When the count comes to an end and your wedding day has officially arrived, it can feel like there is so much going on. As you are getting ready, doing your hair, make up, getting into your beautiful dress and having photos taken, it is important that you are not distracted by the thought of having to greet all your guests.
Greeting your guests as they arrive for your wedding is absolutely important, but it can be done in a huge variety of ways that can make your guests feel welcomed and valued, while allowing you to still focus on you. Welcoming guests sets the tone for a warm and comfortable experience, and it is a perfect way to create the initial connection.
No matter the size of your wedding, whether you are having 10 guests or 100, greeting your friends and family members is an important part of kicking off the festivities and setting the tone for the big day. From simple elaborate and entirely celebratory, read on for 13 Tips on welcoming your guests to your wedding.
Pass Pretty Popsicles
Having a summer wedding and would like to start your wedding with a splash of fun? Offer refreshing popsicles to set the tone. You have the choice of beautiful pops served in pouches, or even a popsicle with a glass of prosecco for easy mingling.
Sign a sweet note
Welcoming your guests to your wedding with a note straight from the heart can go such a long way. This is an easy idea to pull off, especially if you are hosting an intimate wedding where guests will all be staying in the same place. Display the note in their rooms so they will feel welcome right upon arrival.
Enlist live music
Imagine your guests walking into your venue while tuning into live music. You could set the tone with a beautiful acoustic guitarist or embrace something livelier with a bit of jazz. Either way, kicking off the wedding with music is sure to make guests feel like they are part of the party.
Interact with apps
Serving up a fun, interactive appetizer is a great way to get things started. One way to make it memorable for your guests welcoming them with roaming oyster shuckers to greet your guests. Though having them accompanied by a champagne cocktail tower made it all the more welcoming.
Pop the bubble
Why wait until the party is coming to an end to open champagne. This is one of the simplest ways to kick things off on a high note. Pour glasses of bubbly and offer them at a bar with a simple setup, have someone pass a tray or decorate a portable cart. You may even consider pairing this sipper with a snack of popcorn.
Wow with a welcome bag.
Welcome bags and boxes have certainly gained popularity in recent years, and the concept is not going away any time soon. Also, there are so many ways to pull this off to suit your wedding. It may not be as attainable for a larger wedding, but for a destination wedding or an intimate affair it is definitely doable. Put together a bag of local treats, a welcome note and even include an area map to make sure your guests feel welcomed and grounded.
Offer an artistic greeting
This option may not be possible for a wedding with larger number of guests on their lists, but you can definitely pull it off as a lovely welcome for a more intimate wedding. Hire a talented artist to capture what your loved ones look like as they arrive at your wedding.
Serve Simple sips
Making your guests feel welcome does not have to be terribly elaborate. Keep things simple with a small gesture such as a cool drink. Setting up dispensers of spa water, punch or lemonade with cute cups and a welcome sign can go such a long way.
Have fun with a photo booth
Want your guests to jump into the fun right away? Allow them to have their photos taken as they arrive on-site by setting up a photo booth station. Either work with your photographer to plan this activity or hire a separate photo booth vendor to pull it off. Just be sure you have a fabulous backdrop that exudes the aesthetic of your wedding to make it all the more special.
Designate your parents
Allow your parents to be your designated greeters. This is such a sweet way to get your parents more involved and put them front and centre on your big day.
Set the schedule
Planning to host multiple activities throughout the day or weekend? Welcome your guests with that knowledge. Have your designated greeter hand out a beautifully designed schedule of events, or even include the itinerary with a few goodies in a welcome box. That way, guests know exactly when and where to be at the right time.
Serve a boxed snack
If your guests have made a trek to get to your venue, it may be high time for a little snack upon arrival. There is no need for an elaborate spread, especially if you are planning dinner later. However, pre-boxed option with a few simple nibbles such as focaccia with olive oil and balsamic can serve as the ideal way to welcome guests, along with holding them over until dinner service.
Live it up with lawn games
Want to kick off the fun right away and get your guests moving? Set up a variety of lawn games, including cornhole and giant connect four, with personalized monograms. Of course, these games can be left set up so the competition can keep going strong during the reception.
If you would like to book for a guest welcome bag check out what I offer or if you would like to discuss this further please do not hesitate to contact me
Hope you enjoyed the read
Emma Louise x