Have you ever gone to a wedding and felt like you weren't included? Not a flash-back-to-8th-grade-cliques feeling, but just a feeling that you're not quite getting a personal connection to the couple. Maybe you don't know them well or maybe you've lost touch over time, but you definitely don't feel personally included in all the festivities.
When you make your wedding plans, you want to try to reach out and create that personal connection for all your guests, because, well, they'll just have a better time that way. Everyone wants to feel like they know you – or got to know you better – at your wedding. Here are some ways to reach out to guests who might not be in your daily inner circle of friends.
Welcome out-of-towners. Welcome packets with local restaurants, entertainment options, and in-room snacks offer convenience and make guests feel at home. Short on time? Even a simple greeting card saying, "Welcome Aunt Mabel and Uncle Oscar. FI and I are so glad you're here and are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow" can provide that personal touch.
Introduce the wedding party. Don't just list bridesmaids, groomsmen, speakers, vocalists and any other key people in the program. Giving a little information about how you know them, why they are special to you, even a short, quirky story gives guests insight into your life and makes them feel like they know you better.
Explain unusual traditions. Do you know that out-of-place feeling you can get when you visit an unfamiliar church? Don't let your guests feel that way. If your ceremony incorporates traditions from other religions or cultures, you can explain them in the program. This helps guests follow along whether you are jumping the broom, crushing the glass or tying the knot.
What's in a name?
Dress of the day: Anastasia by Maggie Sottero
Unusual wedding cakes from Dragons and Daffodils
