What Makes A Wedding Fun?
Updated: Jun 27
Once a client had asked how to make their wedding different than anything they've seen before.
They had an unlimited budget, tons of ideas, a massive guest list...but zero sense of the task at hand.
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I don't blame them, it's just unfortunately how we've been trained to think about parties.
Does More Money mean Better Wedding?
Well, does money buy happiness?
Probably not right.
Just like money isn't everything, neither is a super luxury wedding where the hosts think they can buy the affection and adulation of all the guests. If that were so, every corporate holiday party would be the talk of the town.
But in reality, we know how that goes. Have a few drinks, enjoy the free sushi...and then bounce.
Your Wedding Is About You, But Also Your Guests
They'll never say it, but your friends and family have:
gotten older
have kids
work hard
need to plan for travel
and just like you...are adults, senior citizens and kids.
A great wedding is one that is new yet familiar, trendy yet traditional. Yes rules are meant to be broken, but you need to learn the rules before you even try to bend them.
Reducing all the speeches to just a few impactful 5-minute ones? Good.
Making zero speeches? Bad.
3 Ways to Have a Fun Wedding
1. Music for All Ages Makes the Memories
I see it time and time again.
"Hey we don't want that auntie-uncle-grandpa music. Just some dope techno and mashup remixes."
I'm more than happy to oblige, and our DJs play it all and span all ages.
But do you really not want your mom and dad's best friends and relatives to also dance, while 20 of you from college just space out to some Daft Punk? (I like Daft Punk btw)
When people dance, they smile and they laugh. That also means your photographer gets great photos, which keeps your wedding fresh on social media and in the hearts and minds of your friends and family for years to come.
2. Face Time With the Bride and Groom
I've been to so many weddings where the bride and groom speak to a guest for a selfie, and that's about it.
What?
If you're a couple about to be married, it's imperative you try to talk to each guest until they feel like they're taking too much of your time.
The good news is that this is often just 4-5 sentences and questions. The bad news is most will still forget underneath all that makeup and pressure of 100 eyes on you.
Your guests will appreciate how present you were, and then you can go back to being nobility while they feel like their presence was truly appreciated!
3. Something You Wouldn't Expect at a Wedding
A fun wedding tries not to be 100% unique but does one new thing that 100% of people remember. For example:
Lunchtime Stand Up Comedy Show (why not roast the groom?)
Magician
Photo Booth
Teppanyaki Counter (think Benihanas)
Live Dessert Bar
Social Media Wall (a live Instagram feed of your hashtag scrolling in the lobby)
Pool Party (if a destination wedding)
Secret Santa Style $10 gift exchanges
Balloon station for kids
Live cover band or Singer (you'd be surprised how affordable your local YouTube celebrity is).
Conclusion
I'd like to iterate one more time that bigger budget does not mean better.
While you still need to spend a decent amount on food, drink, entertainment and decor, it's better to cut some of the traditional big ticket items and look for opportunities which matter.
Looking for a DJ or Lighting company in California? Give us a shout anytime!