Most Important Reception Details as a Guest

My belief is this... if a wedding (or any event) is done well, then no single aspect should greatly stand out as the most important. Instead, it’s the overall event and the way that all of the separate elements come together to create an enjoyable celebration.


For example, it doesn’t matter if the food is great but everything else is a bore. Or if there’s elaborate centerpieces but the night is completely unorganized, etc.

I am fine with speeches, if done after everyone has food. If I can eat and drink while you talk, I am happy camper.

I want a comfortable chair, appearances secondary.

PLEASE, assign tables, don't make me ask people if I can sit there.

As a guest you just want to have fun! All of the things such as first dance, and speeches are fun for guests too as long as they are a normal amount of time. I think it's really smart to allow access to food, open bar, and dancing as soon as possible. People don't like feeling "trapped in their seats".
So for our wedding for example, or hopes are to do our grand entrance, and then I am going to give a short 2 minute welcome speech that thanks everyone for coming, then time to eat! (I'm a foodie myself so this is important. I want to eat right away! Lol). We will do toasts as dinner is wrapping up, then do 2 formal dances and then open up the dance floor to everyone ASAP!

Think about what memories you will have in 5 years. In 5 years no one is going to care if their candle was real or fake. They're going to remember dancing, having a good time and eating good food. I agree with some others about how providing a photo booth or something similar can be a fun thing for others to do who don't like dancing! Some people have classed up giant games and cook stuff like that, but most people expect a wedding and dancing and are going to have fun even without things like games or a photo booth!

I attended a couple weddings this last year so I will agree with most of the replies...good food, not too many speeches, and plenty of dancing. I'm not crazy about the photo booth anyway, so I wouldn't miss that if it weren't there!

View Quoted Comment We are doing baskets in both men and women’s room and most of the guests are out of town ...we are doing simple welcome bags with waters,small bags of chips/nuts,gum and mints and a small travel bag of tissues for the ceremony!

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That's something I really wanted to do, but it definitely isn't in our budget. We are going to do what someone else suggested: baskets in the bathrooms for men and women stocked with essentials (e.g. deodorant, body mist, hair spray, lotion, Advil, feminine products, etc.) and maybe some treats. Just haven't figured out how to restock it as I'm sure some things will get used up...

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I agree with you that the food and drinks are expected. I hate when people don't give a heads up about charging people to be at their wedding (i don't agree with it and there is not an etiquette book out there that says its ok)

It sounds like you have a beautiful plan in order! You also seem to realize that no-one likes too many speeches