Things Guests Remember
About a Wedding… the good and not so…

What are the things guests remember about a wedding? The answers may help you plan a memorable, fun wedding versus spending time and money on fluff neither you nor your guests really care about.

In preparing this article, I read through dozens of wedding websites and literally hundreds of comments and threads. The results were remarkably consistent.

Top Things Guest Remember About A Wedding

• Entertainment was the most common memory. Did they have fun dancing? Was the music mix right? Was the show interactive? (Read More About Entertainment Below)
• Food came in second to entertainment. There were several thoughts about food.
  • If it was a hot dish, they remembered if it was cold. Not a good memory, though.
  • Was there enough food? Sad recollections if they were left hungry.
  • Many wished light appetizers had been served later in the evening. Dancing burns calories and food absorbs alcohol.
• Free alcohol was a big plus. If not free all night, it was important they knew so they brought some money.
• Temperature and comfort were important. Several people’s biggest memory was about being cold. If having an outdoor wedding and it might be cold, plan for lots of heaters.
• Did the bride and groom truly look happy? The happiness of the newlyweds was vital to many commenters. If the bride was stressed out by wedding reception details, it bothered people. The overall dialog suggested the couple should have focused on family, friends and the moment versus if the cake or flowers were perfect. Most felt too many beautiful moments were lost to unimportant things.
• Acknowledging the wedding gift was significant. More accurately, not recognizing the gift via a note or email left people feeling unappreciated. 

What People Did Not Care About

• Centerpieces did not leave lasting memories unless they were big, making it difficult to see or talk across the table.
  Both men and women felt flowers were mostly a waste of money. Simple, sweet arrangements were appreciated. Several felt the money would have been better spent on fun.
• Linens were on the bottom of the list for nearly all respondents.
• Guest gifts were not important to most all those who left comments. Most felt it was unnecessary as they came to celebrate the newlyweds. 

Things Guests Remember About at a Wedding – Important Take-A-Ways

Entertainment was by far the most memorable part of a wedding. I wasn’t surprised. I’ve performed magic at hundreds of wedding receptions and parties. Clients consistently say I was the hit of the party. Well delivered live entertainment brings energy, interaction and fun to the party.

Having an engaging DJ who knows the right music mix and interaction was a huge plus.

NOTE: Since I mingle among the guests, I hear things. Non-dancing guests hate it when the music is too loud to talk. The most common solution is to leave early.

Food is vital, yet it didn’t matter to most if it was fancy or gourmet. Hot meals not being hot was a common complaint as was not getting enough to feel full. Long buffet lines were another one in the minus category.

When I perform magic at a wedding reception, I always take the time to entertain people waiting in line. Magic helps make a potentially boring time into a great one. If you don’t have someone doing what I do, then I’d suggest you (the newlyweds) hang out with people waiting in line. 

Naturally, a hosted bar is appreciated. Many understood it can be expensive and mostly cared that they knew, in advance, if they’d need to bring cash.

All in all, having fun outweighed clever decor ideas by a long shot. Most want to celebrate and have fun with you and your friends.

I hope this article was helpful. If you are thinking of adding special interactive entertainment to your special day, I’d love to come and help make magic happen. It is why I am on the planet. 

Gene Urban… magic maker