- Make sure there's no more than an hour of downtime between the ceremony's end and the start of the reception; it's not nice to force out-of-towners to kill the better part of an afternoon in a doughnut shop. I personally recommend the ever popular 'cocktail hour.' Keep it simple by serving a few signature drinks and some light appetizers. It'll keep guest entertained while you, your wedding party, and/or family members are doing pictures.
- Keep guests in the loop. That means having the DJ or emcee explain anything unusual. The last wedding I did had a surprise bagpiper and a surprise video show. Neither would have made sense to guests (or the bride, who it was kept secret from) without some explanation over the microphone.
- Be hosts. Greet all of your guests, even if you don't know some, either on a receiving line or by going table-to-table. And don't ask anyone to pay for anything (No cash bar!). Receiving lines are becoming less popular because it does not give you enough time to interact fully with guests. If you choose to opt-out of this tradition, make it a point to let guests know that you WILL be coming table-to-table during the reception. Every guest will want to talk to you, and may feel offended if you don't make a point to talk to them.
- Throw a wedding, not a business conference. Avoid long speeches, longer slideshows, and anything that smacks of sponsorship. Remember, your guests are there to have fun and CELEBRATE.
- Make your guests comfort your priority. Inviting an elderly aunt? Don't make her scale a small alp to get to the ceremony. Tying the knot at a farm? Let guests know they should leave the heels and ties at home. And—duh—make sure there's plenty of food and drink. Another idea I love is to provide all your bridesmaids with flip flops matching their dresses. It's a nice gesture so those feet of theirs don't hurt by the end of the night and no one has to go barefoot.
Italic after-thoughts, written by Lauren Olson.
