It can be overwhelming to realize that your wedding day is officially here. Getting ready, styling your hair, taking photos, and changing into your gorgeous dress, it is important not to be distracted by the idea of greeting all your guests.
It is important to greet your guests when they arrive at your wedding. However, it can be done in many different ways that will make them feel valued and welcome while still allowing them to focus on you. Aleah Valley and Nick Valley, co-founders of Valley & Company Event, say that welcoming guests to a wedding party sets the tone for a comfortable and warm experience. These touches can make a big impact, whether you are a greeter or a hostess, setting up spa water or lemonade station or a formal welcome party before the ceremony starts.
No matter how big or small your wedding is, welcoming friends and family members to the party and setting the mood for the big day is important. They add that a warm welcome sets the tone for how your wedding day will unfold.
You’ll be pleased with 13 ideas for wedding guests’ welcomes, from simple to elaborate to completely celebratory.
1. Pass Pretty Popsicles
Do you want to make the celebration a little more fun? To set the mood, serve refreshing popsicles. Opt for beautiful pops in pouches or pair a popsicle and a glass prosecco for easy mixing.
2. Sign a sweet note
A simple note from the heart can make a big difference in welcoming your guests to your event. This is a great idea, especially if your wedding is intimate and guests are staying at the same place. The note can be displayed in the guest’s rooms to make them feel at home immediately upon their arrival.
3. Listen to Live Music
Imagine your guests walking into the venue and listening to live music. A beautiful acoustic guitar could set the mood, or you can embrace jazz to make it more lively. Music is a great way to get guests involved in the celebration.
4. Appetizer
A fun and interactive appetizer can be a great way for guests to get started. According to the Valleys’, a wedding with roaming oyster shuckers to welcome guests was one of their most memorable moments. It was made even more memorable by having them accompanied by a Champagne cocktail Tower.
5. Get the Bubbly
It’s not necessary to wait for the party to end before you open your champagne. This is a great way to start things on a high note. Serve bubbly in glasses and place them on a bar. This sipper can even be paired with popcorn.
6. WOW, with a Welcome Bag
Welcome bag boxes and other formats have gained considerable popularity in recent years and are unlikely to go away anytime soon. There are many options to make this work for your wedding. This may not be possible for larger weddings, but it is possible for intimate events or destination parties. To make your guests feel at home, you can provide a basket of local goodies, a welcome message, and even a map.
7. Send an artistic greeting
While this option might not work for weddings with large guest lists, it is possible to create a beautiful welcome for intimate events. To capture the faces of your loved ones as they arrive at your wedding, hire a talented photographer. The Valleys reveal that guests had the opportunity to meet two fashion illustrators for a small wedding. They created their sketches for a keepsake.
8. Serve Simple Sips
It doesn’t take much to make your guests feel at home. A small gesture, such as a refreshing drink, can make your guests feel welcome. It’s possible to set up spa water dispensers or punch with cute cups and a welcoming sign.
9. Enjoy Fun with a Photo Booth
Do you want your guests to get involved in the fun immediately? Set up a photo booth station so guests can take their pictures as soon as they arrive. You can either work with your photographer or hire a photo booth vendor to do this activity. Make sure your backdrop is beautiful and reflects the theme of your wedding.
10. Designate your parents
Your parents can be your greeters. This is a great way to involve your parents and make them feel important on your special day. The planners shared that the couple’s parents stood on the bridge leading to the estate ceremony and eagerly waved at guests as they came down the walkway, embracing them with joy and hugs. It was a very memorable moment!
11. Create the Schedule
Are you planning to host multiple activities during the day? This knowledge will help you welcome your guests. Your designated greeter can give out a carefully designed schedule of events or include some goodies in a welcome package. This way, guests will know where and when they should be.
12. Serve a boxed snack
It’s possible that your guests travelled a long distance to reach your venue. Perhaps it is time to offer a snack for them upon their arrival. You don’t need to make a huge spread, especially if dinner is planned later. A pre-packaged option, with simple nibbles like focaccia with olive and balsamic, can be a great way to greet guests and keep them busy until dinner.
13. Lawn Games: Live it Up
You want to get everyone moving and have fun! You can set up a number of lawn games, including giant Connect Four and cornhole, along with personalized monograms. These games can be left in place so that the competition continues during the reception.
