I've been in over 125 weddings. Here are 5 things guests actually care about — and 5 that are a waste of money.
Everyone is looking for dance-worthy music at a wedding.
If your venue has a dance floor, splurge on entertainment that will get your guests excited to get out of their seats.
Spend time researching bands or DJs with good ratings who have a style you enjoy. After all, having good music playing throughout your wedding makes it both memorable and fun for your guests.
Comfort trumps aesthetics at weddings.
One thing that will make your guests truly enjoy the time they spend at your wedding is allowing them to feel comfortable.
When making decisions about food, venues, and even decorations, remember who's spending six to eight hours at your party and choose options that will make them feel at ease.
So, you may want to reconsider choosing fancy chairs that aren't comfortable or hosting your wedding completely outdoors during the hottest time of year.
Flowers are nice, but there's no need to go overboard.
One way to save money on your wedding is to avoid having tons of floral arrangements.
Covering everything with big bouquets and vases of flowers might make your wedding look spectacular, but it will likely cost more than it's worth. Plus, guests hardly notice the intricate arrangements.
Selecting a venue that's gorgeous on its own will help you achieve this without sacrificing style. However, if your venue is simpler in appearance, you can fill the space with candles, greenery, and other decorative elements.
The hotel welcome bags really don't need to be extravagant.
Although it's a kind gesture to present out-of-towners with a welcome bag when they check in at the hotel near your venue, you don't need to go overboard.
As your guests get ready to celebrate your big day and recover after it's over, they might appreciate some practical essentials like water, pain medicine, vitamin-C packs, and snacks.
But that's really all you need.
This story was originally published on November 8, 2022, and most recently updated on December 31, 2025.
