9 Way to Create a Fun, Engaging Wedding Ceremony and Wow Your Guests
Your guests have made the trek, the time and your day their priority and they can’t wait to have some fun as you kick off your new chapter as a married couple. These ideas add value and are super inexpensive.
We’ve all been to that wedding ceremony. Long, drawn out, out of touch, boring or impersonal. So how do you avoid having that wedding ceremony and actually engage or involve your guests? At Say “I Do” on the SunCoast, we’ve officiated more than 2000 weddings and have seen the good, the bad and yes, the amazing!
Include Them In Your Story
Your officiant should be weaving in your amazing and unique love story which often involves some of the people in your wedding party. Whether it’s your roommate who introduced you two or your mom who just knew they were the one after the first date, referencing your guests is an honor and makes the gathering all the more personal.
Surprise Thank You
Ever been to a wedding where the couple only looks at the officiant or each other or worse, faces the officiant? What if you took a special moment and turned around to your guests and thanked them with your eyes, a wave, heart hands or saying thank you?
Shell Toss or Blessing
Gather shells from your favorite beach, one for each guest and the two of you. Have your officiant explain to your guests that post ceremony everyone will gather at the shore, make a wish or blessing for you both and then return the shells into the ocean, representing everyone’s path crossing on this special day. A fun and meaningful action-oriented photo opportunity, too!
The Interactive Recessional
A recessional (when the couple and the wedding party make their way back up the aisle after the ceremony is over) is the perfect time to let loose and celebrate. You did it – you’re married! A recessional is also the perfect time to involve your guests. Play awesome music and encourage everyone to dance, or hand out bubbles, petals or even baby beach balls for guests to blow or throw your way as you exit your ceremony.
Recite a Community Vow
A community vow is a promise that your community of loved ones make to you – and it’s one of our favorite ways to include your guests in your wedding ceremony. To do this, your officiant could say something like, “And do you, friends and family, promise to support this couple, encourage their marriage and witness their lives together? If so, please respond with a resounding, ‘We do!’” To which all of your guests will shout, “We do!”
Ring Warming Ritual
This Irish wedding ritual creates a unifying moment during your wedding ceremony. Before the rings are exchanged, they’re passed around the congregation to be “warmed up” by the guests. Each guest holds the rings in their hands for a moment and sets an intention, or wish for the couple. Religious guests can be encouraged to say a silent prayer, making this a good option for those merging religious and secular customs.
Ceremony Cocktail
Especially on a hot, Florida day a refreshing signature cocktail passed pre-ceremony is a great way to welcome guests and serves as a good icebreaker as people gather to hear your heartfelt vows.
Greeting Your Guests
It’s so rare these days. We seldom see greeters, let alone siblings, parents or maybe even the groom and groomsman welcoming guests as they reach the wedding venue or are headed to the ceremony spot. A warm welcome leads to an intimate feeling that makes the day even more special for our wedding couples.
Advice request
Most couples have a table on which guests can place cards or view couple or family photos. Why not invite guests to write heartfelt notes, best wishes and real marriage advice on your special day?
Need more ideas for ways to make your wedding day one to remember? Not only do we weave our couples’ love story into each ceremony we write, but we recommend ways to make the ceremony fun, meaningful and memorable for years to come. Get in touch at info@sayidosuncoast.com or call us at 941-356-3492.