Hints for a successful wedding

 

1 DIM THE LIGHTS  Arrange the lights to be dimmed. Many people feel self-conscious dancing in bright light.

2 SEATING ARRANGEMENT  If possible, seat older guests and those with sensitive hearing farthest away from where the speakers will be.

 3 DANCING  If the bride and groom, bridal party, and parents of the bride and groom dance early and often, the rest of the guests will quickly follow. The bridal party can also help get other relatives involved by asking them to dance.

4 KEEP EVERYONE TOGETHER  Try to always keep guests in the main reception room. If the bridal party leaves the main reception room for any length of time, your guests will follow.

5 FEED THE TALENT  It's always advised to have a meal available for the DJ and musicians. When they have the optimum energy to work, the better your event will be. If possible, arrange it so they are fed when the food first comes out so that when the meal is over they are ready to play a great set without having to hurry their food down.

6 PHOTOGRAPHS  Try to have family pictures taken during cocktails or at the very end of the evening. It's best to have the bridal party around during the reception so they can participate in the formalities and dancing.

7 KEEP THE LIGHTS LOW  Some venues start making the lights brighter an hour or so before the party is supposed to end. This can make guests think that the party is ending soon. Ask them not to do this.

8 ENDING TIME  If your wedding is on Sunday, try to end it on the early side. Many guests don't want to stay out too late because they have work the next day.

9 DANCING DURING DINNER  If you want dancing between courses, make sure you tell the maitre'd or event manager. Some venues ask the dj or band to have the guests remain seated until the course is through.

These suggestions may not apply to your wedding. But they're our observations based on many years of doing weddings and events.