"Love is Blind, But Beware of Blindness at Weddings! What Kind of Weddings Make Guests Feel Uncomfortable?"
2016.11.15 published
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Wedding. Are You Only Pursuing Your Preferences?
A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event. To hold a wonderful ceremony, many brides are incredibly devoted to coordinating details, selecting venues, decorating the venue, and DIY projects.
However, recently there have been increasing scenarios where this devotion can burden the guests, leading them to feel "displeased." Are you becoming blind to your wedding, just as being in love can blind you? This time, let's introduce the top three things that guests feel unhappy about. Are you okay with this…?
What Guests Dislike the Most: No. 1 - Outdoor Performances
The number one performance that guests find unpleasant is [outdoor performances]. Nowadays, there are more wedding venues with large gardens or balconies. It’s common to have garden ceremonies, welcome parties, dessert buffets, and balloon releases.
However, the weather that allows all guests, dressed in suits or dresses, to comfortably enjoy themselves is quite limited. For everyone to have a pleasant time, it must be pleasantly sunny or lightly overcast—not too cold or hot, with strong sunlight or glare, and not too dark at the time of the event. Considering this, it can be quite challenging.
Since it's a once-in-a-lifetime wedding, brides considering outdoor performances may think, “The rain has stopped,” “It’s a bit chilly, but…” or “The evening sun is a little strong, but…” However, these weather conditions may not be comfortable for all the guests. If you want to genuinely host everyone, it’s safer to avoid performances outside unless the conditions are perfect.
If you absolutely want to have an outdoor performance, it’s advisable to choose a date and time with guest comfort in mind and prepare a space that can accommodate unexpected rain.
What Guests Dislike the Most: No. 2 - The Distance Between Ceremony and Reception Venues
The second point that guests find unpleasant is the distance between the wedding venue and the reception venue. It’s not uncommon for brides to have searched many venues until they found their ideal one for this once-in-a-lifetime wedding!
Is the chosen wedding venue conveniently located for your guests? Does it take two to three hours to get there? Do they have to change trains three or four times? Are transportation options extremely limited, like only one train per hour? Is there a long distance between the wedding venue and the reception venue?
While having the ideal wedding venue is important, it is also crucial that it is accessible to the guests. If you really want to wed at a distant venue, please remember to take care of the guests (such as providing travel expenses or arranging buses) as well.
The third item that guests find unpleasant is the existence of dress codes. Having a dress code like “Please come in casual clothing” or “Incorporate a bit of yellow somewhere” can create a sense of unity and make the event lovely, reminiscent of a destination wedding.
But how do guests feel about this…?
Guests often spend time and money preparing for the wedding, such as getting their suits cleaned, buying new dresses, and having their hair and makeup done, along with bringing gifts. Saying “We have a dress code” on top of that can be quite burdensome, don’t you think?
In many countries, dress codes are the norm, so when they say “Please come in casual clothing,” they generally know what kind of casual attire is appropriate. However, some guests may struggle with this concept in a Japanese wedding setting, which is often not familiar to them. There have even been brides who received feedback from their mentors about this.
When designating a dress code, it’s wise to consider the age and vibe of the guests. Conduct such events like 1.5 parties or second receptions with just friends and close family, as those who understand the dress code will likely enjoy their preparations.
To Avoid Blindness About Your Wedding! Consider Your Guests
A once-in-a-lifetime wedding is fantastic; it’s great to come up with various ideas for a personalized wedding. However, it’s counterproductive if the guests feel uncomfortable.
Please remember to express gratitude and hospitality towards your guests while holding your beautiful wedding ceremony!