Nowadays, it's really impossible for any wedding to be truly unique.
Best impressions are always left by a properly hosted event. Good food and good drinks. The guests' comfort is first and foremost.
AMEN! Seriously, if I leave a wedding loving the food, drink and music, not having any gaps between the ceremony and reception and not having to open my wallet for a single thing, I am very impressed!
Absolutely. I'm not having a gap between the ceremony and reception, other than a 60 minute cocktail hour fully hosted with open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres. I understand that with good music, good food, and a 5 hour open bar, most people will have a good time. I'm just looking for those little extra details that really enhance a guest's experience.
I've heard one person mention before that the bride and groom left personalized notes on each guests' place setting and that people found that to be really thoughtful. I've heard about the bathroom baskets (which I'm doing too). Maybe unique is the wrong word to use as it's virtually impossible to be unique these days; I'm just looking for ideas that you don't see at EVERY wedding and whose inclusion left you, as a guest, feeling especially good.
One wedding I went to put the bouquet and garter in two piñatas and anyone, not just single guests, could take a hit. It was a unique twist and very "them". We enjoyed it!
This is not particularly "unique," but at the wedding of a cousin, they had someone painting a picture of the reception goings-on at the reception. It was neat to see, and must have been a challenge for the artist. I've never seen that at any other wedding I've attended.
We made collages of ourselves with our guests throughout the years and put them in frames on a table in the foyer. People really enjoyed going and finding themselves in the pictures.
We did our first dance alone for the first half and then everybody was asked to join us. This is a little old fashioned, but I've never seen anybody do it. The first dance was followed by the Horah, so by the end of that, every person was dancing. It got the party started by having two group-like dances.
Otherwise, I can't really think about anything at other people's weddings that was overly unique as far as things for the guests. I've seen some unique decor ideas, but that's about it.
Not sure how "unique" this is but I plan on making personalized activity bags for our much younger guests in case they need/want something to do during or after the reception. Each bag will be differentiated for their age and interest level.
I've seen a basket of flip flops next to the dance floor so the women could take their heels off and dance without being barefoot. (Disclaimer: I don't take my heels off to dance. If you can't dance/walk in the shoes, then you shouldn't be wearing the shoes, in my opinion. But lots of guests loved it).
I think the best thing that hasn't yet been mentioned is a good timeline of events. We've mentioned not having a gap, but I also like an efficient entry of the couple and bridal party (if they're announcing the bridal party...it's not necessary), and for the food to be timed well and the speeches (I think there should only be a max of 2 speeches and 1 welcome/blessing type of much quicker "speech") and dances all were timed so that you didn't feel like you were held hostage at your table. I also don't like it when the "party" gets interrupted to do things like cut the cake--that should be timed into the event timeline like anything else, and not seem like a "oh hey, everyone stop dancing and talking, you have to stand around and watch this now".
Actually, one of the best things I've seen was to address the issue where everyone going from the ceremony to the reception (whether the same venue or different locations) and people often all arrive at once and beeline for the bar. They had waiters with trays of the "signature cocktail" at the door to the reception venue. It was great.
I've seen a basket of flip flops next to the dance floor so the women could take their heels off and dance without being barefoot. (Disclaimer: I don't take my heels off to dance. If you can't dance/walk in the shoes, then you shouldn't be wearing the shoes, in my opinion. But lots of guests loved it).
I think the best thing that hasn't yet been mentioned is a good timeline of events. We've mentioned not having a gap, but I also like an efficient entry of the couple and bridal party (if they're announcing the bridal party...it's not necessary), and for the food to be timed well and the speeches (I think there should only be a max of 2 speeches and 1 welcome/blessing type of much quicker "speech") and dances all were timed so that you didn't feel like you were held hostage at your table. I also don't like it when the "party" gets interrupted to do things like cut the cake--that should be timed into the event timeline like anything else, and not seem like a "oh hey, everyone stop dancing and talking, you have to stand around and watch this now".
Actually, one of the best things I've seen was to address the issue where everyone going from the ceremony to the reception (whether the same venue or different locations) and people often all arrive at once and beeline for the bar. They had waiters with trays of the "signature cocktail" at the door to the reception venue. It was great.
Similar to this, one I went to this summer had staff greet us with a cocktail as we arrived, pre-ceremony. We could choose from sparkling water or their signature cocktail, and regular water was available in a dispenser by the seating. I was pretty damn impressed.
At a wedding last year, I saw a pulled pork station. I'd never seen that before. It was really good.
I also attended a wedding where the B&G wrote personal notes on each person's place card.
At my venue, they informed us that all of that cars that are parked by the valets get a personal thank you from the bride and groom for attending. I thought that was pretty neat.
@ the time a wedding I went to had a candy bar, but now of days that is becoming quite popular so is not really "unique" anymore. A friend of mine did her centerpieces as photo collages that had pics of the guests at the particular table with the bride & or groom that I thought was a nice personal touch.
Do not worry too much about making it "unique; " just make sure you host your guests properly first!
My brother & his wife got married in a college theater (her dad is the chairman of the department), but it was set up "in the round", so the guests were in a circle around the couple & pastor & they just turned a little for each part of the ceremony so they didn't always have their backs to the same people. Also, they had a lighting sequence and candles strung above on the grid. It was really cool and not cheesy or overly theatrical.
Well this one doesn't work for many people because most are not pregnant at their wedding- but my brother and his wife said their vows then walked back down the aisle and opened a huge wrapped box to reveal pink balloons for the baby gender reveal. They didn't even know themselves before the wedding! It was really special but again, the circumstance doesn't apply to most people!
Honestly, of all the weddings I've ever been to the one that always stands out in my mind was one where the couple just could not get enough of each other. They looked more in love than anyone I've ever seen. You know what I mean, you go to some weddings and the groom is drinking with his buddies and the bride is frazzled about greeting everyone and they are not smiling or spending time together. This couple acted like they were the only ones in the room and it touched my heart.
Well this one doesn't work for many people because most are not pregnant at their wedding- but my brother and his wife said their vows then walked back down the aisle and opened a huge wrapped box to reveal pink balloons for the baby gender reveal. They didn't even know themselves before the wedding! It was really special but again, the circumstance doesn't apply to most people!
Honestly, of all the weddings I've ever been to the one that always stands out in my mind was one where the couple just could not get enough of each other. They looked more in love than anyone I've ever seen. You know what I mean, you go to some weddings and the groom is drinking with his buddies and the bride is frazzled about greeting everyone and they are not smiling or spending time together. This couple acted like they were the only ones in the room and it touched my heart.
If they didn't greet their guests and acted like no one else was there, I'd be willing to be you may have been the only guest whose heart was touched.
It's nice when the couple get to have some moments like that...but it can't come about by ignoring everyone else there. That's downright rude. One of the most basic duties of anyone hosting or being honored is that they must greet their guests.
Obviously they greeted each guest and even my date that they had never met before. They also danced with everyone and made everyone feel welcome. I meant that they really made it about their love, the way they looked at each other, the way they kept holding hands and sneaking kisses.
I find it ridiculous when the wedding becomes more about entertaining a million guests, rather than the whole point of the wedding- the couple being in love!!
So many people say "my wedding just flew by, I don't remember half of it, I had to talk to so many people, I don't even remember spending time with my husband!" I am determined to NOT have this be my wedding. We're having 50 guests so that we can really spend quality time with each other and everyone in attendance. To me, that makes it unique and special and not cookie cutter of just "greeting" 200 guests that aren't really important in your everyday life.
Obviously they greeted each guest and even my date that they had never met before. They also danced with everyone and made everyone feel welcome. I meant that they really made it about their love, the way they looked at each other, the way they kept holding hands and sneaking kisses.
I find it ridiculous when the wedding becomes more about entertaining a million guests, rather than the whole point of the wedding- the couple being in love!!
So many people say "my wedding just flew by, I don't remember half of it, I had to talk to so many people, I don't even remember spending time with my husband!" I am determined to NOT have this be my wedding. We're having 50 guests so that we can really spend quality time with each other and everyone in attendance. To me, that makes it unique and special and not cookie cutter of just "greeting" 200 guests that aren't really important in your everyday life.
This is BS. The point of a reception is to thank your guests for being at the wedding.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
My friend and her husband met through a speech & debate team (he still coaches one and she teaches public speaking), so they did their vows as a debate. Really funny and sweet and totally them.
This is BS. The point of a reception is to thank your guests for being at the wedding.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
What I think is inappropriate is that fact that you are using such harsh wording to judge other brides and their opinions. No one comes on here to be judged for celebrating their special day the way THEY want to. Just because you think it is BS for a couple to be wrapped up in each other on THEIR wedding day, doesn't mean that everyone else does. I hope that my guests are NOT like you; i plan on making their evening enjoyable with food, libations and some awesome music, but they were invited and should be there because they want to be there to celebrate WITH us.... if they get pissed off because I'm showing a little extra pda that night-then they shouldn't be there to begin with
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
This is BS. The point of a reception is to thank your guests for being at the wedding.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
What I think is inappropriate is that fact that you are using such harsh wording to judge other brides and their opinions. No one comes on here to be judged for celebrating their special day the way THEY want to. Just because you think it is BS for a couple to be wrapped up in each other on THEIR wedding day, doesn't mean that everyone else does. I hope that my guests are NOT like you; i plan on making their evening enjoyable with food, libations and some awesome music, but they were invited and should be there because they want to be there to celebrate WITH us.... if they get pissed off because I'm showing a little extra pda that night-then they shouldn't be there to begin with
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
I you want to spend time alone with your husband, have a private ceremony. If you have invited guests, then the reception is about thanking them, not you. That was all she was trying to say. Of course you should spend the evening with your husband by your side and enjoying one another's company, but it is not about pretending as if you are the only ones in the room.
This is BS. The point of a reception is to thank your guests for being at the wedding.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
What I think is inappropriate is that fact that you are using such harsh wording to judge other brides and their opinions. No one comes on here to be judged for celebrating their special day the way THEY want to. Just because you think it is BS for a couple to be wrapped up in each other on THEIR wedding day, doesn't mean that everyone else does. I hope that my guests are NOT like you; i plan on making their evening enjoyable with food, libations and some awesome music, but they were invited and should be there because they want to be there to celebrate WITH us.... if they get pissed off because I'm showing a little extra pda that night-then they shouldn't be there to begin with
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
Sorry, no.
If they shouldn't be there to begin with, you shouldn't have invited them.
Your wedding is not "YOUR DAY" and the reception is to thank your guests for attending-not for you to engage in PDA. If that's what you want to do, then you need to do it in private, and that means issuing no invitations to ceremony or reception.
Wow, people do need to calm down. Everyone can have their wedding how they want it. If you want 300 guests in a ballroom and spend the night walking around thanking everyone then that's up to you. If I want a 50 guest wedding and spending my night dancing with my husband then that's up to me. I'm not "traditional" and don't believe I have to do what everyone else does. I don't believe in the Emily Post etiquette rules from 200 years ago. My friends are my friends because they love me for me, they are not going to say oh my god, she's so rude for having a blast at her wedding. How dare she give kisses to her husband on her wedding night in front of us!
Don't get me wrong, I'm going to engage my guests and have a blast with them, but to me the night is not about pleasing them and I'm sorry if you think that's wrong, I don't know you and I don't care about your opinion of me.
Obviously they greeted each guest and even my date that they had never met before. They also danced with everyone and made everyone feel welcome. I meant that they really made it about their love, the way they looked at each other, the way they kept holding hands and sneaking kisses.
I find it ridiculous when the wedding becomes more about entertaining a million guests, rather than the whole point of the wedding- the couple being in love!!
So many people say "my wedding just flew by, I don't remember half of it, I had to talk to so many people, I don't even remember spending time with my husband!" I am determined to NOT have this be my wedding. We're having 50 guests so that we can really spend quality time with each other and everyone in attendance. To me, that makes it unique and special and not cookie cutter of just "greeting" 200 guests that aren't really important in your everyday life.
This is BS. The point of a reception is to thank your guests for being at the wedding.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
I think what she is trying to say, is she would keep it INTIMATE rather than have a large party where she barely knows guests (inviting parents' friends you don't even know, type of wedding), then spends all night pretending to care about them by greeting them. To me, that makes a little sense. I had a tiny wedding, so I had best of both worlds. I greeted everyone, but still had time to spend it with my hubby.
Wow, people do need to calm down. Everyone can have their wedding how they want it. If you want 300 guests in a ballroom and spend the night walking around thanking everyone then that's up to you. If I want a 50 guest wedding and spending my night dancing with my husband then that's up to me. I'm not "traditional" and don't believe I have to do what everyone else does. I don't believe in the Emily Post etiquette rules from 200 years ago. My friends are my friends because they love me for me, they are not going to say oh my god, she's so rude for having a blast at her wedding. How dare she give kisses to her husband on her wedding night in front of us!
Don't get me wrong, I'm going to engage my guests and have a blast with them, but to me the night is not about pleasing them and I'm sorry if you think that's wrong, I don't know you and I don't care about your opinion of me.
Not a single person said either of these things were wrong. There is nothing rude about kissing your husband or having a blast at your wedding- I did both. I also didn't ignore my guests, which is all the initial comment was about. Everyone takes things to such extremes.
Not a single person said either of these things were wrong. There is nothing rude about kissing your husband or having a blast at your wedding- I did both. I also didn't ignore my guests, which is all the initial comment was about. Everyone takes things to such extremes.
i agree.. i didn't mean to start such a ruckus, but i thought the way @jen4948 was speaking was super harsh... i think everyone who respects their guests will make sure that they are taken care of and enjoy the night...
So I went to a wedding reception that was held at the recreation center in a small town. This rec center also has an indoor ice rink; the brother of the groom rented the ice rink for two hours during the reception and paid for skate rentals for anybody who wanted to skate (small town is a major hockey town). It was neat seeing all of the dressed-up people skating around.
Not a single person said either of these things were wrong. There is nothing rude about kissing your husband or having a blast at your wedding- I did both. I also didn't ignore my guests, which is all the initial comment was about. Everyone takes things to such extremes.
i agree.. i didn't mean to start such a ruckus, but i thought the way @jen4948 was speaking was super harsh... i think everyone who respects their guests will make sure that they are taken care of and enjoy the night...
Wanting to enjoy yourselves and spend time together is one thing, but you and the person I was responding to expressed yourselves in a way that suggested that you were ignoring your guests to do this by spending your time gazing at each other, whispering to each other, and doing other things and spending no time attending to your guests, and saying that the reception is not for guests. These things are not okay at all. Had you or the person expressed yourselves differently, then I would not have spoken so harshly.
idk if this is particularly unique, but i'm planning to have yard games at my wedding…. not a lot of my guests are big drinkers or dancers, so this is a good way to keep them having fun and not just sitting around getting bored.
Re: What is the most unique thing you've seen at a wedding
Best impressions are always left by a properly hosted event. Good food and good drinks. The guests' comfort is first and foremost.
Absolutely. I'm not having a gap between the ceremony and reception, other than a 60 minute cocktail hour fully hosted with open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres. I understand that with good music, good food, and a 5 hour open bar, most people will have a good time. I'm just looking for those little extra details that really enhance a guest's experience.
I've heard one person mention before that the bride and groom left personalized notes on each guests' place setting and that people found that to be really thoughtful. I've heard about the bathroom baskets (which I'm doing too). Maybe unique is the wrong word to use as it's virtually impossible to be unique these days; I'm just looking for ideas that you don't see at EVERY wedding and whose inclusion left you, as a guest, feeling especially good.
One wedding I went to put the bouquet and garter in two piñatas and anyone, not just single guests, could take a hit. It was a unique twist and very "them". We enjoyed it!
Do not worry too much about making it "unique; " just make sure you host your guests properly first!
It's nice when the couple get to have some moments like that...but it can't come about by ignoring everyone else there. That's downright rude. One of the most basic duties of anyone hosting or being honored is that they must greet their guests.
Sorry, but it's not "unique" or "special" if the couple spend their time mentally undressing each other. This is not to say that they shouldn't have time together, but that's what the first dance and wedding night is for-not the reception as a whole. The reception is very much for the guests. If the couple want to spend their time doing that, they can elope and not have a reception at all. But if they want to celebrate with others, then spending their time acting as if no one else is there makes their exhibitionism seem inappropriate.
If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.
If they shouldn't be there to begin with, you shouldn't have invited them.
Your wedding is not "YOUR DAY" and the reception is to thank your guests for attending-not for you to engage in PDA. If that's what you want to do, then you need to do it in private, and that means issuing no invitations to ceremony or reception.
Take your own advice about saying nothing at all.
i agree.. i didn't mean to start such a ruckus, but i thought the way @jen4948 was speaking was super harsh... i think everyone who respects their guests will make sure that they are taken care of and enjoy the night...