Weddings are much more than a ceremonial exchange of vows; they are a celebration of love and a beautiful gathering of friends and family. For engaged couples, planning their wedding can be both thrilling and overwhelming. From choosing the right venue to coordinating festivities, there are numerous details that need attention. However, couples also hope that their guests will understand how to enhance their celebration. Here are key insights into what couples really want their guests to know as they prepare for the big day.
RSVP with Intention
Responding to an RSVP is crucial in wedding planning. Couples depend on these responses to finalize seating, caterer counts, and other logistics. Not RSVPing can cost the couple money! When guests RSVP, it's important to do so thoughtfully. Unexpected changes at the last minute can cause significant added stress for the couple. Typically, caterers and venues need a confirmed guest count at least 30 days before the wedding. This requirement is essential to finalize the wedding planning for the couple and their hired vendors.
Respect the Guestlist
Being left off the guest list for a wedding is not a personal affront. Weddings involve expenses per guest, and often the budget doesn't accommodate everyone who might anticipate an invitation. It's crucial not to include additional guests or plus-ones on your wedding invitation unless they are explicitly mentioned on the invite.
The venue is another consideration for a couple's guest list. Wedding venues have maximum capacities and regulations to safeguard the premises. Many venues also have specific rules about children, or couples may prefer an adult-only wedding. There are advantages and disadvantages to having children at weddings, but child-free weddings are becoming more popular. Overall, it is important to respect the wishes of the couple.
The Budget
It is inconsiderate to ask about a couple's budget. As a couple creates the wedding of their dreams, their budget is their business. Unless they choose to openly discuss the financial details with you, refrain from asking about the budget or the cost of anything regarding the wedding.
Dress Codes Matter
Dress codes are more than mere recommendations; they are crucial to the couple's wedding vision. Whether it's black-tie, semi-formal, or casual, following the dress code reflects respect for the couple's wishes. Additionally, they can influence your comfort at the event. Numerous wedding venues propose suggested attire based on the location, season, and the couple's ceremony setting. For instance, at Evermore Ridge wedding venue, we consistently advise choosing shoes that are comfortable for walking on grass or gravel, as the venue is situated on a farm. Additionally, we strongly recommend dressing appropriately for the weather, as most couples opt for our stunning outdoor timber frame ceremony arch.
Respect the Schedule
A carefully designed schedule is often central to wedding planning. Couples dedicate considerable time, and money if they hire a coordinator, to develop timelines that guarantee a seamless day.
This applies to all guests, but if you're part of the couple's wedding party, pay particular attention to the schedule. For example, although no one wants to be the first to get their hair or makeup done, someone must. If the bride has created a schedule for hair and makeup, please adhere to it and honor her wishes. If no schedule is provided, bridesmaids should consider volunteering to go first to help reduce stress for the bride-to-be.
As for guest arrival time, it respects the couple's effort and helps avoid unwarranted delays if you arrive about 10 to 15 minutes prior to the start of the wedding ceremony. In fact, studies show that late arrivals can push weddings back by an average of 15-30 minutes, throwing off the entire day. At Evermore Ridge wedding venue, our parking staff prevents guests who arrive after the ceremony begins from joining until the congregation is instructed to be seated (meaning you will miss the bride's walk down the aisle!). This is to avoid the awkwardness of you accompanying the bride during one of the most significant walks of her life.
Conversely, it's crucial not to arrive too early. Showing up more than 15 minutes in advance can lead to additional stress, as last-minute preparations and photos are typically underway at that time. At Evermore Ridge wedding venue, guests arriving earlier than 15 minutes often wish to enter the reception barn, particularly if the weather is extreme. This can increase stress for the bride, who is usually hiding in the barn, and contribute to the last-minute chaos as the wedding party prepares to walk down the aisle. Guests can contribute to a seamless event by adhering to the set schedule and arriving promptly, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the day's celebrations.
Respect Vendor Relationships
Behind every memorable wedding is a team of dedicated vendors who work tirelessly to fulfill the couple's vision.
Guests should honor the roles and rules of vendors—coordinators, photographers, catering and venue staff—who play essential parts during the event. Disregarding their efforts can lead to unnecessary conflicts. Couples truly value guests who recognize the hard work that goes into making their day special.
The couple's selected wedding venue likely has specific rules they agreed to when signing the venue contract. Always pay attention to posted signs and follow the rules. At Evermore Ridge wedding venue, we enforce a "no shot" policy for all attendees and request that guests respect the venue property. We specifically ask guests to supervise their children and prevent them from throwing landscaping stones or gravel, climbing or jumping on venue furniture, and running up and down our curved grand staircase. These rules are in place for everyone's safety!
Tech Etiquette
With smartphones so prevalent, it's tempting to document every moment of a wedding. However, many couples prefer an unplugged ceremony. This means guests refrain from using their devices during the ceremony, allowing everyone to engage directly with the experience. More often than not, couples desire an unplugged ceremony to create an intimate atmosphere. Guests can have cherished memories by being present during the vows instead of through a screen. This is crucial for the ceremony photos as well. Selecting the perfect photographer involves a lot of thought, and the couple has chosen this photographer to document one of the most significant moments of their lives. It's inappropriate to have phones out or, even worse, to obstruct the photographer during key moments of the couple's ceremony.
Be Present in the Moment & Celebrate!
At its core, a wedding is about celebration. Weddings are fast-paced, and they can feel like a whirlwind even for close friends and family. Couples genuinely appreciate when their guests immerse themselves in the experience. When guests engage with others, dance, and savor the celebrations, they help foster a joyful atmosphere. Research indicates that events with active participation led to happier, more memorable experiences, showcasing the value of being present.
Be Considerate of Social Dynamics
Weddings frequently unite diverse groups of individuals from different backgrounds, including family or friends who may have unresolved conflicts. It's crucial to set aside these issues for the couple's sake. It’s just one day; let it be enjoyable for all. Couples wish for guests to be aware of social dynamics and aim for inclusivity. Embracing openness and friendliness can create a welcoming environment.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the couple's perspective, guests can help elevate the overall experience. Simple gestures can create a harmonious atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.
As Evermore Ridge hosts numerous weddings, these insights can help future couples enjoy a stress-free day after all their hard work and planning.
Here at Evermore Ridge, we highly recommend to all our couples to share this blog with your friends and family to help you with all your wedding planning!
We cannot wait for all of our 2025 weddings and events!
Evermore Ridge wedding & event venue is a locally owned and operated business. We sincerely hope to encourage couples and their guests to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it’s time to book weddings and events. With locally owned venues you will often see a higher level of hospitality, better communication and a greater desire to truly ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a weekly shout out in our blog. you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
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