Wedding planning is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot to handle. Between florals, transportation, guest list, food, registry, honeymoon, etc etc, it’s easy to lose track of priorities and get bogged down in the practically unlimited amount of options for every little detail.
As wedding professionals, we’ve narrowed down the top aspects of the big day. These are the parts of your wedding that the guests will really remember, so once you get these bases covered, the rest of your planning should fall into place.
Top 3 Things that Wedding Guests Really Care About:
The Ceremony:
Above all else, your guests are attending your wedding to witness you and your partner proclaim your love and be joined in wedded bliss. Give your ceremony some personal touches with unique music for your processional and recessional, readings from your favorite books, songs, or spiritual passages, and decor that reflects your personal style. One thing to keep in mind: while this is a joyous occasion, guests may start tuning out of a long, drawn-out ceremony. One of the most common guest recommendations is having a “short and sweet” ceremony – think about a half hour.
Also, be sure that you have enough seating for all your guests and that the ceremony site provides good visibility from the audience. At Contigo Ranch, we have three gorgeous outdoor ceremony sites that can accommodate any ceremony size.
Food & Drinks:
Your guests are going to need energy to dance the night away, so food is a huge part of the reception. Start by deciding if you want a cocktail hour and if so, what kind of snacks and/or drinks you plan on offering. Sharing a leisurely meal with friends and family is one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding reception, so for your supper, opt for crowd-pleasing menu items that you know most guests will want to devour. Talk with your fiance and decide whether you want to offer a plated meal, buffet, or family style presentation.
Once dinner is over, delicious drinks and desserts will help keep the good vibes going throughout the evening. Decide your budget and beverage options – if you don’t want to offer a full bar, perhaps a signature cocktail at cocktail hour or a coffee bar with the cake would be a fun addition. If possible, try to offer options for vegetarians or those with common allergies, like gluten and nuts. Not sure what kind of dietary needs you’ll be dealing with? You can include a line for meal requests or restrictions on your RSVP cards.
The Wedding Venue:
As all Texas brides and grooms know, weather in this great state can vary dramatically. Scorching sun, thunderstorms, chilly mornings and nights, the beautiful Texas Hill Country has it all. The best plan is to find a venue that offers indoor and outdoor options, or at least can be tented in inclement weather.
Outside of climate considerations, be sure to find a venue that reflects your personal style and can comfortably accommodate your guest count and decor plan. A unique venue like Contigo Ranch is something your guests will appreciate, particularly if travel to your wedding is a bit of a journey for some of your guests.
One last thing to keep in mind…
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that your wedding day is exactly that: YOUR wedding. It’s always good to think about what your guests want, but at the end of the day, make sure you stay true to yourself throughout the planning process. Take a deep breath and think about what is actually important. At Contigo Ranch, we wish you and your partner an amazing day!