From a Family Perspective: Reflections and Highlights from Attending a Family Wedding【Summary】

2022.07.30 published

【Family Wedding】Thoughts from a Guest's Perspective (Honestly)

Recently, I attended my brother's wedding. It was a beautiful day, filled with a happy atmosphere, and the bride looked stunning and adorable. As a family member, I felt genuinely relieved that my brother's wedding was a success.♡

I spent the entire day at the venue, from morning until evening, and during the waiting times and various moments, I noted down my thoughts, questions, and the good things from a guest's perspective.

It might be a bit nitpicky, considering that usually, people don't notice or care about such details... but I would be happy if you could see it as just another viewpoint.

①

The introduction of relatives and the group photo session of the family before and after the ceremony.

Given the atmosphere at the time, everyone was probably a bit nervous, leading to a rather awkward silence that made me feel a bit restless...

Especially during the photo session, the photographer, who I had hoped would lighten the mood a bit, was focused on adjusting guests' positions and checking if clothes were straight.

There was a sense of tension in the air, making everyone's smiles feel a bit stiff...?

As a measure, if there had been background music playing in the room, it could have created a softer, more comfortable atmosphere, allowing people to relax.

For example, if there had been children among the relatives, their innocent voices would have made the surroundings feel more heartwarming (even the cries of children are welcome), but with only adults, it tended to be quiet, so I felt the power of background music was significant at that time.

Even if the time dedicated to introducing relatives and taking family pictures was only about 10 minutes, it might be good to at least ask if music can be played.

②

Next, regarding the events in the family waiting room before the ceremony started.

While waiting, the photographer came over and asked, "May I film a video message for the bride and groom?"

It’s a standard filming during weddings, but even though it was just the groom's side family in the waiting room, there were relatives from both the father's and mother's sides who were meeting for the first time. When it came to filming, everyone felt pressured to be quiet, so filming in the tense silence felt a bit embarrassing...!

At my friends' weddings, filming often happens in a busy lobby or during the reception, which is quite comforting for someone like me who gets nervous.

I thought it might be a good idea to have some background music playing in the waiting room as well...? But I wonder if that's difficult for the venue to arrange?＊

③

Next, something I appreciated during the ceremony♡

During the bride's entrance, I think everyone turns around to firmly remember the bride’s appearance...

I, however, also captured a photo of the groom at that moment.

I was curious about the expression on my brother's face as he gazed at the bride, and being able to later tell the bride "You should see the look on his face♡" made it worthwhile to take the photo.

I definitely recommend that the groom's family captures this moment.

④

Another point related to photographs.

There was a sentiment expressed by a previous bride on Instagram that stuck with me: there's surprisingly little time for family-only photos...!

In the relatives' waiting room, they took family photos, but that was only with the groom and his family.

The photos of the bride and groom together with both families weren’t taken at all that day, which left me a bit regretful (though it might not have been avoidable...!).

However, since there was a photo session in the venue after the reception, I thought we could have quickly taken a family photo there if we tried! It might be good to inform family and relatives, "We'll be having a photo session in the venue after the reception," beforehand.♡

⑤

My grandfather, who has back problems, attended the ceremony in a wheelchair.

The venue kindly provided a wheelchair, set up a ramp for small stairs, and their staff diligently pushed the wheelchair with care, which was very considerate and reassuring.

However, it seemed that arrangements for the wheelchair on the day would differ from venue to venue—whether someone who came with the family would go to get it from the lobby, or if it would be prepared in the family waiting room.

It might seem like a small detail, but having that confirmed would give reassurance to guests who use wheelchairs, so I wanted to share that.

⑥

Finally, this is a point not necessarily related to being family...

At the moment when the opening movie and profile video started to play, I noticed a play button briefly visible on the screen, and I thought, "Was that always there...?"

Of course, I know I’m overthinking it 😂, but since I hadn’t noticed it before, I was slightly curious about it.

These were my thoughts as a guest at the family wedding＊

A family wedding brings unique joy that feels different from that of friends or colleagues.

I shared what I appreciated and felt from a family perspective, so I hope it can be helpful to someone.

The wedding was genuinely fun and happy, making it an important day in my life.♡