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15 ways to make your wedding guests LOVE your wedding!

We have all attended weddings that score average or perhaps slightly better than average? However, how many times have we been truly impressed by the way a wedding was planned and executed?

It isn’t too difficult to plan a wedding that scores an average or slightly-above-average rating. However, you can do much better. When you host a wedding, take care of the details and your wedding will be elevated to an outstanding level. And the best part is, not only will your guests “love” your wedding, they will never forget it. So, what are these factors to keep in mind? Let’s take a look, shall we?

Welcome bags for guests from out-of-town

There is no rule that this is a necessary part of your wedding. However it can be quite impressive when the couple thoughtfully gift welcome bags to their out-of-town guests. Have these placed in their rooms, and your guests will be impressed by your thoughtful gesture. Fill it with snacks for them to munch on. You can also add souvenirs like sunglasses or key chains, perhaps even a magazine or crossword puzzle. Finally, we think you should use this opportunity to also introduce the theme of your wedding to your guests in a subtle way. Use the theme colors or motifs to give them a sneak peek into what they can expect at your wedding. More ideas on creating perfect welcome bags here, on the Knot. 

An impressive entryway

First impressions last forever. Let your wedding occupy a permanent spot in your guests memories, through a stellar entryway that will not go unnoticed. Create statement style décor in your entryway, with theme pieces that are striking and majestic. Plan the design well, and keep it uncluttered so it is neat and noticeable. Meaningful additions like family or couple photos would also make it more impressive. Similarly, make sure your reception hall is well decked and picture-perfect long before the guests arrive. This sets the ambiance for the event. Choosing the right lighting, décor elements and seating arrangements will make or break your wedding scene.

Create wedding programs that multitask

The wedding program is stationery that is rarely put to much use. Make yours different with some creativity. Let your wedding program be suitable for something else as well. If your wedding is outdoors in summer, print the program on a fan that your guests can use during the day. Or, print it on a bag that doubles up as confetti holder. Small, but unusual details like these go a long way in making a wedding rather memorable.

Have a short and sweet ceremony

Long ceremonies can really bore and tire out your guests. With nothing to do or contribute, it can get rather dreadful when the ceremony drags on and on. So, skip all that is unnecessary. Keep your ceremony short and crisp. Discuss this factor with your wedding officiant, so it is handled efficiently. Take your time for the vows and walk down the aisle in full style. Your guests want to see you get married and capture that memory perfectly. But try to keep the rest of the ceremony to the point, and nobody will complain. Guests will appreciate it when they have some free time to walk around and mingle, rather than staying put in one place for a function that drags on.

Well-organized transportation plans

Guests will appreciate it a lot when you arrange transportation for them. This is even more important if your wedding venue is remote. Arrange a shuttle service, and your guests will be relieved that they needn’t hire cabs for their onward and return journey. If your ceremony and reception are held at different venues, arrange transportation between these two points. This will allow your guests to relax and ride in comfort, while they park at the first location. However, ensure that the arrangement is well-organized. Clearly communicate the plans to your guests. Have it on your invitation and wedding website. Provide proper directions and timelines, so there is no confusion. Also try to make the ride enjoyable by booking comfortable vehicles and include soothing music for the ride.

Plan interesting pre-wedding activities

There will always be few wedding guests who aren’t familiar with most of the people at your wedding. They may feel rather bored with nobody to mingle with. Make sure these people do not feel left out or lonely, by planning a pre-wedding activity where they can meet and mingle with others. This could be a cocktail hour before the main event, when they get to hang out with the others in a casual environment. People tend to naturally get talking at such events and this will help them get to know the others. You can also host simple games, through which the guests introduce themselves to the others. For more ideas on how to get your guests to mingle and mix, visit this post on the Wedding Wire website. 

Don’t leave them hungry

Guests just hate it when they are famished by the time food arrives. Neither is it fun when there are few items on the menu that suit certain guests, due to dietary or other restrictions. Make sure your caterers deliver on time, and the food service is efficient. Also include a wide range of items on your menu so there is something to please every taste. While planning your menu, think of diverse options that suit vegetarians, vegans, people with allergies and food restrictions due to health conditions. When there is a variety of food to choose from, your guests will be excited to enjoy it and look forward to the entire experience.

Indulge them in an open bar

There is no denying that an open bar is rather expensive. Nonetheless, it is one of the things guests look forward to most eagerly. So, don’t disappoint in this area, if you want your wedding to be remembered fondly. If the cost bothers you, keep the selection limited to just beer, few signature cocktail drinks and local wines. Just remember that this is definitely better than the guests having to pay for their drink or there being no alcohol at all. For budget-friendly bar options, visit this post on the Brides website. 

Gift them favors that they will actually use

Most wedding favors are simply tossed or stashed away in a corner of their cupboards and forgotten forever. Don’t let your money go to waste. Pick favors that your guests will actually appreciate and use. The more unique they are, the better you can guarantee this factor. You will want to customize your wedding favors. Nonetheless, try to have the customization done is such a way that your guests won’t mind using it despite the printed impression on it. Edible favors are always a good idea. However, if you want to gift something that lasts longer, consider items like key chains, sun glasses, beer mugs, shot glasses, candle stands or décor items.

Don’t have the speakers blasting at full volume

There will be elderly guests at your wedding, and they won’t be keen on loud music at your wedding. So, be considerate and set your speakers to a moderate volume. Also, plan your seating arrangement in such a way that your older guests are away from the speakers and sources of music. It would also be a good idea to have an alternate lounging area, where they can sit and relax while the youngsters dance to the beat. This will give them the opportunity to mingle with others their age and have a good time of their own.

Invite them to participate

Rather than sit as mute spectators throughout the event, guests just love it when they get to participate in the wedding. Invite your guests to request songs, and have your DJ play some of them. We are sure your guests will appreciate the opportunity to dance to tunes they love, than just to those you love. You can even involve them in the wedding ceremony. This post on the Intimate Weddings blog suggests a variety of interesting ideas like a musical procession, a prayer circle or including them in the unity candle ceremony. Find something interesting like this, and you will easily create fond memories for your guests. 

Add an unexpected twist

Just imagine how impressed your guests would be if a group of onlookers would out-of-the-blue break into dance for a certain song. You could even impress them by taking dancing lessons and owning the dance floor with a spectacular number for your first dance. Or your bridal party can perform a choreographed dance when it is least expected! These items are never forgotten. So, add it to your wedding celebration. This will wow your guests and will be the talk of town. I wouldn’t be surprised if your guests think this is the most unforgettable event from your wedding, in the years to come.

Serve some nibbles after the party

Dancing to the beat for a long time can make your guests hungry. Serve your guests tiny snacks and watch their moods be uplifted in no time. Have these snacks served late at the reception, and it will instantly energize everyone. Midnight snacks like cookies, milk shooters, pop corn and even tacos will be appreciated by your guests. Distribute it around and your guests will be re-energized to continue on the dance floor again.

Appreciate your guests presence

You are truly blessed when most of who you invite attend your wedding. Some of them may have traveled from afar to witness your wedlock. Others may have put aside several plans to make it to your special day. Openly express your gratitude for their presence at your wedding. They will definitely appreciate the gesture. Make it a point to at least greet and spend few minutes with each of your wedding guests. This will make them feel that their efforts were worthwhile. Also remember that nobody likes a couple that’s too engrossed in themselves. Your wedding day is special, however it is also about those who take the pains to be a part of it.

Make an exciting exit

Memorable exits add the perfect finishing touch to a well-planned wedding day. So, plan yours well. Use showstopper elements like balloons, candles or even bursting wedding sparklers for a perfect exit from the venue. For non-messy and sustainable options, consider bubbles or even flower petals instead of the traditional confetti. Make it matter by also choosing a vehicle that makes a statement. Ride off into the night on a bicycle, hire a horse and carriage or even go for a fully decorated vintage car to complete the day in full style.

Don’t be one of those couples who are so busy that you forget about the other people who are in your wedding. Focus on the guest experience, and we are sure your guests will also love your wedding. After all, all your efforts pay off when your guests openly commend you on the preparations you did and how impressive your wedding was. So, think from their perspective when planning your wedding. Keep it personal and you can immortalize your wedding in the memories of those who attend it.

At Best for Bride, we understand the challenges of planning and organizing a wedding. Although it is difficult, we have the right solutions for your most challenging tasks. Whether you are on the search of the perfect bridal gown, need dresses for your bridesmaids or have to pick out the perfect wedding cake and favors, we have the solutions for all your needs. Visit our website on this link to bring your wedding vision to life.

We help modern brides find the perfect wedding dress and everything else they need to bring their wedding ideas alive, as the one-stop, hot and happening bridal destination. Visit Best for Bride today to make your wedding day dreams come true!

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Traditions out, innovations In—10 ways to make your wedding different!

Anyone…..yes anyone, can have a traditional wedding!

Most couples limit their experiments to the palette or decorations at the wedding, and play it safe. At times, this is all it takes to make the wedding memorable. At other times, it may be remembered for a while, but is then quickly burrowed in the memories of your guests when newer and more interesting things capture their attention.

So, how do you make sure that your wedding is remembered forever?

The only way is to do something entirely different and unexpected, that it settles permanently into the memories of all at your wedding. This isn’t too difficult, and here is all the help you need with ideas. Get ready for some inspiration, and build your own vision from what we have in store for you.

#1 Bride in color and bridesmaids in white

Image Credits: nicolas pascarel, via Wikimedia, CC BY 2.0

Let’s begin with the star of the show, the bride herself. The wedding dress has always had to be white. So, start by working against this itself. Now, we all know that colored wedding dresses are not a novelty, but you can make a drastically different statement style by putting all your bridesmaids in white, while you walk down the aisle in a beautiful colored gown. Imagine the scene! Don’t you feel that this will definitely be a winner? Choose the dominant color from your wedding color palette to get the look right. Dark hues like navy, red, purple, golden and black are all great choices.

If you are a bride who’s never really liked the idea of wearing white, we think this is a definite alternative for you to consider. And, with your bridesmaids in white, imagine how beautiful your wedding pictures will be with them in the backdrop of your wedding pictures. The best thing is that you will have no difficulty finding a fabulous gown in any color, from our wedding dress collection at Best for Bride. Our Alfred Angelo Disney collection features many stunning wedding gowns in a range of colors, and it is just one among the several other collections.

#2 Reconsider the rings

Fingerprint Ring
Image Credits: Rahul G S, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

 We’ve seen enough bands in gold, silver and platinum. Many couples do not step away from tradition, where wedding bands are concerned. But, have you ever considered that your wedding ring should be a piece of jewelry that will forever appeal to you?

Most couples find it boring and totally uninteresting after a while, and you do not want that. Remember that once the original lustre wears off, there should be something that is interesting and always mysterious about your ring, so you want to wear it not because you have to, but because you really love it. Here are some suggestions to make your wedding band truly unique

  • Consider having a quote engraved on the inside, such that the quote is split into two and the halves go on either of your rings. It will be a special secret that the two of you can always enjoy, and an interesting extension of the fact that you both complete each other.
  • Choose a fingerprint ring, which is engraved with your beloved’s fingerprint on the inside. Just like your partner’s fingerprint is unique to him, so will this ring that is the symbol of your love.
  • The third option is to make it almost traditional with a gemstone, but do it differently where the choice of the stone is concerned. We suggest brilliant colored stones like saphire that make a statement appearance, or you can also consider chossing a different color like rose gold for your ring so it looks unique.

You can find more ideas for unique wedding rings at the Brilliant Earth website here.

#3 Rethink the bouquets

bling brooch bouquet
Image Credits: Tanya Hart, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Floral bouquets are beautiful and refreshing, but they are usually pretty expensive. Remember it is not only the bridal bouquet that you need for your wedding, you’ll also have to consider the price for bridesmaids bouquets, boutonnieres and any other floral décor that may be part of your wedding scenery. While you may not be able to do away with all the floral elements at your wedding, especially if your theme demands the presence of these natural beauties, you can still reduce your floral budget by looking at alternate choices where possible.

Start with the bridal bouquet. How about considering an alternate bouquet made from paper, dried flowers or even brooches and buttons for an unusual and attractive effect. Or you can hold on to a flower bouquet yourself, and have your bridesmaids march with paper flower bouquets, fabric bouquets or decorative bouquets instead. Non-floral bouquets can feature anything, from feathers to ferns, to look attractive and dramatic. We simply fell in love with this beautiful article on Popsugar, featuring 18 unusual bouquet designs. From artichokes and brooches, to pinwheels and ribbons, you will find some of the least unexpected items featured in these bouquets. So, do check it out.

#4 Skip the guest book

 

shadow box

 

The guest book isn’t necessary, as long as the essence of the overall idea isn’t lost. Nevertheless, it is an area where you can make it interesting by choosing an innovative and different approach. We love the idea of using a shadow box or wishing well, where your guests sign their names onto scrolls and drop it into the box, with their brief messages and well-wishes.

Featured here, is a shadow box with a heart motif that is both classic and relevant to any wedding theme. Once it is filled with the wishes from your guests on your wedding day, seal it up and make it a permanent display in your new home. You can even consider hanging it up, if that is what looks better in your home. To check out this guest book alternative, or look at the various other options we have, we suggest you visit this page on our website.

#5 Replace dinner plates with cardboard boxes

 

box

 

You know how exciting it is to eat pizza out of a takeaway box! Let your guests enjoy the same, by making your casual wedding party a hit with boxes in place of plates. Not only will it be a feature that nobody can ever forget, it will also create that informal and fun effect that a casual wedding deserves. You can always do it in style, by having specially created custom boxes with your initials or a special logo that matches the wedding theme. If you want something more classic, consider replacing the plain cardboard boxes with something more ornate or with an intricate print like fine filigree or pretty damask details. It will be an interesting idea that will capture your guests interest immediately. Best suited for casual theme weddings, we can see how practical it will be at a beach or garden wedding. What do you say?

#6 Spice up the seating

 

-2037_Sunny_and_G_Wedding
Image Credits: Britt Nielsen, via flickr, CC BY 2.0

Continuing with the idea for boxes at a casual wedding above, you can take the effect even further by choosing different seating arrangements for your wedding. How about benches instead of chairs, that are so expected? Or consider having cosy couches in a cafe fashion arranged for a warm winter wedding. All these are so casual, that it will do most of the job of creating the casual ambiance that you aim for, at your wedding. Wooden benches would be perfect for a garden wedding, but you can really make them statement pieces if you choose them for an outdoor wedding where the benches will be placed in rows along a long table. It will be very informal, and perfect for a vintage theme. If you have this arrangement in a barn or gazebo, it will be both practical and interesting.

#7 Create your own signature drink instead of having an open bar

cocktail-919074_1920

One of the areas where couples spend a huge amount of money is the drinks that are served at the wedding. Save on the drinks budget, even while keeping your guests happy by serving one or two signature cocktail drinks that tie to the theme of your party. Make it interesting and festive with the addition of attractive color and garnishes that are too good to be ignored. Let the drinks glasses double up as party favors, by simply adding tags with your custom theme print or initials to it.

As long as you choose interesting drinks whose taste will go down well with the majority of the guests at the party, an open bar service will not be missed. Also, it will create a lasting impression. This interesting DIY guide on the Martha Stewart website will direct you to several impressive cocktails. So, check it out and find one that you favor.

#8 Find an alternative for the “bouquet” in the bouquet toss

dance

The bouquet toss has a long-standing tradition, and so may be difficult to actually “toss” off your wedding schedule. So, keep it in your plan, but make a variation. How about changing the idea of having your single friends line up in queue to battle for the bouquet? Instead consider gifting it to the couple at your wedding who has been married the longest number of years? This idea that we found on the Weddingpartyapp blog is just perfect, when we consider how meaningful it is. It suggests that there be a dance for all the married couples. As the Emcee announces the years in a progressive manner, the couples who have been married for that long can be eliminated from the dance floor. Continue in this manner, till there is the longest married couple on the dance floor. Now, all you have to do is gift them the wedding bouquet. How brilliant is that?

#9 A humorous ceremony program

program

Wedding ceremonies can be lovely to some, but most of us wouldn’t really mind skipping the long program, if we had a chance. Don’t frown upon guests like us at your wedding. Instead make their lives a lot easier by handing out a program that will keep them smiling throughout the ceremony.

We found a beautiful example on this article at the Weddingpartyapp website, and the very front page is bound to bring on a chuckle. Well, anything that says, “A Practical Guide to not falling asleep and Figuring out just what exactly is going on” has to top the list. Don’t you agree?

#10 Unusual wedding party favors

compass

Your wedding is unique, and so should your wedding favors. While some wedding favors look fancy and attractive to a guest, when they first receive it, few are good enough to be saved forever. So, when you choose a wedding party favor, make sure it is one that is rare in some aspect and it is likely that they will hold on to it. Here is an example from our collection at Best for Bride. Perfect for a travel-themed wedding, an adventurers compass is a trinket favor that is unusual in many ways. If not for the beautiful look, compasses are often associated with a bygone era and this makes it very interesting. Whether it is to simply be displayed in the house, or carried as a lucky charm by the adventurers at heart, it will be a different favor that will be special just because of what it is! It is not something that everyone will obviously own, but definitely one with an endearing appeal, so it will be kept.

There are so many brilliant ideas out there, to help you carve out your own signature wedding style. All it takes is that one special element to make your wedding memorable, and here we have provided you inspiration for ten. Hope you find this useful, and are able to use this as the starting point to planning your own fantastic wedding that will be remembered forever and ever!

For more wedding planning tips, advice and all your shopping needs, keep visiting us here at Best for Bride.

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Breaking wedding traditions: Say Yes to colorful Wedding dresses

When we think of a wedding dress, isn’t it a long flowing white gown that pops into mind?

White wedding dresses have been popular for more than a century now, that it is impossible to imagine a bride in anything but white. While the length, style and design of the gown may vary, white is invariably the first color choice in wedding dresses.

via Best for Bride

But, what if you are a rebel bride who doesn’t care for fashion rules? Or what if you feel that it would be nice to surprise everyone by not wearing white to your wedding? Or it could simply be that you want to dress for your big day in your favorite color, which isn’t white?

via Best for Bride

We say, go ahead! You will certainly not be the first bride to sport a colored wedding gown. Do it right, and you can even be the prettiest bride your guests have set eyes upon. Here is why we love colored wedding dresses, and why you should try it too.

You can wear a color that matches your personality

We identify with certain colors because they are a reflection of our personality. Whether your passionate nature is defined by fiery red or your level-headed approach to life is characterized by cool blue, you can show off your true persona by choosing a colored wedding gown. While white is beautiful and has an endearing charm to it, it may not be a true expression of who you are. So, be bold and try out a colored wedding dress. Who knows, you may love it more than you expected.

Make your wedding more memorable

Just when everyone was expecting you to walk down the aisle in a pretty white wedding gown, you appear in a different color. Watch your wedding guests look amazed already. If there is one way to make sure your wedding is remembered, it is by choosing a unique wedding dress. It will be anything but common.

Colorful wedding dresses can be classic

You do not have to compromise on missing details on your wedding dress, just because you choose a colored one. There are many designer collections that focus on colorful wedding dresses, and you can find one in the silhouette that you desire without much ado. Just like with a regular wedding dress, you can also customize your colored wedding dress to meet your expectations.

This unconventional choice tells the world who you are

While many women try to stand out from the crowd, it isn’t unusual to find them going by tradition where their weddings are concerned. A bride who is confident of herself and is bold enough to proclaim that she is different, will be comfortable in a colorful wedding dress. If you are certain of yourself, and love a colored dress, don’t hesitate to choose it because it isn’t white. Go ahead and add a dose of drama to your wedding.

So, do you think a colorful wedding dress is for you, or do you dread the very idea?

Whether you want a bold and colorful wedding dress, or prefer a traditional white one, find your choice at Best for Bride.

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How to make your wedding truly unforgettable

There is no doubt that your wedding day will be one of the most unforgettable days of your life. However it needn’t be the same for the hundred or so guests who will be attending it. After all, weddings are regular fare and there has to be something unique that sets your wedding apart to make it memorable. This is what we will look at today. Read on to find out how you can make your wedding one of a kind, and one that will be remembered fondly by everyone for a very long time.

fun wedding

Pay attention to the details

When choosing your wedding invitations, reception venue and even flowers, pay specific attention to details. Customize it to reflect the tone of your wedding and let all the specifics at your wedding be a true representation of your personality. Although you may be tempted to copy what you’ve seen at another wedding, make sure to add your own personal touches to it and make it your own. This will give the impression that you’ve put in time and effort to make sure everything is perfect.

Spend extra on the factors that matter

You needn’t get every detail right, but make sure that you spare extra attention to those factors that matter most to you. A single spectacular element at a wedding is all it takes to make it memorable—this could be the surprising décor, the excellent performance or the band, delicious food or even a unique looking bride. Make sure that you have at least one, if not more of these factors at your wedding, so your guests will take note of it.

Be hospitable and appreciate your guests

It certainly is your big day and you have a lot on your mind, but the people who take the time to be part of it expect you to acknowledge their presence. Ensure that you set aside some time to greet each guest personally and thank them for attending. Everyone remembers a good host, and just a few minutes with each guest is all it takes to convey the message that you appreciate them. Also spend some time to select customized and unique wedding favors that your guests will cherish and remember your wedding every time they see it.

Keep the entertainment classic and enjoyable

The easiest way to have your wedding remembered is to provide excellent entertainment. Two types of parties are remembered by wedding guests—those that are super-duper fun, and those that are terribly boring. With a little effort you can avoid the latter, but with a little more effort you can have a party that is superb. Make sure you find a talented band or DJ for the reception and that you choose tunes that will keep everyone on their toes. Also see to it that all your guests are seated with the right company that they will enjoy. Add a few surprises, including a dramatic entry or exit, and it will be difficult to forget your wedding.

For all this and more, visit Best for Bride as your one-stop destination for everything bridal. Whether it is a stunning wedding dress or the perfect accessories, don’t forget to choose from our bridal shop at Best for Bride.