“The Knot” had an article about ways in which to WOW your wedding audience. Of course I had to read through it to see what their take on it was. Well I must say they had some pretty good ideas and if you have some extra money in your budget, I would definitely consider adding one or more of these elements into your wedding.
Guest Transportation: If you are planning on shuttling your guests from the ceremony to the reception, make the journey part of the fun by renting some cool mass transportation. Hire an old-fashioned trolley to get guests from point A to B. And for extra flair, customize the ride by playing fun music or decking out the bus with signs that reads “Sarah and John’s wedding or bust!”
Pre-ceremony Cocktails: Nothing like getting the party started a little early?! Your guests won’t be expecting any drinks until the reception, so give them a pleasant surprise by setting up at table of light beverages on the way into the ceremony. Just DON’T serve anything too strong– think mimosas or fruit-infused iced teas they can sip before taking their seats.
Standout Escort Cards: Instead of a paper card that’ll get lost or thrown away, upgrade your escort cards to something worth keeping (or eating!). Try personalized cake pops with guests’ names and table runners written on them in icing or on a cute tag, or engraved martini glasses that double as favors.
Thoughtful and (Useful) Favors: Keep your guests comfortable all day by thinking ahead. Planning on dancing the night away… put out a basket of flip-flops (in your wedding colors, of course) so guests can take their shoes off. Having an outdoor reception… well it might get breezy, keep your guests warm by offering up some cozy pashminas. And for the summer outdoor ceremony, provide a station with spray-on sunscreen and a stack of inexpensive sunglasses.
To-Go Valet Gifts: Send guests home feeling taken care of by having your valets place small favors or end-of-the-night snacks in your guests’ cards before handing over the keys. No valets? Set out baskets of the gifts, such as soft eye masks with notes that say “Sleep tight!” or even hangover kits… for guests to grab on their way out of the reception.
Convenient Child Care: Hire a babysitter or two… and set up a room so your youngest guests can have a place to go when they tucker out. If it’s possible pick a room near your reception location so parents can stop by to check in on the little ones and then return easily to the party. Stock the rooms with snacks, games, and a portable DVD player. Also make sure there is a soft sofa and lots of blankets for those inevitable naps.