7 Wedding Day Faux Pas to Avoid

You may think the big day is all about the bride and groom but some guests may not feel that way.  Although you can not please everyone, you may want to take some steps to avoid the following common complaints.  The last thing you want your quests to do is leave your wedding with negative comments.  Leave your guests with only nice memories of you wedding day. 

1)      The music was too loud.

Hire a DJ that is experienced in the wedding industry.  A DJ that normally performs at night clubs or high school proms will be used to an atmosphere very different from what you might want for your wedding. While dancing is central to clubs and high school events, remember that not everyone at your wedding will want or be able to dance. Additionally, there will be parts of your reception during which dancing music may not even be appropriate. Dinner is the perfect time for your guests to mingle and get to know each other, so make sure that your DJ plays music that will accommodate dinnertime conversation.  As a courtesy, you may also want arrange your seating so that guests who are more sensitive to loud noise are sitting away from speakers.

2)      There was too much time between the ceremony and reception.

A long gap between the ceremony and reception can be inconvenient for guests, particularly if they have travelled from out of town.   If you are unable to schedule the reception soon after the ceremony, arrange cocktails and hor d’oeuvres for the guests at a nearby venue or have a light snack and drinks prepared at a family member’s house.  Your guests will appreciate that you kept them in mind.     

3)      The table centerpieces were too large; I could not see or speak to the guests across the table. 

You might think this is a silly concern but, believe it or not, obstructive centerpieces can rankle your guests. Opt for smaller, short centerpieces. If your heart is absolutely set on taller table decorations, opt for something like tall, clear vases that will not be perceived to occupy much room on the table and keep the flowers in the vase taller than your guests, but not at eye level so that they can still carry on conversations.

4)      I was never thanked for my gift.

Post-wedding duties can be a nuisance, but they are necessary. Remember, you have a partner now! Neither of you should be saddled with all the work. Arrange to send thank you cards and notes no later than 3 months after the wedding. Make this a top priority, as your guests will want to know that you received their gift. Otherwise they might worry that their gift was lost or stolen.

5)      The bride and groom never stopped by our table to say hello. 

It may seem like a daunting task, but do your best to make the rounds. Everyone present at your wedding is sharing in your big day and you owe them the courtesy of at least a greeting. Don’t feel that you need to have a lengthy conversation with each and every guest; a thank you, compliment, or salutation will be adequate. Your guests will certainly appreciate your efforts.

6)      I was offended that I had to pay for my drinks.

Although a cash bar is a common money-saving strategy, guests may find it to be tacky. If you’re on a tight budget, try a limited bar instead. By limiting bar offerings to wine, beer and soda, for example, you’ll be able to save money and your guests won’t have to pay for their drinks. Another option might be to close the bar early. But if having a cash bar is your only option, indicate this on your invitations. It will serve as both a courtesy as well as a practical reminder to your guests to come prepared with cash.

7)      The speeches were to long and boring.

Don’t hesitate to explain the guidelines to your speakers. You should encourage them to keep their speeches anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes long and have the DJ review microphone use with them. You don’t want your speakers’ rambling and microphone difficulties to detract from the important things that are being said during the speeches.