“The perfect wedding “ is a dream of every bride across the globe spanning generations of women. Achieving the perfect wedding takes quite a bit of effort by brides everywhere and is often accompanied by a slew of wedding vendors and family members behind them in support. We all know the wedding is about the bride but somewhere in all of those tiny details very often the focus of being a great hostess too can slip through the cracks. Below are tips to help to be the best bridal hostess ever and to avoid common pitfalls that can leave messes to clean up after the honeymoon.
1. Starting from the beginning of the wedding planning process it is important to create the friendliest environment at the very start. The guest list. Make your list and check it twice, and three times, and four times till you get it right. The guest list is the epicenter of your entire wedding, it’s important to choose it wisely.
2. Plenty of wedding travel planning time. With the help of personalized wedding websites and “save the dates” giving your guests plenty of time to arrange travel plans and vacations is a great way keep them in your graces.
3. Information on the wedding destination: create a welcome package and itinerary for your guests upon arrival that detail the wedding event. Make sure to include details and directions to all of your key event locations as well as local happy hours to pass time, gather with other friends of the wedding or after hours locations for those who plan to keep the party rolling long after the band has stopped playing
4. There is nothing better then going to a wedding and sitting with a great group of people. When assigning seat arrangements for your reception do your best to keep the ex and new wives apart and the tables filled with like-minded people and laughter.
5. Food options at your wedding. This is very health conscious time for many of your guests. From a vegetarian option to food allergies it is an easy task to reach out to your banquet coordinator to help avoid a potentially dangerous situation if you are aware of some of your guests food limitations.
6. At the wedding, greet every last guest. This sounds like a daunting task depending in your wedding size, but it is one of your most important jobs on your wedding day. Remember these people are making financial and personal sacrifices to be preset at your nuptials. You can also try to cover your bases by getting the parents of the bride and groom in on this task. That way everyone feels well received and welcomed.
7. “Highway to Hell” and “Love Stinks” may be great songs to sing out loud in your car, but it has no place in your reception. Be sure to have a detailed conversation with your band or DJ about playing a wide variety of appropriate wedding music at your reception. This will help keep your two-year-old niece and great grandfather happy.
8. Thank you notes: Please, when the time comes be sure to put a lot of thought, personalization and sincerity in your thank you notes. Also, please make sure they arrive in a timely manner. If for some reason, they are tardy add a quick apology for its lateness. These things go a long way for your relationships.
When all else fails, obey the “Golden Rule” and have a fantastic wedding day filled with all the love and joy you deserve.
