it can be as simple or extravagant as you'd like! Here you'll see how my awesome couples customized their guest's photo experience.
Elegant Designated Photo Spot
360 Video Booth
Digital Photobooth
Shake Up the Garter Toss Tradition
I know for me, a garter toss can be hit or miss at a wedding. So let's avoid the awkward standing around and change it up! (If not for me, at least for the FoB's sake!) For example, this couple decided on a different approach and, to this day, it's the most hilarious garter toss I've ever seen! (Start at 10:46)
Dance Floor Pick-Me-Up
If you're like me, you love a PACKED dance floor at a wedding reception! But dancing can be tiring and a little pick-me-up towards the end of your reception is always a welcome surprise for guests! Whether you serve a coffee bar or bring in snacks, this is an impactful and memorable detail to consider. In the images below, you'll see examples of how my couples sent their loved ones home (or to the after party) energized by drinks, coffee, and a french fry bar after a fun night partying with them!
Coffee Station
Drink Cart
Custom French Fry Bar
Kids Corner
Having kids at your wedding brings so much fun to your day... as well as chaos! And, let's be honest, weddings can be quite boring for our cute little friends. Designating a table/corner/separate room for them to play or do an activity is a great way to entertain them and helps contain a bit of the chaos at your reception!
Surprise Performances
We LOVE a surprise around here - especially when it's a meaningful song, dance, or performance at a wedding reception! This can be done so many ways:
Choreographed Dance
We all love a romantic slow dance, but what if we added some flips? I was so impressed by this couple's dancing and acrobatic talents! They told me there would be a surprise dance at their reception, but I was blown away by this! It was so cool to get to film it for them!
Surprise Performance for your Spouse
Honestly I love to see a bride and/or groom surprise each other with a dance or a song. It's so fun and thoughtful. It helps liven things up and makes your day unique! (Pro tip: make sure your bridal party are all dance majors...)
A Literal Concert?
We all love a live band at a wedding, but what if your reception had a literal concert as part of the itinerary? This couple spared no expense and hired their favorite Polynesian artists to perform at the end of their reception. One of the brides even got up on stage and sang along with one of the artists. A time was had, y'all. Unforgettable.
Cultural Performances
A wedding is a beautiful way to showcase your identity as a couple and as individuals. Cultural dances are a HUGE way to share that and you'll see just how exciting and impactful it can be in this wedding video as this bride proudly represents her Samoan culture through a traditional taualuga! (Start at 18:21)
Two Words: Food Truck
Everybody loves a food truck! You get to take the stress of setting apart venue space for food serving tables and curating a menu off of your plate. It's also a great way to break up the monotony that can be a wedding reception! There's something so fun about getting food from a food truck! If your venue is large enough, you can even bring the truck inside!
At this fun and entertaining wedding reception, you'll see (start at 7:20) that this couple opted to have 4 FOOD TRUCKS outside of their venue. Talk about options!
If your venue is large enough, you could even consider bringing the food truck indoors for easier access for guests!
Food carts are also a great option! Here is an example of a catered ice cream cart for an intimate evening ceremony dinner.
So there you go! 7 ideas to elevate your guests' experience at your wedding! I've had so much fun putting this post together and more is to come! If you're planning a wedding in Kansas City, MO or in the surrounding area and you're interested in having me as your wedding photographer or videographer, let's talk! Let's get you in my schedule so we can forever freeze how fun and exciting your wedding is going to be!