1) Wedding events: For our wedding, we added 2 extra events to which everyone was invited: field day and the rehearsal afterparty. Our wedding was on a Saturday, but on Friday afternoon we organized a field day in a local park. We brought in a food truck, prepared semi-competitive games, and played for prizes and glory (I'll write a more in-depth post about this soon). We asked everyone to RSVP and we strategically made teams so that each of the 7 teams had some athletic people, some outgoing people, and 1 or 2 slightly shy people. It definitely encouraged mingling and friend-making, which helped our guests feel more comfortable boogie-ing at the wedding. Additionally, for the rehearsal afterparty, we told all our guests that we would be at a certain bar 8-10pm on Friday night. We picked a relaxed dive bar near the rehearsal dinner location and convinced the bar to extend their happy hour deals to our guests. Both of these events gave our guests opportunities to get to know one another, plus Kevin and I were able to spend more time with friends, particularly those who don't live in Denver. As evidenced by our rehearsal afterparty, an extra wedding event doesn't necessarily have to come at extra expense to you. Other options might be inviting all out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner or having a backyard party with lawn games the night before. Ask a couple outgoing friends to help with mingling.
2) Lighting: We have all been to that event. Dinner ends and dancing begins, but the lights don't dim. You don't want to be the first to step on the dance floor because grandma and grandpa are sitting directly in front of it, waiting to judge your moves. Awkward. Adequate lighting is great during dinner when you want people to converse and know what's on their fork. But most people don't like jamming in the spotlight once the party gets rolling. See if your venue can dim the lights and if your DJ or band has any kind of party lighting.
3) Beverages: An open bar is expensive. I get it. We were fortunate enough to have a venue that doesn't have its own bar, so we were able to purchase alcohol at CostCo and return the unopened wine bottles and cases of beer. Let's get real: as a guest, you don't enjoy having to pull out your wallet at a wedding reception. And a little liquid lubricant can help your cousin Rachel find the confidence to introduce herself to that cute groomsmen, and the two of them become the hit of the dance floor. There are lots of ways to keep costs down on your bar. Instead of a full bar, go with beers, wines, and a signature cocktail. Shut the bar down during dinner but have it open during cocktail hour and dancing. Avoid premium liquors. Assign someone to cut off Uncle Fred when he's had too much. This is one of those areas in which some extra spending can pay off when it comes to the fun level.
4) Your Entrance: You've said your vows, taken some pictures, signed the marriage license, and relaxed behind the scenes for a minute. All your guests have been seated and they are waiting on you. There's nothing to get a party going like an awesome entrance. We were lucky enough to have these stairs as our stage:
Choose an upbeat song, ask your bridal party to dance out in front of you, and have the DJ or band announce your entrance. Asking a few friends to loudly whistle and cheer can help pump up the guests as well. A goofy, fun entrance signals guests that party time is about to begin and helps them feel free to bust a move. We went right into our first dance after the entrance so that guests could start dancing as soon as they were ready.
5) Toasts: We went to a wedding a while back and sat through a father-of-the-bride speech that was at least 20 minutes long. By the end, my drink was empty, my stomach was full, and inertia had caught up with me. It took a few minutes to motivate myself to hit the dance floor and another few songs to really get myself in party mode. A long toast, even when it is heartfelt and poignant and funny, can put a damper on the mood. We had 7 toasts: 4 bridesmaids, 2 of the 5 groomsmen, and my dad. But because they were all short and lighthearted (at 3 or 4 minutes, my dad's was the longest), it flew by and the party started. Give time limits to those making toasts and instruct them to make it a true toast by raising glasses at the end. This ensures that everyone feels involved in the well-wishes.
6) Relax: Put yourself in a position where you and your new spouse are able to have fun. In the weeks and months before the wedding, stay organized and plan ahead. Consider what might go wrong and prepare backup plans. Assign people to duties that need to be completed last-minute and day-of. Prepare, prepare, prepare. For the last week or few days before your wedding, make time to spend with family and friends. Trust that the work you put in will lead to an amazing day. And on the day of your wedding, relax with your wedding party and mother figure. Put on music you enjoy, pour a beverage (just 1 or 2!), eat a good breakfast, and look forward to seeing your love. A lot of hard work ahead of time means smooth sailing on your day. And when something goes wrong (and something probably will), look into the eyes of your beloved and know that everything is perfect as long as you are together. Then hit the dance floor and celebrate, because you will likely never have so many friends and family gathered in one place again.
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