Give your guests the ultimate sensory experience by following the following guidelines while planning your wedding:
Sight. Well yes you want everyone to see you, but we’re talking about the ceremony and reception. Make sure that both sites are aesthetically pleasing and in keeping with the theme of your event. The theme of your event should be evident when your guests arrive. Use colors, candles, programs, place cards, accessories and flowers to make it memorable. Excite your guests by using color in unexpected ways like food and beverages or décor accents.
Smell. We often associate specific scents with events in our lives. Use flowers and foods to create nostalgic feeling for your guests. Having a country wedding? Serve old fashioned biscuits and homemade jellies to give guests feelings of intimacy and family.
Sound. The chitter chatter of your guests, the first dance or the live band performing. Make sure that the audio sensations are engaging and appropriate for the age group and lifestyles of your guests. If most of your guests are older, be sure and include their interest in musical selections to be sure that everyone enjoys the festivities.
Taste. Many couples spend a lot of time and money selecting the best menu. In this area quality is always better than quantity. Pair great foods with complementary wines that please the palettes. Use the cocktail hour to infuse interesting and scintillating foods into the wedding. Food can also be used to pay homage to your heritage and evoke memories of lands far away.
Touch. Integrate various textures into your wedding décor. Have guests use a feathered pen for signing the guest book. Use leaves as escort cards for your fall wedding. Don guest chairs with overlays or crystal sashes.
Use the hints above to keep your guests talking about your wedding for years to come.
Vanessa Wakeman is an Event Producer and principal of INDULGENCE, a wedding and event planning firm. She is also the host of
The Wedding Coach cable TV show and Creative Director for
Wedding Fantasies the annual upscale bridal event. You can reach her at
vwakeman@indulgenceny.com or call 212-500-5953.
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