BLOG

Your wedding is about you and your fiancé getting married and sharing your love and commitment with those around you. That’s why it’s important to thank them for their support and ensure they have a fabulous time. With that in mind, here are the top wedding guest complaints.

1. An inconvenient date.

Think it over before asking guests to forfeit spending Christmas or the Super Bowl with their loved ones to celebrate with you. Hosting during a holiday may disrupt traditions they’d prefer not to miss, and in the case of a sporting event, you may find that guests are MIA because they’re sneaking off to catch the score or watch it on a nearby TV. We understand it’s your day but keep in mind others.

How to deal: If you’re considering wedding at a potentially sticky time of year, check in with your closest loved ones to see if they already have set plans or would be open to attending. Some events may be easier to pull off than others (e.g. I’m getting married on Labor Day). In some cases, like Halloween, there is no other option if you’re planning on throwing a full-out themed bash, so just shrug off the complainers! Also guests may be more inclined to consider attending if they knew about the date for months in advance, so the sooner you send out that save-the-date, the better. It’s also a good idea to check your local events calendar to ensure your big day doesn’t compete with a parade or other large-scale community event.

2. Invitation confusion.

There is nothing more frustrating than when a guest assumes they’re receiving a plus-one you had no intention of inviting (we meet again, random bar hookup #22). This can happen even if you address the wedding invitations using proper etiquette .

How to deal: Don’t dodge the question—it will only make things more awkward. I’d recommend addressing the miscommunication kindly. Please don’t tell someone who thought their children could come that you “can’t have them there because weddings with kids are tacky” (true story). Avoid confusion by writing the names of the guests you want to invite on the response card and having them check off a “will attend” or “will not attend” box.

3. Seating snafus.

After the victory of compiling (and finalizing) your guest list comes the challenge of seating arrangements. It’s part art, part science: Who will combust next to whom or become fast friends?

How to deal: If your guests’ elbows touch and they can’t easily move in between tables, you’ve probably crammed too many of them in one spot. Also keep centerpieces at a conversation-friendly height (no one wants to stare into an orchid all night). If you’re having a hard time divvying a group of friends or family members equally, try to seat guests within the same vicinity so that they can lean over and “awww” together during the first dance instead of texting across the room.

4. Pulling out the wallet.

How much do guests dislike cash bars? Just  watch wedding planner David Tutera’s reaction  when we asked him about them and see for yourself.

How to deal:  All the pros are in agreement that cash bars are a major no-no. You’d never ask a guest to pay for a drink in your own home, so why should the wedding be any different? However, that doesn’t mean you have to fork over the cash for an open bar if you can’t afford it. Tutera recommends serving a limited selection of wine, beer and champagne or a couple of signature drinks.

5. Climate crisis.

Every frequent wedding-goer has experienced an event that was either scorching or freezing cold. Subjecting guests to extreme weather conditions will severely cramp their style.

How to deal:  You can’t help it if a weather emergency happens on your wedding day. However, there are small, fun measures you can take to ensure that guests are comfortable, beyond the obvious (plenty of shade and heat). Some ideas I love: double-duty fans that serve as programs for summer weddings and gifting your bridesmaids a shawl or faux fur wrap for winter weddings.

6. Inedible food (or lack thereof).

When I was no older than eight or nine, I went to a family party that I’ll never forget. But it wasn’t the bride’s poufy princess dress or the heartfelt recitation of vows that I remember most. It was the McDonald’s my cousin Vinny and I were allowed to eat afterwards, gleefully dipping fries into ketchup in the back of the car (because the food at the reception was so terrible).

How to deal: No bride wants to give her guests a stomachache—arrange for a food tasting before you carefully plan your menu. Not even spectacular décor can compensate for rubbery chicken or blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shrimp. Ask about food allergies or dietary requirements ahead of time. It’s also important to make sure they don’t run out of food at the cocktail hour. If you’re only having dessert or some light nibbles, that’s fine, but please mention it to your guests (especially if you’re having the party during mealtime).

7. Never-ending toasts or photo montages .

I wanted to sink into the floor at one wedding I attended where the Best Man’s speech was so long-winded that the chorus of “boos” was deafening. Add a couple of glasses of champagne to the mix and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

How to deal:  Let the toastees know in advance that you don’t want them to stress about writing a novel of a speech, so the cheat sheet version will do just fine. Your DJ can signal a musical cue if it’s time to wrap things up, just like the Oscars. If you’re the one giving the toast, follow these easy speech pointers . We also make sure to put a cap on the number of photos per montage so that we don’t have a long montage.

8. DJ, please stop the music.

I’ve heard complaints about weddings where the thump-thumping of techno music began the second that the couple walked through the door and didn’t end until the cake-cutting. (Grandma was afraid to step foot on the dance floor, lest she get clocked in the head by a stray fist pump.) At another wedding, the music was so loud that my mom escaped to the bathroom to rest her pounding head, only to find a group of other guests camped out there for the same reason.

How to deal: During your cocktail hour and dinner, play music that’s low enough so that guests can hear each other without having to scream. Pump up the volume when it’s appropriate, and don’t seat any elderly guests right next to the speakers. Conversely, nothing is more awkward than being at a wedding where no one wants to get up and dance. If a song or genre just isn’t working, ask your band or DJ to switch gears. Have fun with it: Once guests see your best Oppan Gangnam style impression, they’ll want to join in, too.

Another way to solve this problem is to hire professionals! If you need a good DJ, just ask ME !

9. Disorganization to the max.

I once attended a wedding where the cocktail hour became two-and-a-half hours long because the bride and groom wanted more photos in the moonlight. Imagine the look on guests’ faces when we finally sat down to our seats and waited another hour and a half before dinner was served.

How to deal: If you’re unable to hold the ceremony and reception within two hours of each other (guilty as charged), make other accomodations for your guests. For example, my reception site has a waiting area where drinks and light refreshments will be served for early birds. If your reception/ceremony space is sprawled out, consider using sign posts to direct guests to necessary landmarks, like the dance floor and bathroom.

10. Ungracious hosts.

“We only saw the bride when she walked down the aisle!” or “It’s been a year and I still haven’t received a thank-you card!”

How to deal: Sound familiar? You don’t have to hold up the wedding by having a receiving line. I love it when brides go from table to table to thank each person. It doesn’t have to take long—even just a quick “hi and bye” makes me feel happy and appreciated.

No matter how tempting it is to scrap the thank-you cards (who has the hand stamina for that?) guests WILL notice if you don’t send one. Split the duties with your husband and break it up into manageable chunks so that it doesn’t seem so overwhelming anymore. Note to self: Heed own advice next year at around this time…

Eco-Friendly Wedding Guide
08 Feb, 2024
In recent years, eco-consciousness has woven its way into the fabric of daily living, including milestone celebrations like weddings. For couples who are mindful of their environmental footprint, planning a wedding that aligns with their values is not just a wish but a significant aspect of their special day. We will explore the avenues available to those seeking to minimize waste and make environmentally considerate choices throughout their wedding planning process. From invitations to decor, and catering, there are numerous opportunities to make a wedding more sustainable without sacrificing elegance and personal style. Furthermore, we will delve into how the Mystical Entertainment Group plays a pivotal role in creating a sophisticated and eco-friendly atmosphere.
Countdown to 'I Do'
14 Jan, 2024
Embarking on the path to matrimony is a thrilling journey filled with love, joy, and a fair share of planning. A detailed wedding timeline is not just a schedule; it's the blueprint for your perfect day, ensuring that every petal and playlist is in place when you walk down the aisle. This guide lays out the critical milestones in the countdown to 'I Do', providing a pragmatic approach to what can seem like an overwhelming process.
Wedding Menu
07 Jan, 2024
Selecting the perfect wedding menu is an art, a chance to showcase your style and delight guests with a memorable culinary experience. From choosing dishes that reflect your love story to considering dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients, these insights and tips will help you create a personalized menu that satisfies the palate and adds a special touch to your celebration.
Audio/Video Rentals
21 Dec, 2023
Anniversaries are milestones to celebrate. For couples, professional audio/video rentals are crucial to capture and preserve those precious moments. Recognizing the significance of quality equipment in preserving memories is key to creating an unforgettable anniversary celebration.
Black Light Show
14 Dec, 2023
Weddings are a tapestry of moments, meticulously woven together to create an unforgettable experience. Among these, the incorporation of a black light show can transform the event into a realm of magical luminescence. This innovative approach not only enhances the visual allure but also adds a unique touch to the celebration.
Custom Photo Montage for a Graduation Party
07 Dec, 2023
Graduation: a momentous achievement representing hard work and dedication. A custom photo montage becomes a captivating way to showcase accomplishments and create an unforgettable graduation party experience. Personalized visual presentations leave a lasting impact.
21 Nov, 2023
A Quinceañera is a monumental event in a young woman's life, a celebration of her journey from childhood to womanhood. The décor, ambiance, and lighting all contribute to making this occasion truly magical. One way to add that extra touch of enchantment is through uplighting rentals. The strategic use of uplighting can transform any venue into a fairy-tale setting that makes the Quinceañera a dream come true.
14 Nov, 2023
When it comes to music shows, the auditory feast is just one aspect of the overall experience. Another equally vital component is the visual spectacle, and that's where confetti cannons come into play. These devices amplify the atmosphere, transforming memorable moments into unforgettable ones.
By John Macaluso 14 Nov, 2023
Lighting: What is the difference between intelligent lighting and uplighting?
07 Nov, 2023
Charity galas are often the epitome of glamour and elegance, offering an opportunity for attendees to don their finest attire while supporting a noble cause. However, capturing the magic of these sophisticated events can sometimes be a challenge. Integrating a photo booth into your charity gala not only provides a source of entertainment but also serves as a unique way to capture memories that last a lifetime.
More Posts
Share by: