Your day should be a dream come true not just for you, but for your guests too. To help you dodge any hiccups, we’ve rounded up the top guest complaints and how to avoid them for a smooth, memorable wedding day.
Unable to Hear the Ceremony or Speeches
There's nothing more dissapointing than being at a wedding and missing the ceremony or speeches because you can't hear a thing!
Fix: There are 3 signs you need a sound system for your ceremony or reception. You have more than 50 guests, your ceremony aisle is 8 rows or longer and your ceremony is outdoors. I always recommend using a microphone for speeches, typically these are done during meal service and there will be some table/floor noise.
Long Waits Between Ceremony and Reception
Guests often complain about long gaps between the ceremony and reception, especially if there’s nothing to do during the wait.
Fix: If a gap is necessary, then look at offering "cocktail hour", this is the hour to kick off the party. This time is an opportunity for guests to enjoy a drink or light refreshment, and conversation in a laid-back upbeat atmosphere.
"Grab a drink, grab a bite, get into party mode".
Lack of Entertainment Between Events
There will be a natural high that comes with your day but there are some lull moments whilst preparations happen, they key is to make sure there is always something happening!
Solution: Provide light entertainment, such as disposable cameras, games, or a musician, to keep guests engaged and entertained during any downtime.
A successful wedding ensures both the couple and guests have a memorable time. By addressing these common complaints, you can create an enjoyable experience for everyone, making your wedding day truly special.
Cocktail Style Weddings
Cocktail style weddings are totally having a moment! It's all about keeping the vibe chill and the mingling flowing. Let's be real though, no one wants to channel their inner hawk eyeing down waitstaff like a predator (although we will do it if necessary)
Fix: There must be plenty to go around - more than enough really - and easy for guests to get. As a guide, aim for 8-10 savory canapes per person for a standard 3-4 hour reception where no other food is served. Each piece should be good for one or two bites. If your serving pre and post a sit down meal then I would recommend 3-4 pieces per person. Ask waitstaff to enter from various parts of the room if possible to keep the food flowing among all guests.
Uncomfortable Seating
Guests could be sitting for hours, so uncomfortable chairs or tight spaces can quickly turn into a real buzzkill. Comfort is key!
Fix: Opt for comfy, roomy seating, and design your layout to encourage easy conversation and movement. For outdoor ceremonies, think about adding cushions and some shade to keep guests cozy and cool!
Lengthy Speeches and Toasts
We all know how it feels to be on the receiving side of a long, repetitive speech -especially when there's a dance floor awaiting!
Fix: Set time limits for speeches and communicate them to speakers in advance. Keep the speeches concise and schedule them during the meal to maintain engagement. 2-3 minutes is ideal. There is nothing wrong with short and sweet.
Marathon Group Photos
No one wants to spend ages posing for group photos and throwing off the day's vibe.
The fix? Make sure your photographer is efficient and organised, keeping photo sessions quick and fun so everyone can get back to enjoying the party!
A Noisy Reception
With so many wedding receptions been held in barns, industrial spaces and unique hire rooms, noise is becoming a real wedding guest woe.
Fix: To avoid the noise at a wedding reception, there are some clever tricks to keep things more peaceful.
Soft surfaces are your friend – Add drapes, rugs, or fabric elements to the room. These absorb sound instead of bouncing it around. You can use elegant curtains, lengths of fabric, or even lush table linens to help buffer noise.
Strategic seating – Create smaller, more intimate table arrangements to break up the noise. Round tables for fewer guests can cut down on the volume compared to long banquet-style setups.
Soundproofing accents – Incorporate acoustic panels or decor elements like large floral installations, greenery walls, or cushioned seating. These soften the sound and reduce the echo in the space.
Volume control on the music – Keep the music at a level where conversation can still flow. If the band or DJ is too loud, it forces guests to shout over the music, adding to the noise level.
Outdoor breaks – If you have access to an outdoor space or patio, give guests a quiet escape. Let them step outside for fresh air and some peaceful conversation.
Limit the hard surfaces – Avoid large expanses of bare walls, metal, and wood. Balance out sleek, modern vibes with soft furnishings, wall hangings, or floral garlands to prevent sound from bouncing around the room. The key is striking a balance between style and comfort!
You are aiming to create a day of celebration for everyone, with a focus on making memories together!
Common Wedding Guest Complaints You Need to Know
Your day should be a dream come true not just for you, but for your guests too. To help you dodge any hiccups, we’ve rounded up the top guest complaints and how to avoid them for a smooth, memorable wedding day.
Unable to Hear the Ceremony or Speeches
There's nothing more dissapointing than being at a wedding and missing the ceremony or speeches because you can't hear a thing!
Fix: There are 3 signs you need a sound system for your ceremony or reception. You have more than 50 guests, your ceremony aisle is 8 rows or longer and your ceremony is outdoors. I always recommend using a microphone for speeches, typically these are done during meal service and there will be some table/floor noise.
Long Waits Between Ceremony and Reception
Guests often complain about long gaps between the ceremony and reception, especially if there’s nothing to do during the wait.
Fix: If a gap is necessary, then look at offering "cocktail hour", this is the hour to kick off the party. This time is an opportunity for guests to enjoy a drink or light refreshment, and conversation in a laid-back upbeat atmosphere.
"Grab a drink, grab a bite, get into party mode".
Lack of Entertainment Between Events
There will be a natural high that comes with your day but there are some lull moments whilst preparations happen, they key is to make sure there is always something happening!
Solution: Provide light entertainment, such as disposable cameras, games, or a musician, to keep guests engaged and entertained during any downtime.
A successful wedding ensures both the couple and guests have a memorable time. By addressing these common complaints, you can create an enjoyable experience for everyone, making your wedding day truly special.
Cocktail Style Weddings
Cocktail style weddings are totally having a moment! It's all about keeping the vibe chill and the mingling flowing. Let's be real though, no one wants to channel their inner hawk eyeing down waitstaff like a predator (although we will do it if necessary)
Fix: There must be plenty to go around - more than enough really - and easy for guests to get. As a guide, aim for 8-10 savory canapes per person for a standard 3-4 hour reception where no other food is served. Each piece should be good for one or two bites. If your serving pre and post a sit down meal then I would recommend 3-4 pieces per person. Ask waitstaff to enter from various parts of the room if possible to keep the food flowing among all guests.
Uncomfortable Seating
Guests could be sitting for hours, so uncomfortable chairs or tight spaces can quickly turn into a real buzzkill. Comfort is key!
Fix: Opt for comfy, roomy seating, and design your layout to encourage easy conversation and movement. For outdoor ceremonies, think about adding cushions and some shade to keep guests cozy and cool!
Lengthy Speeches and Toasts
We all know how it feels to be on the receiving side of a long, repetitive speech -especially when there's a dance floor awaiting!
Fix: Set time limits for speeches and communicate them to speakers in advance. Keep the speeches concise and schedule them during the meal to maintain engagement. 2-3 minutes is ideal. There is nothing wrong with short and sweet.
Marathon Group Photos
No one wants to spend ages posing for group photos and throwing off the day's vibe.
The fix? Make sure your photographer is efficient and organised, keeping photo sessions quick and fun so everyone can get back to enjoying the party!
A Noisy Reception
With so many wedding receptions been held in barns, industrial spaces and unique hire rooms, noise is becoming a real wedding guest woe.
Fix: To avoid the noise at a wedding reception, there are some clever tricks to keep things more peaceful.
Soft surfaces are your friend – Add drapes, rugs, or fabric elements to the room. These absorb sound instead of bouncing it around. You can use elegant curtains, lengths of fabric, or even lush table linens to help buffer noise.
Strategic seating – Create smaller, more intimate table arrangements to break up the noise. Round tables for fewer guests can cut down on the volume compared to long banquet-style setups.
Soundproofing accents – Incorporate acoustic panels or decor elements like large floral installations, greenery walls, or cushioned seating. These soften the sound and reduce the echo in the space.
Volume control on the music – Keep the music at a level where conversation can still flow. If the band or DJ is too loud, it forces guests to shout over the music, adding to the noise level.
Outdoor breaks – If you have access to an outdoor space or patio, give guests a quiet escape. Let them step outside for fresh air and some peaceful conversation.
Limit the hard surfaces – Avoid large expanses of bare walls, metal, and wood. Balance out sleek, modern vibes with soft furnishings, wall hangings, or floral garlands to prevent sound from bouncing around the room. The key is striking a balance between style and comfort!
You are aiming to create a day of celebration for everyone, with a focus on making memories together!