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Expert October 2021

Most Important Reception Details as a Guest

Lisa, on December 29, 2019 at 7:05 PM Posted in Wedding Reception 8 48

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Hello!
We are about 9 months out from our wedding and I am curious what you feel is the most important detail of a wedding reception is, as a guest.

We are having a traditional ceremony, as FH says, short & sweet, only MOH & BM speeches, adding appetizers for our cocktail (half)hour, open bar, buffet with two sides and three meats (salad and bread, too), dj and editable favors, all in hopes to enhance our guests experience.
As a guest do you pay close attention to decor, such a colored linens, chiavari chairs, real or LED candles?
As a guest are you bummed there is/is not a photo booth?
One too many speeches?
Anything else you’ve felt as a guest? Did you miss something that was included or roll your eyes at something that was?
Again just trying to make sure we’ve touched on everything and aren’t missing that important detail guests are looking for.
Thank you!!

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48 Comments

Latest activity by lm, on January 7, 2020 at 9:16 PM

Master September 2020
Nicole · on December 29, 2019 at 7:20 PM
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As a guest, my favorite weddings have had great food, minimal speeches, and fantastic music that gave us plenty of time on the dance floor.
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Champion July 2019
Veronica · on December 29, 2019 at 7:45 PM
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As a guest, I like good food and dancing. At my brother-in-law's wedding I barely ate because they had really odd food. I also barely danced because they didn't hire a good DJ. I know our photobooth was a huge hit at our wedding. They are a lot of fun and give guests that might not want to dance or would like a break from dancing something to do.
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Super March 2020
Jennifer · on December 29, 2019 at 7:59 PM
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When no one was in charge of releasing tables for buffet food. It creates so much confusion!
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VIP September 2020
Neeva · on December 29, 2019 at 8:23 PM
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I just went to a wedding where they did a zillion speeches and dances and didn't serve food until 10pm...i'm not joking.
They also had a cash bar and didn't tell anyone so I had no cash.
Sooo food & drink and letting people eat!
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Master January 2021
Andrea · on December 29, 2019 at 8:23 PM
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I feel like baskets in the bathrooms offer a nice touch. Stocked with Advil, lotions, feminine products, tissue, body mist, etc. Also, keeping speeches to a minimum and good music (if that's your thing) keeps the crowd engaged. Good food is important! Alcohol tends to be a big part of weddings (I know it is for our families) so people like drinks for the most part. But alcohol can be kept simple with just wine and beer. Guests should be completely fine with that.
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Super August 2020
Nicole · on December 29, 2019 at 8:37 PM
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Before I was engaged and attended a wedding, I think the main things that stuck with me were the long speeches, decor and fireworks show the couple set up. I haven’t been to too many weddings recently, but if I were a guest I think the details that are most important are food, the environment/decor and dancing. Also I didn’t like the waiting around aspect of the wedding where you just hang around for events to happen.
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Master October 2019
Meghan · on December 29, 2019 at 9:17 PM
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As a guest, the things I care the most about are comfortable ceremony chairs, good food, open bar, and a great DJ! I’ve been to weddings that didn’t offer enough chairs for the amount of guests at the ceremony site, & that was awful. I’ve been to weddings that ran out of food or served cold buffet food... also terrible. And the worst is when the DJ plays bad music. We made sure our guests were comfortable and full of good food & drinks. We danced the night away and had so much fun. That’s what makes a wedding fun, in my opinion.
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:42 PM
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Thank you for your input!!
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:43 PM
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Thank you for your input! We thought about the photo booth, unsure yet.
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:43 PM
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Good point! I’ll make sure the dj is doing this!
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:43 PM
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Thank you for your input!
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:45 PM
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Thank you for your input! I thought about the baskets and/or welcome bags for guest who use the hotel block. Hopefully it’s in the budget!
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:45 PM
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Thank you for your input!
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Expert October 2021
Lisa · on December 29, 2019 at 10:46 PM
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Thank you!!
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Champion July 2019
Veronica · on December 29, 2019 at 10:51 PM
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You're welcome 😊 I highly recommend a photo booth. We got to keep all of the photos that were taken which is something nice to have. It also gave guests something to do besides dancing. Ours was a huge hit. I would say pretty much everyone used it.
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Dedicated August 2020
Amy · on December 29, 2019 at 11:18 PM
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We are getting a photo booth as well. It also is our guest book. It is part of the package. Just something to keep in mind if you are debating it.
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on December 29, 2019 at 11:44 PM
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As a guest: good food and drinks, comfortable environment (not too hot or cold), and SHORT toasts. Could care less about a photo booth, favors, programs or games.
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Master October 2020
Mandi · on December 30, 2019 at 12:18 AM
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I'm hungry and I want to eat. Speeches are always so awkward. The shorter, the better.

I also hate feeling like I'm crammed in. Give me some space. Maxing out venue capacity makes me nervous.
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Super August 2021
Dierdra · on December 30, 2019 at 1:56 AM
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As a guest at about 4 weddings in the last year, the only things I have remembered is the food, open bar and a good band/DJ. Everything else is extra or forgotten. It comes down to what you and your fiance want, in my personal opinion. Photobooth's are nice but not necessary to have a good time. Unless you're planning a wedding while attending another, the details aren't noticed, programs, table settings, centerpieces, it's all extra- beautiful for you but not required. You're guests will love being there because they love you guys!
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VIP November 2019
Catherine · on December 30, 2019 at 9:51 AM
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Great food and music is always a big one.
photo booth if you can swing it i would def get one. They really come out to be some of the best photos. everyone is smiling and having so much fun. plus you get to keep the photos!
minimal speeches is nice.
i wouldn't worry about decor for your chairs or the candles. i feel less is more in that category. we did ivory linens and ivory napkins with our favors on the table and centerpieces. it was perfect.
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