I'm the owner + photographer at Anne Casey Photography — serving Maryland & Pennsylvania

You’re having a wedding! Congratulations. This time is a testament to your love and devotion. You’ve picked the venue, the dress, the flowers, everything you need to have the wedding of your dreams right? Well, almost.

Of course, you’ve drawn up a guest list of your nearest and dearest who will be sharing this magical day with you. But have you considered your day from their point of view? What are your guests looking for at your wedding?

The Ceremony

Outdoor ceremonies are all the rage these days, and they are not going anywhere. And why should they? They offer natural backdrops with built-in decoration and a ceremony under the sky. I love to shoot outdoor weddings, because almost every background is aesthetically pleasing!

Sometimes though, mother nature has plans other than yours. Wind, rain, bugs, sunshine. Yes, there’s too much of a good thing when it comes to sunshine! Have you prepared to deal with these elements? Your guests will be out wherever your ceremony is for longer than you so it’s important to consider the things that could become uncomfortable.

Concerned about the chill? Blankets over the chairs. Worried about the bugs? Citronella candles on all the tables! It’s going to be 104 degrees? A bucket of mini-water bottles right next to the confetti table!  

 

The Food

A typical wedding reception is about four hours long. Plus transpo and get ready time for the guests. That means by the time the reception rolls around people are starving! They love you and they’re happy for you but they will be so much happier for you after a good meal!

What you serve at a wedding is important and so is how you serve it. Having filet mignon? Your guests will love it! Unless you’re planning to serve it at cocktail hour and fail to provide people with tables or chairs. Keep in mind your venue when you plan a meal. Also a good thing to think about is how people will be dressed.

For a casual wedding, no one will bat an eye about digging into the world famous ribs that brought you and your fiance together.  If everyone’s dressed to the nines, maybe keep finger food minimally messy. As long as your food is tasty and easy to eat, your guests will love it!

The Seating Chart

Weddings are great places to meet people, but they’re also a great place to hang out with friends. Whoever your guests are seated next to will be the ones they interact with the most, so be conscious of interpersonal relationships when you make the seating chart. Foster a new relationship by seating two single friends next to each other. Seat grandparents near to the head table so they can hear the toasts.

 

The Music

Everybody dance now! The speeches are done, the dinner is gone, and now it’s time to party! Picking the right music (or the right DJ)  is essential for your guests to keep the good time going. Know your audience! What kind of music do they listen to? Do they want to slow dance or keep their energy high? Dancing and reception photos are so fun to look back on later!

Taking the time to set up a playlist beforehand, or explain to your DJ what you’re looking for will ensure that everyone has a good time. Music can also set the stage for your exit as a couple. Wind it down, or have one rocking last dance, and then everyone can gather for your departure!

You

Your wedding guests are here for you, to witness the most special day in your lives. If you’re stressed or not having a good time, they will notice. Then they won’t have a good time either! The best thing you can do for your guests is to have a good time yourself. Which I know you will, because you’re getting married. This party is all for you!