It seems to me that there are two kinds of wedding guests. There are close friends and family, who feel involved in everything at the wedding and the reception. And then there are the more distant guests: acquaintances, associates, friends of the family, and people there with a date.
Some of my clients have been acutely aware of the predicament of the more distant type of guest. They have instructed me to keep the reception activities moving along and interesting so people don’t get bored. There are also a few other things you can do to help those guests, if you want to.
Few people are bored when there is a band playing. Photo courtesy of christytylerphotography.com.
Just playing music, either live or from a DJ, can help the guests have something to do. If there are performers, there is something to watch. And if you are in an interesting location (a historic house or building, a park, etc.) your guests may find ways to amuse themselves without any help.
If you’re having a seated meal, try to seat your guests at tables where they have something in common with another guest. If you are having a cocktail reception, ask a member of the wedding party or a close friend to keep an eye out for the people who look like they aren’t talking to anyone and introduce them to family or friends.
And think about whether or not you ask your acquaintances to bring a date. A guest who doesn’t know anyone will enjoy themselves much more if they bring someone to talk to.
In the end, though, your guests will have to fend for themselves. Most people know what they are getting in to when they go to a wedding where they don’t know anyone. The outgoing ones among them will meet people. The rest will have a pleasant evening.
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