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Original poster

Wedding tips to ensure the day goes smoothly and everyone has a great time.

43 replies

FknOmniShambles · 09/08/2024 10:41

I'm getting married next weekend and had a few guests cancelling so I'm feeling a bit jittery about the day. We've gone for low key (registry office/pub) but many guests are travelling g quite far, so we really want it to be an enjoyable day.
Could anyone give tips from their own experiences that made the day go really well, or things to avoid? Anything at all much appreciated!

OP posts:

IcouldbutIdontwantto · 09/08/2024 10:57

More for you than your guests, but (unbeknownst to me) my bridesmaids husband got hold of my phone on my wedding day and used it to take loads of photos - I had no idea until he gave it back at the end of the day and loved having some candid photos to look back on while we waited for the professional ones.

TeenToTwenties · 09/08/2024 10:59

Some things won't be perfect, it doesn't matter.

Make sure guests are fed and watered.

Take time to breathe and enjoy.

Peonies12 · 09/08/2024 11:01

Honestly, focus on you and your new spouse. Don't worry about the guests, they're adults, they can sort themselves out! But do try and speak to everyone, we did this at our wedding, and it was really nice.

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Weddings

AgentProvocateur · 09/08/2024 11:03

As long as there’s enough food and drink, everyone will have a great day. Make sure you enjoy it and don’t spend it worrying about everyone else.

AnnaMagnani · 09/08/2024 11:03

Feed people and don't bugger off for 2 hours having photos done, leaving guests to their own devices.

ClaudineMallory · 09/08/2024 11:03

Don't spend hours having photos taken. It's so boring for guest. I have hung around for hours, it really is awful.
Make sure that everyone is fed.
Don't waste money on favours or chair backs (sorry if you've already done this!)
Try not to worry if things aren't perfect!
Have a fabulous day! 😃

TomeTome · 09/08/2024 11:05

Find a moment to yourselves and tell your husband how much you love him.

Nicebloomers · 09/08/2024 11:08

Confetti blaster sticks. Everybody became like a kid with them and they looked really good in the photos. Biodegradable Ofc. (Also dependent on venue)

EasilyDisturbed · 09/08/2024 11:24

I'd say avoid gimmicks and frills, just plenty of food and drink, not too much waiting around and all will be good. I agree with getting others to take and send photos but would not be letting anyone else use my phone.

ParadiseLaundry · 09/08/2024 11:30

IcouldbutIdontwantto · 09/08/2024 10:57

This is so lovely!

Blondephantom · 09/08/2024 11:31

Somewhere for people to freshen up and get ready. Especially if they are not staying somewhere overnight. This could be at yours or a relative's or a cheap hotel room. Nothing worse than travelling in the summer in a lovely outfit and feeling all sweaty and horrid by the time you arrive.

The perfect solution for this would be a relative’s place with the opportunity to have a coffee, tea or glass of juice. Think that would be appreciated after a long journey.

BigDahliaFan · 09/08/2024 11:31

Feed them well, make sure there's not too much hanging about. Feed them well!

BigDahliaFan · 09/08/2024 11:32

The more relaxed and happy you are the better the day will go, so try not to stress the little stuff. My Step dIL wedding I spent about 2 hours in a taxi to pick up some pens so people could write messages on a mirror for them...

I was happy for the wee break away...but really...??

WishIMite · 09/08/2024 11:37

No hanging around - it's painful! No photo shoots (rude) or top tables (wanky and outdated). Lots of food and drink but cups of tea are just as important as fizz. Be happy! Enjoy your day!

yikesanotherbooboo · 09/08/2024 11:39

Be thoughtful about your guests so no hanging about waiting for photos ; particularly without food and drink. Make sure glasses are filled and that there are soft drinks for those that want them.Cold drinks should be cold . Any late attenders should also be catered for .Have taxi numbers easily available for when people want to go home . Any ushers or close family members should be primed to look out for guests and their needs as you and DH will be overwhelmed and shouldn't have to worry about practicalities on the day.Best of luck.

OlympicsFanGirl · 09/08/2024 11:41

Keep it simple
Ask your MOH / best man to deal with arrangements on the day do you can enjoy yourself
Relax and don't worry about if anything doesn't go to plan
Dont drink too much
Remember to enjoy yourself

lovinglongerdays · 09/08/2024 11:42

Ensure you and groom take a few minutes away from everyone to look at what is happening around you. I did this (only for literally a couple of minutes) but it's one of my most favourite memories of the day.
For guests, just make sure there's enough food and drink, nobody likes being hungry all day.
Try not to sweat the small stuff and remember - this about you and your future DH to make a commitment to one another. Don't worry if not everything goes exactly to plan.

sonofrageandlove · 09/08/2024 11:44

Food, drink, music not obscenely loud so no one can talk, plenty of seats. That’s all people care about really.
have a wonderful day!

sonofrageandlove · 09/08/2024 11:45

Food, drink, music not obscenely loud so no one can talk, plenty of seats. That’s all people care about really.
have a wonderful day!

whoateallthecookies · 09/08/2024 11:50

I really appreciate having a (rough) schedule, so I know when there will be food, and can plan appropriately, especially with children - if the service is at 12, and there won't be a meal until 4, then I'd take a snacks (for all of us!)

HorizontalNotVertical · 09/08/2024 11:51

Something or other will go wrong so don’t worry when it does. Just go with the flow.

The day will go by really quickly/ it’s hard to get a chance to speak to everyone so don’t worry if it feels like this.

Remember these are your friends and family and they’re coming to celebrate with you because they love you- they won’t be judging.

Unless it’s obvious, give people a sense of the shape of the day- especially what time they are getting fed- so that they can plan accordingly, eat a big breakfast or whatever.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/08/2024 11:53

Feed and water people. If you can't afford to, invite fewer people.

Allie47 · 09/08/2024 11:54

Lots of food, alcohol and minimise waiting around and the rest will take care of itself, good luck x

ArtFartGunkel · 09/08/2024 11:55

Feed everyone.
Stick to timings! Last wedding there was supposed to be endless tea and coffee from when the disco started (there wasn't) and cake and a buffet from 7.30pm, which was great timing for evening invites and every one else who had eaten at 2pm. No sign of it by 9pm when I gave up. Starving people leave to get food and don't come back.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 09/08/2024 11:58

Do all the big photos with all the guests first. Then let your school friends, mates from work, the guy you used to volunteer with, the ex you invited do you could show him what he's missing- let them loose to get something to eat and drink, while you do photos with umpteen permutations of grandparents, siblings and in laws.

You don't actually need that many photos. We've been married nearly 25 years, and have only really looked at the photos to show the kids.

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