‘Wedding priorities’ is a really important topic, especially if you don’t want to end up spending a fortune. Planning a wedding is no small task, and it can be so easy to get carried away. I’ve recently done a bit of research into what guests actually notice at weddings, and what they don’t. Here’s what I found…
Wedding Priorities
- The Venue. No, I’m not just saying that (honest!). And it does make sense. After all, it doesn’t matter what ‘additions’ you have to your wedding day, if the venue isn’t right then that’s all that people are going to notice. There are loads of elements that make the venue ‘right’ for you, so it’s about deciding what kind of wedding you want and how the venue will reflect you as a couple. It’s also worth considering the time of year you want to get married and finding a venue that suits your chosen season.
Photo by Dan Ward
2. The Ceremony. This is essentially the most important part of your day, and the bit that holds the most meaning. Guests have been waiting for possibly years for this moment, so it’s good to remember that they will actually enjoy it, even if you think it’s the boring part. What makes a ceremony boring is if it’s totally impersonal or it drags on for hours. Keep it around 30-40 minutes long, and include something personal. That might be a reading that means a lot to you, or maybe even writing your own vows. Either way, this is why everyone has ‘gathered here today’ so make the most of it.
Photo by Dan Ward
3. The Food & Drink. Providing plenty of food and drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) is something that guests will always remember. If the food was scarce or rubbish (or both) then that’s what guests will come away with in the forefront of their minds. Likewise with the drinks (okay, maybe mainly alcohol – but the non-drinkers will sure remember if all they were offered was water!), if the alcohol runs out or the bar is very expensive, this will have a negative impact on the day as a whole. The last thing you want your friends & family to say is ‘lovely wedding but I left hungry and the drinks were overpriced’…
Photo by Richard Murgatroyd
4. The Music. Whether you opt for a band or a DJ, make sure the tunes are fun and get people on the dance floor. You can’t beat mixing it up with some old-school classics as well as modern pop-hits. And if you are having a band, make sure you’ve either heard them live yourself or they come with excellent recommendations from someone you know or respect. Bands are not cheap, and you can be sure your guests will remember if your first dance was sung out of tune or they only played classic love ballads… Not exactly the crows pleasers you may have hoped for!
Photo by Ben Selway
So those are the top 4 wedding priorities. Next up I’ll be exploring the less important elements of a wedding which sometimes get more attention than they deserve…
