Quite a lot of our unique front pages are created for special wedding guests – maids of honour, bridesmaids, best men, the mother of the bride…
Brides-to-be can be the most thoughtful individuals when it comes to the little things. Sweet mementos and bespoke touches can make guests feel welcome and wanted.
But what are wedding guests actually thinking? When it comes to your wedding, what do they really want to know? Worry not, because here at The Occasional Reporter, we’ve heard it all before and we’re going to tell it to you straight. We’re also going to tell you how to cope – perhaps with a little bit of a sugar coating. It is your wedding, after all!
When are we getting an invite?
You may have only just announced your engagement, but your friends and family will already be wondering when their invitation will be landing on their doormat.
Prepare some great answers to the question “have you set a date?” because you’re going to get asked it a lot!
Do I have to reply by post?
In the age of digital, many of your guests will relish the opportunity to send a real-life letter with a real-life stamp. However, some will ask if it’s necessary, because they already clicked “attending” on the Facebook event.
It’s up to you, but make sure the information is clear so you don’t end up with more guests than you thought!
Do I really have to get a new outfit?
Weddings can be expensive for your guests, especially if you’re planning a big do somewhere far from home.
Try to understand that many of the people you want to be there might not be able to afford a fancy new outfit and a big present, so keep that in mind if they turn up in a suit they wore to your mum’s 60th the year before. What’s important is that they came and they want to share your happy day with you!
What do we do about presents?
Wedding presents are difficult. Rather than end up with four toasters and two sets of identical lacy bedding, many couples are now choosing online gift registries to help their guests out.
The best thing to do here is be honest. On your invites, state where your gift registry is, or if you’d prefer money – or, as some couples are beginning to do now, ask individuals just to turn up and have fun. Being clear makes it easier for everyone!
Where is it?
No matter how clear you are on your invites, guests will still ask. It’s a fact of life.
Will there be food there for me?
If you have guests with food allergies or special dietary requirements, it’s likely their first thought will be about whether they’ll have to pack a lunch in order to stay at your wedding all day.
Be thoughtful and make sure everyone is catered for!
Can I wear black? Or white?
The unspoken evil of the wedding dress code. If you don’t care what your guests wear – tell them! If you do – give them ideas! Let them know well in advance and don’t lose it if they turn up in white anyway.
I wish they’d had a traditional wedding.
No matter how spectacular your day is, you’ll always have a few guests who secretly think it should have been different in one way or another.
Don’t worry about them. It’s your day. Do what makes you happy!
How much did those flowers cost?
You splashed out, and they can tell. Have fun with it. Start a rumour that your flowers cost 40 grand, or that your dress was handmade by Vera Wang (even if you sewed it yourself).
When is the wedding breakfast?
Wedding ceremonies can last a long time, particularly if they’re especially religious in their nature. Guests can get peckish. Why not think about putting out snacks in-between the ceremony and the breakfast to stop any unruly guests breaking ranks and heading to the chippy?
Of course these top ten thoughts are only the start of your guests’ questions and internal monologues. The best option for any wedding planner is this: have fun with your big day and give everyone plenty of opportunity to ask their questions. It’ll make your life much less hectic and help you plan a day that suits everyone!
