As you plan your wedding day, your focus is on your partner and yourself. (As it should be!) But it’s important to remember that a wedding day is about more than just the two of you. By hosting a wedding, you’re choosing to celebrate with friends and family, and it’s important that they have a good time, too. As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen some truly thoughtful ways couples have elevated their wedding guest experience. These are my top six recommendations for couples wanting to ensure their guests have a great time at their wedding. 

1. Offer Interactive Guest Experiences 

The first step in providing a great wedding guest experience is preventing any lulls in activity. During the reception, most guests will dance. But what can guests do if they don’t like to dance? And what types of activities are available during cocktail hour? Consider hiring an interactive experience like a photo booth, live illustrator, or caricature artist. These are fun and simple ways for your guests to get involved. Not only do these provide a great way for guests to spend their time, but they also double as a wedding favor! 

2. Opt for Live Music 

A roaring dance floor is key to providing an awesome wedding guest experience. One of the best ways to get your guests out of their chairs and on the dance floor is by having live musicians. Whether you opt for a full band or a live saxophonist to play along with your DJ, there are tons of great options. Give your guests a concert experience at your wedding, and they’re sure to enjoy themselves. 

3. Offer Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Non-alcoholic drinks are so often overlooked at weddings and truly can make a huge impact on your guests’ experience. They’re for more than just kids and pregnant women – even your guests who drink alcohol may choose to space out their drinks, so having some fun non-alcoholic options is crucial. Offer self-serve lemonade and iced tea, or go all-out with mocktail options at the bar! And don’t forget about caffeine! Everyone loves a coffee bar for a quick pick-me-up at the end of the night. 

4. Provide Transportation

The wedding guest experience is about more than having a great time; it’s also about making sure everyone gets home safely. I always recommend providing transportation to my clients, especially in a town like St. Augustine, where parking can be a nightmare. Check with your hotel block to see if they offer transportation options! Transportation ensures your guests arrive on time, and no one has to worry about driving at the end of the night. 

5. Supply the Necessities 

Sometimes, the smallest things make the biggest difference. A recent trend I’ve loved on wedding days is couples providing guest necessities in the bathrooms. Think feminine hygiene products, deodorant spray, bobby pins, and mints. These baskets cost so little to make and really show that you’ve gone the extra mile to make your guests comfortable. Similarly, guest welcome bags at hotels are great options if you have a lot of guests coming from out of town. Small items like water bottles, Advil, and a snack can make them feel loved and thought of from the moment they arrive. 

6. Spend Time With Them!

Truly, the best thing you can do to ensure your guests have a great time at your wedding is to spend time with them. After all, everyone is here to celebrate you. While it can be hard to make time to personally greet every single person, I always recommend making it a priority. The best way I find that couples can do this is by having a first look and taking photos before the ceremony, giving them more time to mingle during cocktail hour and the reception. 

The Wedding Guest Experience with Nikki Golden Photography 

Focusing on your guests’ experience will help ensure that everyone has a good time and feels valued throughout your wedding day. While it’s important to ensure that the heart of your wedding day remains focused on you and your partner, being thoughtful about how your guests will feel is always polite. After all, these are your loved ones too!

If you’re planning a wedding in Jacksonville or St. Augustine, Florida, I’d love to be a part of your big day. Reach out, and let’s start making your wedding dreams come true.