Engaging Guests in a Wedding Ceremony.
A wedding ceremony is one of the most significant and memorable events in a couple’s life, and it is also a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate the union of two people in love. However, it can be challenging for guests to feel like they are a part of the ceremony, especially if they are just there to witness the exchange of vows and rings.
Here are some ideas on how to involve guests in a wedding ceremony:
Pre-wedding events: One of the best ways to involve guests in a wedding ceremony is to engage them in pre-wedding events. This could include engagement parties, Stag/Hen parties. By including guests in these events, you allow them to feel like they are part of the wedding process, and it helps them to get to know the couple and the wedding party better.
However, sometimes being involved in these events can be expensive (3 day stag in Croatia in May anyone??) so perhaps a creative event in a local pub/function room where you bring your own refreshments and the couple serve cake whilst guests make button holes, flower arrangements, invitations or favours would be better – some of the wedmin is taken care of plus you get to spend time with your guests.
Guestbook: Have a table set up with a beautiful book or canvas where guests can write a message to the couple. This is a lovely way to get guests involved in the wedding and creates a cherished keepsake for the couple to treasure. Perhaps create a hashtag and then photos taken by guests can be uploaded to a shared drive to be printed and added to the guestbook or record videos and upload lots of video messages of congratulation and good luck.
Ushers: Ushers are an essential part of a wedding ceremony, as they help to seat guests and make sure everyone is comfortable. However, they can also be used to involve guests in the ceremony. Ushers can hand out programs, provide guests with confetti or bubbles for the exit, and even help escort guests to the reception venue.
Ceremony programs: Creating a ceremony program is a fantastic way to involve guests in the wedding ceremony. Not only does it provide guests with a timeline of events, but it can also include information about the couple, the wedding party, and the significance of the ceremony. This is a great way to keep people informed if there are due to be any changes to what traditionally happens, for instance I didn’t do a first dance but did include a pub quiz!
Unity ceremony: A unity ceremony is a beautiful way to involve guests in the wedding ceremony. It could include a sand ceremony, a candle lighting ceremony, a wine ceremony or my favourite this year is a cocktail making ceremony. This is a symbolic way to represent the unity of the couple, and it allows guests to feel like they are a part of the ceremony.
Readings: Having guests do readings during the ceremony is an excellent way to involve them in the wedding. Choose readings that have significance to the couple and ask guests to do a reading during the ceremony. This not only adds a personal touch to the ceremony, but it also allows guests to feel like they are contributing to the wedding.
Music: Music is an essential part of any wedding ceremony, and it is also a great way to involve guests. Have a live band or DJ play music before and after the ceremony and ask guests to suggest songs for the playlist.
Guest participation: Encourage guests to participate in the ceremony. This could include singing a song or hymn, doing a group prayer, or reciting a special vow. A ceremony with “All you need is love” by the Beatles written on placards and accompanied by a talented guitarist is epic or how about getting your guests to vow something to you – babysitting services or just being there should you need a cuppa and a chat?
Photobooths: Involve guests in the wedding by taking photos with them, perhaps a group pic a table at a time?
Have a designated area set up for photo ops, and provide props like hats, sunglasses, and signs. These don’t have to be fancy, although some DJs and photographers have pods to hire that are awesome, a mobile phone connected to a Bluetooth printer and a guest book to stick them into as an awesome keepsake.
Whatever you choose, remember that your guests have accepted your invitation because they want to be there with you and for you in support of your marriage and to celebrate your love, they are more than likely expecting not to be called on for any involvement so don’t feel bad if these ideas are not for you – it’s the small stuff at a wedding we sweat the most and most easily forgotten. More importantly, take time to check in with every guest and thank them for being there, it will mean more than a wedding favour of a pot of honey or pack of sweets and couldn’t be more personalised.
