Although your wedding day is meant to celebrate your love as a couple, it’s also about hosting an epic party that your friends, family and guests will look back on with memories of a night well spent. And with a plethora of other weddings that your guests will be attending, going the extra mile can make yours really stand out from the crowd. The best part is, it doesn’t really take a lot to throw down a memorable and exciting evening. The key is to think of your wedding day an experience that should be catered to your guests as well as your own preferences.
Learn more about how to host the best wedding in Ottawa this year with our expert tips below.
Make Your Ceremony Short and Sweet
There’s really no need to have a ceremony that stretches over an hour long. And even though your family and guests are all there to celebrate your happy day, sitting for such an extended length of time with a drawn-out ceremony is a sure way to lose their attention fast. Try to keep it snappy and brief, aiming under 20 minutes so you can capture the moment perfectly and then get the day moving so everyone can enjoy the celebrations.
Create Welcome Baskets for Out-of-Town Guests
If you have family or friends travelling from overseas, they’ll be spending a lot out of pocket just to attend your wedding. One way to thank them and show your appreciation for making an effort to be there is by making up a welcome basket to greet them. This could include some simple items to make their stay more convenient and enjoyable, like snacks, fruit, a bottle of wine, water, cheese and any other staples you think might be necessary. It’s a simple gesture that will mean a lot to them.
Plan Your Seating Chart Carefully
Another important tip to consider is your seating chart. This is an integral part of hosting an enjoyable evening for you and your guests. Make sure to give careful thought when determining table groups and who will sit beside each other. Focus on placing people with similarities – backgrounds, career points, interests, age, lifestyles – together so they can enjoy the company they’re with and have a good conversation (which is a vital part of hosting a great reception!).
Personally Greet All Guests
Remember, your guests are there to celebrate and spend time with you, not just simply observe and watch. That’s why we always recommend personally greeting each of your guests. This can be done as everyone leaves the ceremony, as they enter the dinner reception or you can mix and mingle with them all on the dance floor. Just be sure to make the time to say hello, have a chat and show your gratitude for them being there.
Keep Speeches Short
Like with the ceremony, speeches are also best kept short, sweet and under a few minutes. Drawing them out will also lose the attention of guests and even dampen the mood of the evening if it’s drawn out. So ask friends and family to keep it under 5 minutes and get your DJ situation so they can queue in some music if needed to politely keep it the ball rolling.
Find the Perfect Venue
Once you know how many guests will be attending, spend time sussing out local venues to host your wedding. The venue is, of course, one of the most important elements of the day as it sets the stage. So look for reputable venues that can provide the services you’ll need, like professional in-house catering, modern décor, ample space and onsite parking, and professional guest services to help make your day as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
At St. Elias Centre, we’ll help you host the best wedding in Ottawa! With our award-winning team, professional catering by our in-house Executive Chef, and all of the amenities you’ll need to host your special day, we’ll help to ensure your wedding leaves the right impression with your family and guests. Contact us today to learn more or to set up a tour.