Give Thanks to Your Guests with this Inspo!

Your wedding day is your most special day, something that holds extra significance in your life in comparison to all your other events. While it is a magical journey, it is very easy to feel like you and your partner are wrapped up in a bubble and your special day is only about you. While it is true that the world does revolve around you and your partner on your wedding day, it is also true that a wedding day is not that easy to pull off without the help of your near and dear friends and loved ones. Without your bridesmaids to make the event more fun, without the help of your sister and friends, and without the emotional support of your parents, you can't imagine hosting a wedding! Whether it is that they are helping you with the wedding chores or that they have arrived on your wedding day to shower you with blessings, it is important to remember that the happy events of our lives are only made happier when shared with our loved ones. We know that the wedding day is an emotional day and a lot is going on, but if you take some time out to express your gratitude towards your guests, it will surely mean a lot to them. Whether it is your family who has put you in the center of their priority for the past few weeks and has rushed and scoured to meet all of your whims, or it is your grandparents or the distant aunt who have traveled across the country to be present on your special day, the truth remains that your guests have traveled from near and far to rejoice with you on your wedding day. While you and your spouse are truly the stars of the evening, it’s important that you show your appreciation for your family members and friends who have loved and supported you through it all.

While it may feel like your loved ones already know how much you appreciate their efforts, sometimes you just need to spell it out and tell them in words or actions or whatever it takes! It not only makes them feel special and loved and appreciated, but it also lets them know that you value their presence in the important occasions of your life. If you and your partner have all the love in your hearts for your wedding crew but are contemplating how exactly to say thanks, here are some of the ways you can accomplish that!

The invitation: The wedding invitation is the first official step towards the wedding day and needs to be done just right. If it is towards people whom you really treasure, you can send in a personal note too. The perfect, thoughtful invitation sets the tone of gratitude for your wedding. Make sure you express in perfect words how their presence will mean everything to you, and do include some gifts to get them excited about the lovely day to come! Whether it is a sneak peek of the wedding theme or something they can use on the wedding day, keep it fun and exciting!

Welcome them well: A good, heartfelt welcome goes a long way and stays with the guests forever. Go the extra mile by welcoming your guests with some welcome drinks, and a little welcome basket for when they arrive at their hotels. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate, just something to let them know you have been thinking about them, maybe something to drink, some snacks or the schedule for the wedding weekends, if it's a destination wedding, and a small note! Just getting the welcome basket with little goodies will be enough to warm their hearts, especially if they have been traveling long hours to get to the venue!

Accommodation: Whether you are having them over in your place or arranging for accommodation for their stay, ensuring they have a nice place to stay, and they are comfortable is something that is your responsibility. Even if your guests are paying for their own hotel rooms, send over a welcome hamper or pay for an upgrade or an add-on facility like access to the spa or the hotel gym to ensure they make the most of the stay. If you are hosting a wedding over the weekend, or in a wedding venue that is a little out of the way, you can also consider paying for your close ones to spend the night in the venue’s accommodations, which can be a nice treat for them. 

Transportation: If you’re hosting a wedding with a lot of out-of-towners showing up, arranging for transportation will not only be something that your guests will appreciate, but will also save you a lot of stress and confusion. Also, there is no denying that it is a nice gesture to provide transportation to and from their lodging, as this way your guests can feel free to have a drink and celebrate without worrying about finding a safe ride at the end of the night. We sure believe that arranging for transportation will surely make your guests feel special when they arrive, and well taken care of when they leave, which is a fabulous way to express your gratitude. 

Ensure a good time: Sometimes you don't need loud proclamations, and it's the little things that convey the message across loud and clear. Ensuring your guests are well taken care of, are comfortable, and are having a good time is something that says a lot in itself. The way to do this lies in smart planning and having all the arrangements done way in advance. Are their dietary restrictions taken into account? Is there a plan to have them covered in case of bad weather? Can all of your guests be comfortable keeping the weather in mind? Do you have shrugs for them in cold weather or hand fans on the hot summer days? Are there accommodations for guests with special needs? Taking these things into account is a silent yet powerful way of saying thanks to your wedding guests!

Leave a note: There is something sentimental and romantic about leaving a note, so do it for the guests who grace your special day with their presence! Whether it’s in your ceremony programs, or placed on each table or place setting, whether it is posted as signage, or said in sentimental polaroid pictures, this is something which is sure to move your wedding guest to tears, and they will remember the memorable day for the rest of their lives! In the case of wedding signage, there are so many options out there, but if you are making the effort to have individual notes, make it special. Referring to exclusive moments that you share and anecdotes that you had together, or an inside joke, can really make that note really special and memorable.

Mix and mingle: While we understand that you and your partner will have plenty on your plate on the wedding day, do make an effort to mingle with your guests throughout the evening and carve out some to circle around the reception area, and go from the table to table to greet your guests, and personally thank them for attending your special day. It is not only good wedding etiquette, it will make your guests so happy that you made the effort to stop by and talk to them. You can also have your close ones join you on the dance floor so that you can share some precious moments together. There is no greater way to make your guests know you are thankful for their presence than by spending time with the people who showed up for you on your wedding day!

Say it in a speech: Gifts and fun facilities can do a lot, but it's nothing compared to words. Just pouring your heart out and saying your words of thanks in a speech will make your guests feel special and valued. Before cutting your cake and getting the reception started, you and your spouse should take a quick turn on the microphone to thank your family members, besties, and the guests attending your special day. You don’t even have to write a formal speech for this, just go with your heart, and express your heartfelt gratitude. You can start with simply thanking everyone for coming, and add a few special words about your families or whoever contributed their time and afford to plan and host the wedding. 

A thoughtful wedding favor: Gifts sure make one feel special, and we are yet to meet anyone who doesn't like a little something. Especially when wedding favors are in order, this is the perfect window of opportunity to express your gratitude. It doesn't have to be expensive or grand, as it is really the thought that counts. Whether it is a succulent for their work desk, or a late-night snack, or a cocktail kit to keep the party going after the wedding day, there are a variety of favor options to pick from. You can go as simple or elaborate for your wedding favors as per your wedding budget and your wedding theme. 

Thank you card: While it is customary to send a thank-you card after your wedding day, make it special! The wedding might be over, but make sure that your guests know that you really appreciated their presence on your special day! Try to do a handwritten note to your guests and make reference to what you enjoyed the most during your time with them. Send along a picture with the thank-you note so that they can remember the day forever. A thank-you note doesn't have to be a customary etiquette but in fact something really sweet and heartfelt! And sending a sweet note really helps them remember your wedding as a fond memory for the rest of their lives! 

Plus one invite: Be mindful of your guests' relationship and offer them a plus one in case they have a special someone to bring to the wedding. Plus one is a silent way of letting them know that you not only appreciate them but also acknowledge their relationship and extend your invitation to their special person too. This lets your guests feel seen and understood, and they will appreciate that you took their relationships into consideration. What better way to let them know that you are thankful and that you care?

Take more pictures: Wedding photography is forever. It is an opportunity for you and your partner to capture your special day in your memory forever and look back to a memorable day for the rest of your lives! While wedding photography is a way to seize your special day in perfect shots for you to cherish forever, it is also a way to create lasting memories in the form of family photographs. Make it a point to click a picture with all of your wedding guests so that their presence on the wedding day doesn't go unnoticed or undocumented. You can also provide a disposable camera at every table so that your guests can have fun and have their own captures of your special day for them to keep!

Morning-after brunch: If you are hosting a destination wedding or a wedding in a wedding venue that is far away and necessitates your guests to stay over, you might consider putting the grand finale to this gorgeous wedding day by hosting a morning-after brunch after the reception night. This can be the last hurrah of the wedding celebrations and really enable you to connect with your guests before they have to go. You can go ahead and do the last round of thank you speeches before the wedding event comes to an end.

The power of a single “thanks” is huge and instantly shifts the energy in a room to the feeling of gratitude. The people who do those little things for you, and deem you important enough to give the time of their day are well deserving of your thanks. Especially when it is as important of an event as your wedding day, it is worth it to start your new journey with gratitude in your heart. In a world of “you deserve it,” it is very easy to take things and people for granted, especially in a life decision that is as self-absorbing as a wedding. If you are planning to get married soon, this might be a good time to remind you to pause, take stock of the people around you, and say that healing, life-giving word - thanks!