The goal of countless couples is to host a wedding so memorable that attendees talk about it for years. Among the list of ways to make the wedding experience enjoyable for guests, the latest trend is to incorporate interactive, hands-on elements throughout the festivities. Based on recent online discussions and coverage, here are some ingenious methods couples are using to actively involve their wedding party in the ceremony and reception.
Consider the traditional procession. Instead of having the best men and maid of honor merely escort the bridesmaids and groomsmen, couples can add another layer of participation by having them perform live music or sing as they march. This can be anything, from a classic melody to a modern pop song, that signifies the bond shared by the couple and their attendees.
Guests can be invited to take part in the unity ceremony, a sentimental tradition symbolizing the joining of two lives. Instead of the typical candle lighting or sand pouring by the couple alone, everyone present can be invited to contribute. For instance, at a beach wedding, each attendee can collect a shell and, in a symbolic gesture, place it inside a designated vessel.
Drawing from a Jewish tradition, the chuppah or wedding canopy symbolizes the home that the couple will build together. Having friends or family help assemble the chuppah on the spot can serve as a poignant metaphor for their support in building the couple’s new life.
Including the wedding party in the vow gathering, too, can make the ceremony more engaging. Having guests write their hopes, advice, or wishes for the couple on pieces of paper or even river stones can serve dual-purpose: participants feel more intimately connected to the ceremony, and the couple gathers an enduring memento of the day.
At the reception, consider involving the guests more actively in the toasting. Rather than the traditional toasts by the best man or maid of honor, couples could initiate a “community toast,” where all guests are invited to say a few words.
For the dance party portion of the reception, couples are turning to “guest DJ” slots. This allows various attendees to control the music for a stretch of time – a fun, personal way to involve guests and diversify the evening’s playlist. Some couples even hold a mini dance-off where each table gets to show off their best moves.
Interactive food and drink stations also make it possible to include guests in an enjoyable, hands-on way. As an alternative to the classic seated dinner or buffet, these stations – from make-your-own taco bars to customized cocktail mix zones – give guests a fun break from regular wedding routine and the opportunity to tailor the dinner to their taste.
In the age of selfies and social media, a dedicated “wedding hashtag” can provide guests the chance to be your wedding photographers. These instant and highly personalized photos not only engage guests, but also create a digital photo album capturing the special moments from their perspective.
Lastly, an increasingly popular option is the “guest book” alternative, where guests can leave fingerprints on a canvas, write messages on Jenga pieces, or contribute to a ‘wish wall.’ This not only involves attendees, but it also provides the couple with a unique keepsake.
Looking through recent online coverage affirms that a significant shift in wedding trends is occurring, moving from a passive viewer experience to an interactive, participatory adventure that becomes a shared experience for all involved. Engaging the wedding party in the ceremony and reception in these ways ensures that everyone present has a meaningful, memorable role in the couple’s big day.
Original Source: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/creative-ways-to-include-your-wedding-party-in-the-ceremony-and-reception/
