"Small Considerations Matter: Special Ideas to Keep Guests Engaged During the Wait Between Ceremony and Reception"

2016.04.22 published

The Unavoidable "Waiting Time Problem" at Weddings

At weddings, there is an unavoidable "waiting time problem." Before the ceremony starts, before the reception begins, and before the bride and groom reappear after changing outfits... Preparation takes time for the bride and groom. Since they want their guests to see them in their best bridal appearance, a bit of waiting time is inevitable...

Let's Provide "Hospitality" to Keep Guests Engaged!

However! It would be great if the guests who have made the effort to attend could enjoy even the waiting time with a little creativity, leaving them saying things like "It was a wonderful wedding♡."

This time, we present six ideas to keep guests entertained during the "waiting time from the ceremony to the reception"♩

[Idea 1: Prepare Photo Props]

First, let's prepare "photo props" for the photo booth ♩ Having photo props that anyone can easily pick up will add excitement during photo sessions ♩

Place these "photo props" in the waiting area or near the reception! It's the start of a photoshoot with friends who have gathered after a long time, camera in hand ♡ Even if they won't be used during the reception's theme or performance, let's create photo props for such waiting times ♡

[Idea 2: Farewell Message Board]

Next, we suggest a "farewell message board" as an idea. Recently, popular guest books include "heart drops," where guests write their names and messages on hearts and drop them into a mason jar, which is very cute ♩

A "guest book" where everyone can write personal messages becomes a cherished keepsake since each person's handwriting is different, and receiving messages written just for you is truly moving... ♡ Opportunities to gather messages like this are rare, making it a valuable experience that can turn into a lifelong treasure ♡

[Idea 3: Provide Snacks and Welcome Drinks]

After a formal ceremony, everyone wants to take a breather and relax, right? Having welcome drinks and some light snacks during this time will surely make guests happy.

Choose drinks and snacks that match the season ♩ Simply placing "welcome straws" can make affordable drinks stylish, and you can even sell mason jars at stores like Seria, turning welcome drinks into mini gifts ♡

[Idea 4: Play a Slideshow]

Many people show a "life video" during the reception, but because the screening time and the number of photos are limited, choosing the right ones can be tough! Why not gather all those stunning photos you couldn't choose and create a "slideshow" to show during the waiting time? ♡

While it's nice to display lots of photos around the venue, a downside is that guests have to get up to see them... With a slideshow, they can enjoy it from their seats, which also shows consideration for older guests ♡

[Idea 5: Add a Personal Touch to Place Cards and Napkins]

Pay attention to the design of the place cards placed at guests' seats ♡ You could include a message or their initials or provide place cards that match the wedding theme. You could also arrange the way napkins are folded to add a bit of fun for the guests ♡

There are various ways to fold napkins, from simple to unique designs ♩ Recently, "video tutorials" have been released on platforms like YouTube, so let’s practice folding napkins that fit your wedding ♩

[Idea 6: Place Recommended Books]

Display "picture books" that the bride and groom loved as kids, covering them with comments, or place popular "blood type books" from a while ago. This could spark conversations about yourselves and make the waiting time enjoyable for everyone ♡

A recent trend was "My Birthday Book," which includes all 366 days of the year, including leap years, detailing the personality, love fortune, family fortune, and famous people born on the same day! This intricately written book will definitely get guests engaged in conversation ♡

I Want to Hear "It was a Wonderful Wedding♡!"

We have introduced six ideas to ensure that the "waiting time from the ceremony to the reception" is engaging and entertaining for guests ♡ A little consideration and effort for your guests can make a beautiful wedding even more wonderful. Please consider these ideas! ♡