Are you planning on a wedding day that spans from morning right the way through to midnight? Long weddings are popular for a reason; they allow you to celebrate the union in a variety of ways throughout the day, giving you the chance to spend time with every guest. Some weddings may even last several days.
Of course, if you’re planning on a full-day wedding, guest comfort is an absolute priority. The last thing you want is for your guests’ hunger, backache, or fatigue to prevent them from fully immersing themselves in your day. With this guide, you will keep your guests comfortable whether it’s first thing in the morning or approaching the early hours of the next day.
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Make Sure the Wedding Food Feeds Everyone
Your wedding menu matters a lot. As well as wanting to provide deliciously tempting food, whether you’re offering a tapas-like spread or a well-thought-out three-course meal, you want to ensure everyone is fully catered to.
When looking at wedding catering, focus on both what you like and your guests’ preferences. Ask yourself things like, “Does anyone have any allergies?” and “Are there vegan and vegetarian options?” You should also time the meals appropriately to ensure guests aren’t either overfed or left hungry; offering food in the morning, at lunch, and in the evening should suffice. Leave some space after a big meal before any physical activities, too.
Keep Refreshments on Rotation
Whether it’s hot, chilly, sunny, or rainy, your guests need to stay hydrated. To manage this, keep the refreshments on a constant rotation throughout the day. As well as offering tasty and alcoholic beverages (remembering not all guests will drink alcohol), have an area where guests can quench their thirst with some simple water.
Provide Ample Comfortable Seating
Standing up all day simply isn’t viable for a lot of people, especially those with disabilities (many of which are hidden) and the elderly. So, be sure to provide ample comfortable seating to everyone. Cushions on chairs can go a long way.
Have a Weather Contingency Plan
It’s the one thing you can’t control on your wedding day: the weather. To keep your guests comfortable, have a well-thought-out weather contingency plan. That may involve providing shelter if the wedding takes place outdoors, offering handheld fans for hotter days, and providing umbrellas for the rain.
Offer Flat Shoes
Many people attend weddings wearing their finest shoes, which are often high heels. While these look great, they might not be as fun to wear come the evening. To make dancing more enjoyable for all, have a basket full of new ballet flats for people with tired feet. They don’t have to be expensive, just make sure you provide them in a range of sizes.
Be Clear with Guest Communication
It’s not all about physical comfort, mental comfort matters, too. To make sure your guests feel comfortable from the moment they step into the venue, be crystal clear about the entire day. Beforehand, let people know the exact schedule, the type of ground (will there be grass?), and the type of refreshments/food you’ll provide. That way, guests can plan accordingly and fully enjoy your big day.