Every bride hopes that her dream day will go off without a hitch and that guests will have only glowing reviews after the fact. However, it can be hard to anticipate the needs of every single friend and family member when you’re planning a party for several hundred people.
We asked expert wedding planners Adriana Mazzone from Champagne Social Weddings & Events and Cynthia Martyn from Cynthia Martyn Fine Events to help us narrow down the top five wedding guest beefs and how to avoid them. Their advice? Mitigate complaints by taking friends and family into consideration when you’re making decisions surrounding your big day. “You are planning what is likely the largest party you will host during your lifetime,” says Martyn. “Put yourself in your guests’ shoes when making decisions on the wedding location, menu, bar and gifts, and make the experience comfortable and well-thought-out,” she adds.
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- <strong>"It Was Too Hot/Too Cold"</strong><br /> <br /> Outdoor weddings are always a gamble. It could be too hot, too cold, raining or snowing, but the show must go on. <br /> <br /> "Outdoor ceremonies are beautiful, but choose a venue that has an indoor rain backup and be prepared to use it in the case of a weather emergency," says Mazzone.<br /> <br /> Martyn recommends having a few items on hand in case of unpredictable weather. "Provide items to bundle up with or parasols or fans to cool off with," she says. <br /> <br /> Photo via <a href=http://www.studiofinch.com/"target=_blank”>Studio Finch Photography</a> from <a href=”http://rusticweddingchic.com/wisconsin-country-chic-wedding-egg-harbor”target=_blank”>Rustic Wedding Chic</a>.<br />
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- <strong>"We Had To Pay For Our Drinks!"</strong><br /> <br /> The open bar conundrum is one that every couple struggles with while planning a wedding. Martyn thinks cash bars should be outlawed. "If guests are taking the time to attend your wedding and bring a gift, then you should host them for dinner AND drinks," she says. <br /> <br /> "If offering an open bar is not within your budget, consider just offering wine at the tables or just domestic beers at the bar," says Mazzone. "This allows guests to have at least have one alcoholic beverage with their meal."<br /> <br /> Photo via <a href=”https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/255114512/cash-bar-sign-cash-bar-tonights-drinks?ref=market”target=_blank”>RockinChalk on Etsy</a>.
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- <strong>"The Food (Or Lack Thereof) Wasn't Good" </strong><br /> <br /> When you're dealing with a few hundred people there's always going to be someone that isn't thrilled by the menu selection, but actually it's the amount of food offered that usually generates more complaints.<br /> <br /> "Make sure your portions are average-size or greater to ensure guests are well-fed," says Martyn. "Guests often complain if they feel they didn’t receive enough food on their plate. You want them to avoid a stop at a local fast food restaurant on their way home!"<br /> <br /> Variety is also a key part of wedding meal-planning. "Regardless of whether your meal is served buffet-style or plated, you want to ensure that there is something that everyone will be happy to eat," says Mazzone. "I always advise couples to keep their meals pleasing to the majority of palates and then incorporate personal touches and fun food items in the late-night stations," she adds. <br /> <br /> Photo via <a href=”http://www.carinaskrobeckiblog.com/%E2%80%A2-wed-jennie-evan-%E2%80%A2/”target=_blank”>Carina Skrobecki</a> from <a href=”http://www.weddingpartyapp.com/blog/2013/12/09/laid-back-summer-bbq-wedding-farm-carina-skrobecki/”target=_blank”>Wedding Party</a>.<br />
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- <strong> "The Gift Registry Was Too Expensive!"</strong><br /> <br /> Asking for wedding gifts can be awkward but many guests will prefer to get you an actual present instead of giving money. When creating your registry it's important to make sure your wish list isn't filled with big ticket items. <br /> <br /> "When registering for gifts, make sure you register for items in a large variety of price points from low to high, so that guests on a limited income have options to purchase for you," says Martyn.<br /> <br /> Photo via <a href="http://www.nuediamonds.com/blog/top-must-dos-when-registering-for-wedding-gifts/"target=_blank">Nue Diamonds</a>.
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- <strong>"The Couple Didn't Even Acknowledge Us At The Wedding/After The Wedding"</strong><br /> <br /> Let's face it, your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind and before you know it you'll be running through a shower of confetti to your getaway car. Between the speeches and cake cutting it may slip your mind that you should log some time with every guest -- even if it's just a minute or two.<br /> <br /> Martyn says to make sure you allocate time to greet guests after your ceremony, during cocktails, host a receiving line, or go table to table during dinner to make sure you see everyone on your special day.<br /> <br /> Following your wedding day you'll want to make sure that everyone gets recognition for being there and celebrating with you. The best way to achieve this is with thank you cards send out as soon as you return from your honeymoon and have had a chance to sort through your gifts.<br /> <br /> "Guests enjoy that hand-written memo after the wedding that lets them know that you truly appreciated their gift and presence and it is a nice touch to end your special event," says Mazzone. <br /> <br /> Photo via this <a href="http://rickvandervalkphotography.com/"target=_blank”>Rick Van Der Valk Photography</a>.<br />
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