How to Create an Unforgettable Wedding Experience for Your Guests

How to Create an Unforgettable Wedding Experience for Your Guests
By January Mae Tan
Wedding Planner - Cebu, Bohol, Manila

The key to creating an unforgettable experience for your wedding guests is: PARTICIPATION.

Set Expectations

Always set the expectations of everyone involved. This is an old trick that most call center agents can relate to.

One great way to do this is for the host, in his welcoming remarks, to remind everyone that the greatest gift they can give the couple is the gift of their presence. Ask the guests nicely to make a commitment to stay until after the affair is completed. Hold the microphone to them and wait for them to say “Yes” loudly.

Praise

Praise your guests continuously for their enthusiastic participation.

In one sticky situation, we had more guests than tables, despite the extra tables we already setup. Fortunately, I was the host for this wedding. While waiting for the waiters to set up extra tables, I praised everyone for showing up for the wedding to show their love for the newlyweds. I pointed out that this was a great problem to have because I had been to weddings where half the tables were empty. The guests left that wedding beaming with joy for the couple and pride in themselves.

Do this subtly and with discretion, so that it doesn’t become empty flattery. Remember, any human being’s greatest need is the need to feel important. So, praise the guests and motivate them to join.

Have Them Choose Their Giveaways

If you are giving out perfume bottles, have them choose what perfume to bring. If you are giving out minicakes, have a choice of three flavours and ask them to choose. Because they have a hand in what they bring home, they will treasure it more.

Make Your Programme Fun

Even the most formal affair has room in it for a game or two.

If you know in advance that your guests are the shy, reserved type, then ask the help of your more outgoing friends. Filipino culture dictates that we usually have to wait for someone else to take the first step. Tell your more outgoing friends that you have games in mind and that they need to help you out by joining in the games.

Don’t know what games to include? Steal a page from the local lunchtime game shows. Make your own version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, “Hep, Hep, Hooray” or even “Pera or Bayong”.

Remember to always prepare a list of names to call out, in case there are no voluntary participants.

Tempt Them

Make the prizes juicy and tempting. Free movie passes, gift certificates to the spa or massage or even a cellphone are great ideas.


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