Weddings, as we all know are a celebration of love, but they are also a big event for your guests. While couples put their hearts into planning their most perfect day, wedding guest complaints or unsolicited opinions can sometimes overshadow the experience. By understanding these common complaints from guests, you can help to create a wedding that is enjoyable for everyone.
- Keep Speeches Short and Sweet
Speeches are a wonderful way to share love and appreciation but when they drag on, guests can start to get antsy. A long-winded best man speech or a parent who tells every childhood story can lead to restlessness much faster than what you think. Aim to keep speeches under five minutes each and limit the number of people speaking. Encourage speakers to practice in advance and to keep their speeches concise.
If you do by chance want to include multiple people, consider breaking speeches up throughout the night instead of having them all at once. This keeps the energy flowing and ensures guests stay entertained.
A pro tip from me is to make sure that all speeches are pre-arranged. I have been to plenty of weddings where an open-mic has been offered towards the end and with a little bit of liquid encouragement from some, many speeches can interfere with the flow for the rest of the night.
- Minimise Gaps Between Your Ceremony and Reception
One of the biggest guest complaints is having a large gap between the ceremony and reception. While it’s understandable that couples may need time for photos, guests left with nothing to do can become irritated—especially if they’re in an unfamiliar location. If a break is unavoidable, consider providing entertainment, a lounge area, or a light refreshment station to keep guests comfortable. You can also provide suggestions for nearby attractions, cafes, or parks where they can relax. If possible, organise a pre-reception cocktail hour with drinks and appetisers to keep guests occupied until the main event. - Reduce Unnecessary Travel Between Venues
Having separate venues for the ceremony and reception can add uniqueness to the day, but if guests have to travel a long distance (or struggle with parking and logistics), frustration can set in. If your venues aren’t within walking distance, provide clear travel instructions, shuttle buses, or even a pre-arranged carpool system to make things easier. Consider the accessibility of your locations—guests with mobility issues may find it difficult to navigate multiple venues. If you must have separate locations, try to keep them within a reasonable distance and factor in potential traffic or delays. - Consider the Season and Weather Conditions
Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, but failing to consider the weather can leave guests sweltering in summer or shivering in winter. If you’re planning a summer wedding, provide shade, fans, or a hydration station. Parasols or a basket of cooling towels can be thoughtful touches as well.
For winter celebrations, consider outdoor heaters, blankets, or an indoor space for guests to warm up. Providing warm drinks such as hot chocolate or mulled wine can add a cosy touch. Encourage guests to dress appropriately by including a note on your invitations or wedding website, and always have a backup plan in case of extreme weather. -
Make Sure There Is Enough Food
A wedding should never leave guests hungry! Whether it’s a cocktail-style reception or a sit-down dinner, ensure there is plenty of food for everyone. Keep dietary restrictions in mind, and don’t forget about late-night snacks if your event extends into the evening. If guests are waiting a long time for meals, providing canapés or grazing tables can help tide them over. A variety of options ensures all dietary needs are met, and interactive food stations can make the dining experience more enjoyable. Make sure wait times for food aren’t too long—hungry guests can become cranky quite quickly! - Keep The Dance Floor Accessible and Inviting
A wedding dance floor should be lively and inviting, but issues like a cramped space, bad song choices, or a late start can dampen the party. Make sure there is enough space for guests to dance comfortably and that the music caters to a variety of tastes. If your wedding has a mix of generations, including a blend of classic and modern hits will keep everyone entertained. Hiring a great DJ or band that reads the crowd well is essential. Ensure there is good lighting to set the mood and avoid placing tables too close to the dance floor to give people room to move freely. - Provide Comfortable Seating and a Place To Rest
Not everyone enjoys being on their feet all night, so having comfortable seating options is essential. Ensure there is enough seating at the reception and create a designated lounge area for guests to take a break from the dance floor. Elderly guests especially will appreciate a quiet space where they can relax and chat. Think about the chair options too—cheap, hard chairs can be uncomfortable for long periods. Adding soft cushions or a variety of seating styles, such as lounge chairs and benches, can make the experience much more enjoyable. - Ensure a Thoughtful Exit Plan
At the end of the night, guests will appreciate an easy way to get home. If your venue is remote, consider providing transportation options or pre-arranged Uber/DiDi/Taxi etc discount codes. If your guests have been drinking, ensuring they have a safe way to get home is a thoughtful and responsible touch. You could even organise a bus service to drop guests at central locations. If guests are driving themselves, offering complimentary bottles of water and small snacks on their way out is a nice element to end the night on a high note.
Your wedding should be a magical day, but keeping your guests’ experience in mind will make it even more special. By addressing common guest complaints—like long waits, uncomfortable conditions, and inadequate food—you can ensure your wedding is remembered for all the right reasons. After all, happy guests make for an even more happy celebration!
As always, I am happy to lend a hand when it comes to bouncing planning ideas or of course designing your stationery! Please feel free to reach out at any time here – Happy Wedding Planning!
