With many weddings now doubling as reunions - we've seen an influx of inquiries for a full wedding weekend. We love how hospitable our couples are and how they're looking for ways to elevate the guest experience in new ways! We chatted with expert wedding planners Lindsey Shaktman (Maine & Destination) and Stephanie Janian (Boston & Cape Cod) during a recent ‘virtual office’ because both planners in the midst of orchestrating Friday-Sunday celebrations to hear some ideas for how to make your wedding events feel special, and not like an afterthought.
Get the party started, early
The wedding weekend starts before your guests even arrive. One of my destination clients wanted everyone to have a fun journey to the wedding site and shared a custom playlist for everyone to listen to during their travels.
Color outside the lines
A themed welcome party can be a fun way to think outside of the box and make sure everyone feels relaxed heading into the weekend. Even adults love a good costume moment - I’ve had couples make contests out of the best outfit for the welcome party! Pattern play, anyone?
Think logically
Lean into what the area offers already for activities on the morning of the wedding. Guests will be up late on this day so keeping everyone local and relaxed will be important. Think: a morning hike followed by lunch or a quiet afternoon at the pool, both good ways to ease into the excitement of the wedding evening.
Treat your guests
It's all about guest experience and creating those ‘wow-worthy’ moments. I have one couple who is treating their wedding party and closest friends to a polo match two days after their wedding, and another who we have hired a local band to perform on the beach for about 3 hours while guests play games and eat fun finger foods.
Ready to start dreaming up your perfect weekend your wedding planner? Click the contact button below, and we'll set a time to chat.