4 Considerations To Create an Enjoyable Wedding for Your Guests

Whether you plan on having 50 or 300 people at your wedding, you want to enjoy your big day, and rest assured knowing your guests are enjoying themselves too. While preparing for your wedding, consider these four areas to help ensure your guests have a wonderful time during your special day.

1. Bar

Many people look forward to having a few drinks when celebrating a wedding. Thankfully, there are a variety of bar options to fit every budget. 

If you are hosting your party at a friend or family member's home and creating your own bar, you have endless options when it comes to drinks. Unlike a venue where you may be limited to its stock, you can offer guests your exact choice of drinks. If you have a favorite booze, such as Sorel Liqueur, you can offer a few different cocktail options using it. 

If you are having your wedding at a public venue, they probably have a few different bar packages to choose from. While a top-shelf, open bar offers your guests the most options, you may not have the budget for it. If this is the case, opt for an open bar with well liquors or simply offer beer and wine. As long as there are a few alcoholic options, most people will find something they like.

Include some options for those who do not drink alcohol, such as soda, lemonade, juice or non-alcoholic mixed drinks. Even if most of your guests opt for an alcoholic beverage, you do not want those who do not drink to be stuck with water all night. 

2. Food

When picking out dinner and dessert menus for the evening, be sure to factor in any guests' diets. The last thing you want is to have guests who can hardly eat anything due to a special diet.

Your RSVP cards should leave an option for guests to specify any dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free. Communicate with the kitchen staff to make sure all diets are accounted for and there are yummy options for those who cannot eat the standard offerings.

3. Transportation

While most people can designate a driver or pay for a transportation service, taking the extra step to cover at least part of their transportation for the night gives them one less thing to plan for and allows them to relax more at the party. 

Many hotels provide transportation for guests to and from a location within a certain distance. Arrange for guests to have transportation from the hotel to the reception and back. If you are not blocking out rooms at a hotel, considering hiring a transportation service to drive your guests back and forth for the evening. 

4. Entertainment

Since many couples do not want to see each other before the wedding, they take pictures after the ceremony. This can leave a few hours in between the ceremony and reception. This downtime can be boring for your guests if they have nothing to do. 

To ensure your attendees have fun even while you are away, create a list of local attractions for them to visit during the downtime. Just make sure these places are free or inexpensive. Another option is to create a goodie basket for guests to take as they leave the ceremony. It can include snacks and simple games. If you have a higher budget, you can even include tickets to one of the local attractions. 

Depending on your venue, you may be able to start the cocktail hour early. This gives your invitees a free place to mingle, eat and drink while they wait for the wedding party. 

Additionally, have some entertainment options at the reception besides the dance, such as outdoor games, a photo booth or a character artist. This provides other fun options for those who do not care to dance. 

Picturing yourself as a guest and what you would enjoy at a wedding is a fantastic way to help with decisions in these four areas. The more you put yourself in a guest's mindset, the more fun your attendees will have on your big day.