Photo by Bella Photography
The Top Ten Biggest Wedding Complaints
1. Everyone was done eating by the time I got my meal.
The best way to avoid this is to have enough staff to make sure everyone gets fed around the same time. Sometimes brides or grooms haggle with the caterer to lower the per person price and lose a server or two to do so. I wouldn’t suggest this as the last resort. It only causes problems with the food service. I also suggest people sitting furthest from the bridal party table get served first. This way they feel special and don’t feel like they were forgotten out in the back corner.
2. I didn’t know anyone at the table.
Seating arrangements are a difficult task for any couple. You are joining two groups of families and friends at one event. Since your goal is for everyone to have a good time make sure they sit with people they know. I recently had a groom who wanted to mix up the friends and family so everyone would get to know each other. That’s not a good idea. It just makes for a quiet and awkward table. Small talk isn’t fun for anyone so put your friends and family together. Most likely they haven’t seen each other since the last wedding so I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.
3. The music was too loud
I find this complaint to be mostly from the older crowd or parents with babies. Some music can be really loud so when arranging your seating assignments make sure your older guests are away from the speakers. If it’s too loud for you please tell the DJ or band to turn it down a notch.
4. I couldn’t hear the toasts or they were too loud.
This again is a DJ or Band discussion. I always do a sound check in the front of the room and the back of the room before the event. Please ask your DJ or Band to do the same. Toasts are no fun at all if they can’t be heard.
5. Too much time between the ceremony and reception.
Usually this happens with church ceremonies that start at 2 and the bride and groom want an evening reception. I suggest if you need to do this please give your guests a detailed list of things to do for the 2-3 hours before the reception. They won’t be bored and will get to see the town.
6. It was a cash bar and all I brought was my lipstick.
Open bars are the most common type of bar. If your budget is an issue just offer beer and wine to save on costs. Another common trend is to offer a specialty drink during cocktail hour such as a martini, champagne cocktail, or favorite drink of the couple. This will save you money on alcohol and servers.
7. The food was average.
I recommend tasting at least three different caterers before choosing one. Some specialize in seated meals others are better at doing stations. Make sure their presentation is nice but mostly make sure it tastes good. I recently went to wedding where the stations were left out so long that the food became mushy. It was terrible and not good for the people that were last to arrive at the food stations. Make sure your caterer is turning over food so that it stays fresh.
8. I never spoke to the bride or groom.
Always make the rounds through all of your tables to say hello to your guests. It doesn’t have to be a long drawn out conversation just a quick hello and thank you for coming.
9. I was too hot or too cold.
Extreme weather conditions are common with California weddings. Many clients want an outdoor reception but don’t want to pay the money to make it comfortable for their guests. Make sure you have a backup plan for a tent and/or heaters if it rains or it’s cold. If it’s too hot make sure you offer parasols and waters for your guests.
10. I was never thanked for my gift.
The easiest way to make sure you don’t forget to send a thank you card is to send them out as soon as you get the gift. Keep a note beside your bed and write a few each night. Both you and your husband can write them to speed up the process. And please send them out no later than 3 weeks after the wedding. People who sent the gifts need to know that you received them.
Thank you for posting this. While you are planning, you almost forget the things you didn't like at previous weddings that I have gone to. I printed this out so I won't forget while I am planning and put it in my wedding binder!!
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Posted by: Future Mrs. C | April 21, 2011 at 01:57 PM
The flowers above are lovely!
Posted by: Photography Melbourne | April 29, 2012 at 07:01 PM