Author: Bridgett King, Wedding Officiant

An Officiant for 5 years that offers Wedding Officiant services. Let me help you make it official! Call, text or email us at 601-218-3029 or wedding.officiant.hea@gmail.com

Five Ways To Help Guests Who Attend Your Destination Wedding

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Have you always dreamed of a destination wedding? Have you always wanted to leave the confines of your small town and get married somewhere luxurious? If this has always been your plan and you can afford it, you should make it happen. First, however, there are several things you should do to help make the trip easier for the friends and family that you would like to attend.

Limit the Guest List

Chances are most people in your life won’t be able to come to your wedding if it isn’t local. Whether it’s because of money, time, or lack of child care, it’s hard for people to get away. For this reason, you should limit your guest list as much as possible. Instead, aim for close friends and family who you think will be able to and want to make the trip. Doing this gives you a better idea of who can attend, which will make planning much easier for everybody.

Offset Costs However Possible

Your guests will likely spend a lot of money when paying for travel, lodging, food, and other miscellaneous expenses. See what you can do to help offset the costs of your wedding. Even things such as providing some of the meals can go a long way.

In addition, you can rent a larger space where your guests can stay. This shouldn’t cost you too much money but would help with the affordability of your guests’ trip. If you can’t afford that, call around and see what deals hotels in the area offer. You may save some money by booking several hotel rooms at once, and you can find some at different price points so that guests can stay within their lodging budget.

Tell Them As Soon as Possible

Let your guests know the date and location as soon as possible. The more time they have to plan, the easier for them to come. Solidifying a date and place should be the first thing you do to give your guests as much time as possible to make travel arrangements.

In addition, provide them with an itinerary you plan to stick with. This shows them the more specific times they will need to be available. For example, if you have family who will need to be in photos, giving them that information will be helpful for them.

Reach Out to Those Who Can’t Come

Some guests simply cannot afford the time or money to attend your wedding. Ensure you clarify that this is not an expectation and that you completely understand if they cannot come. Consider having a brunch or party locally that they can attend to celebrate your wedding, so they feel like they were still a part of your special day. During this event, you can share photos and tell stories about your wedding day and the days surrounding it.

Put Less Expensive Gifts on the Registry

Many of your guests will be spending a lot of money to attend your wedding. For this reason, consider putting some inexpensive items on your wedding registry. This will help if they cannot afford both the trip and an expensive wedding present. You may also consider letting them know that they do not have to get you a gift but that their presence at your wedding is enough.

These are several ways you can make the experience for your guests a bit easier, which makes it more likely that you will have a good turnout. By doing what you can to help prevent this from being a stressful experience, you are helping ensure that your wedding will be a wonderful time and a great vacation for anyone who can attend.

An Overview of Different Wedding Photography Styles

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Your wedding day is going to be a whirlwind of activities and emotions. Between greeting guests, following an itinerary, and handling last-minute details with vendors, you may find it difficult to stop and appreciate the hard work you’ve put into making this day come to life. This is why you want to find the right photographer to capture this special moment. Reviewing different wedding photography styles can help you feel confident about your choice. Consider these options and determine which aesthetic suits you best.

Going With a Classic Approach

Though there are many ways to go about your wedding photos, you may find the traditional method most appealing. Classic wedding photography involves a mix of posed portraits and group shots. The photographer will gather the couple, the wedding party, and specific relatives and friends to take a variety of staged pictures. If this is your preferred style, you want to hire a professional with a lot of experience directing large groups, especially if there are children involved. The photographer should also have familiarity with posing people naturally and effortlessly. 

Capturing the Romance

In recent years, many couples have opted for a light and airy aesthetic. Essentially, this style involves taking photos that utilize natural light to set a tone that is both romantic and whimsical. A professional specializing in this kind of photography may also prefer taking some pictures on film, as classic cameras produce a subtle grain that gives a soft texture to the finished product. Though this option can work for any event, it is ideal for outdoor weddings or during the spring and summer. 

Telling a Story

Staged photos may not be your preference. Some people find posing for pictures to be unnatural and awkward, which is why another popular choice to consider is candid photography. With this method, the photographer will act like a fly on the wall of your event and capture pictures without getting in the way of the celebration. The end result tells the story of your big day as it actually happened, showcasing you and your guests enjoying the festivities naturally. Photographers with a background in journalism often excel with this aesthetic. 

Creating a Mood

Do you have a flair for the dramatic? If so, you may want your wedding photos to capture your epic personality. Some photographers are exceptional at creating a specific mood that stands out from other wedding pictures you have seen. Examples of moody photography can include warm tones, oversaturated colors, and bright flashes. This style combines fashion photography and traditional wedding pictures, creating a finished product that perfectly showcases your sense of adventure. Explore sites such as Pinterest and Tumblr to get a better feel for the different ways to go about using mood-driven photos. 

Finding the Right Emotion

Since weddings tend to be emotional events, you may want your photos to reflect everything you’re feeling on your big day. A photographer who centers his or her work around emotional responses can deliver pictures that perfectly capture everything you experienced during this milestone. Instead of using a traditional approach of asking you to stand and pose, the photographer will interact more with you and your guests. He or she might ask you to tell the story of how you met your partner or recall a funny anecdote to capture the intense, beautiful emotions that flow forth. 

Discovering the Best Style

Picking the right photography style for your wedding is no small task. Take time to explore the variety of aesthetics available to you and discover a fit that perfectly reflects your tastes.

A Look at Wedding Superstitions

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When you think of wedding traditions, you may think of things like the bride wearing white, throwing the bouquet, and the groom not seeing the bride before the wedding. While modern wedding couples may not use these somewhat old-fashioned traditions as frequently now, they are still often the framework for how the wedding ceremony will go.

Many of these traditions are the result of superstitions. For example, many cultures believe that wearing a particular color, performing a specific ritual, or following a certain set of rules will ensure that the wedding is prosperous and will have good luck. These traditions and superstitions can vary widely in different cultures.

Something Old, Something New

Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue suggests that the bride wears something in each category for good luck. Something old represents the bride’s past, something new represents her new life, something borrowed represents good luck from someone who has had a good marriage, and something blue represents love, fidelity, and purity. This tradition originated in England back in the 19th century.

Bride Wears Red

The Chinese believe the bride wearing red will bring luck and good fortune to the marriage. The bride may also have a red veil to help ward off evil spirits and show as a symbol of her purity. However, no wedding guest should wear red, as the wedding couple may see it as a sign of disrespect.

Exchanging Garlands of Flowers

An Indian tradition is for the bride and groom to exchange garlands of flowers during the wedding ceremony. Afterward, the bride and groom give each other gifts. This is symbolic of two souls meeting, as well as the merging of two families of traditions and customs into one.

Asking the Father for Permission

A longstanding tradition is a groom asking the bride’s father’s permission to propose. This blessing is seen as a sign of good luck and is believed to lead to a successful marriage. However, many do not ask for the father’s permission and propose despite the lack of the father’s blessing. This tradition can be complicated if the bride has no relationship with her father or if the father has a different idea of what kind of man should marry his daughter than she does.

Dangerous Wedding Traditions

These wedding traditions and superstitions are harmless, but some can be dangerous. For example, a Chinese bride was forced to sit in a basket for five hours to encourage her good temper. As she sat in the basket, her feet could not touch the floor, and she was not allowed to move. This ritual could have caused issues for the bride if she had low blood sugar or got dizzy during the process.

In addition to helping her have a good temper, it is also believed that this ritual brings good luck to the husband’s family. However, many people were outraged at the practice, calling it outdated and unnecessary. 

Decline in Weddings

Not only have weddings become more untraditional over the years, but they are also declining. Many people find they are happy enough being in a committed relationship, and some even believe that weddings are bad luck and would hurt the relationship. Some use the tongue-in-cheek expression that 100% of divorces start with marriage. Not to mention, the stress of wedding planning and expectations makes them believe the wedding is not worth it.

If you plan on getting married, whether you decide to implement some of these traditions depends on your culture and whether you are superstitious. However, you may believe that getting married is a bad luck charm for your relationship and decide to stay content with how you are. 

Upcoming Wedding Trends To Consider for Your Big Day

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Wedding trends tend to come and go. If you’re planning your own wedding, however, you may want to be aware of the hottest and most interesting fads to see which aligns with the vision you have of your big day. Take a look at the trends that have been emerging in recent months and see if any are a good fit for your big day. 

Secret Photos

Hiring a wedding photographer is a great way to guarantee you get some excellent pictures of your guests enjoying the reception. However, one trend is pushing away from relying solely on the posed work done by professionals. Nowadays, couples are asking the people they hire to focus predominantly on taking candid shots throughout the event. A photographer who has experience in this area will be able to take hundreds of pictures without anyone ever realizing they are being photographed. 

While posed photos are nice, they often can feel forced and uncomfortable. Embracing the concept of candid wedding photography can help you uncover a plethora of phenomenal images related to your big day. You are guaranteed to get better pictures of your event when your subjects are not aware that they are being photographed. You’ll see your family members and friends caught in genuine moments of raw emotion in these pictures, which can be worth a lot more than a handful of photos where everyone is simply smiling and posing.

Little Is Big

Countless people throw large, elaborate weddings each year. Lately, there has been a popular trend moving away from big, showy events. Instead, people are embracing the concept of “less is more.” Specifically, couples are utilizing miniature versions of wedding staples. As an alternative to a giant wedding cake, for example, couples are offering cupcakes or other small desserts. Everything from the bridal bouquet to the favors can be miniaturized, so it is easy to get creative with this concept.

Cold and Bold

Once upon a time, ice sculptures were viewed as the pinnacle of elegance at high-end events. While the trend went out of style for a few decades, it seems to be making a reappearance in many modern weddings. Technology has come a long way in recent years, allowing sculptures to be crafted into specific, intricate designs. The choice does not have to be primarily cosmetic, either. Plenty of people functionally use their ice sculptures, such as using it as the base for a raw bar.

Another angle to consider with an ice sculpture is an ice luge. This is a structure that is kept at the bar and used as a way for guests to enjoy chilled shots. If the luge features more than one “path” for the alcohol to travel, guests can drink together and make the experience into a friendly competition of “who will the liquor reach first?”

Surprises Abound

Though your wedding day is all about you and your partner, you likely have an urge to “give back” to your guests in some capacity. While favors are the traditional way to achieve this, one current trend has couples embracing the idea of really astounding their friends and family. Little surprises can go a long way when it comes to making your big day memorable for all. 

Do you think your guests will be hungry at the end of the night? Hire a food truck to sit outside the venue and hand out hot meals to the crowd before they depart. Want to entertain your guests creatively? Utilize the services of a magician or performance artist and give your loved ones a show they won’t soon forget. 

Make the Day Memorable

No matter the vision you have in your mind for your big day, there are sure to be many interesting wedding trends that will appeal to your needs. Explore the current fads that couples are raving about to see how you can enhance your event and make it one to truly remember.

Tips for Including Your Pet at Your Wedding

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Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

1. Check with Your Venue

Before diving into pet-related plans, check with your favorite wedding venues about their pet policies. Some places may have restrictions, so it’s crucial to confirm that they are pet-friendly. If they are, inquire about any specific guidelines they may have for bringing animals onto the premises. Alternatively, you may choose an outdoor or backyard venue to accommodate your four-legged pal.

2. Choose the Right Role

If your heart will be happier with your pet by your side on this momentous day, pick a role for them to play. Popular options include:

  • Ring bearer
  • Flower pet
  • “Best Dog” or cat, etc.
  • Guest greeter

Consider your pet’s temperament and training to determine the best fit. If your furry friend is calm and well-behaved, then walking down the aisle will be a breeze.

3. Practice Makes Perfect

Rehearse with your pet leading up to the big day. Familiarize them with the venue, and train them to do the specific actions they’ll be performing during the ceremony. Regular practice will help them feel more comfortable and confident on the actual day.

4. Pick Pet-Friendly Attire

Design their outfit early. A cute bowtie, floral collar, or even a tiny tuxedo can add charm to your pet’s appearance. Ensure that whatever you choose is comfortable for them to wear and won’t cause any distress.

5. Designate a Pet Handler

Assign someone you trust to be your pet’s handler on the wedding day. This person can be responsible for bringing your pet to the venue, taking them for bathroom breaks, and ensuring they are comfortable and well-behaved throughout the celebration. Having a dedicated handler allows you to focus on enjoying your special day without worrying about your pet’s well-being.

6. Capture the Moment

Work with your photographer to plan shots that include your pet. Discuss specific poses or shots you have in mind to ensure nothing is missed.

7. Embrace a Pet-Related Theme

To let your guests know how much your pet means to you, add in some pet-themed decor, reception goodies, and signature cocktails that display your love of animals. Including your pet in the overall theme of the wedding adds a cohesive and personal touch to the entire event.

8. Pet-Safe Treats

Offer safe treats for your pet to enjoy during your event. Whether it’s a special cake, dog-friendly cupcakes, or treats they love, having something to reward them for their good behavior is a thoughtful touch.

9. Plan for Breaks

Pets, like humans, can get tired or overwhelmed. Plan for breaks in your pet’s schedule to allow them some downtime. This is especially important if your celebration lasts for an extended period.

10. Inform Your Guests

Let people know that your pet will attend your wedding. This is particularly important for guests with allergies or fear of animals, but it may also inspire your friends to bring their companions along too.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.

Bringing a pet into your family is one of the most special and unique experiences you can have in life. As you begin to plan your wedding day, you might notice that you can’t stop thinking about what your beloved furry friend will be up to while you’re busy getting hitched. Why not include them in the events? Here are 10 tips to help you include your pet at your ceremony and other marriage festivities.

You should get to spend your wedding day with those who are closest to you, including your furry family members. Whether you simply bring them along to the venue so you can check on them throughout the day or you arrange for your pet to be part of the ceremony, your animal companion will love being near you for such an important occasion.

Connect With Your Partner Before Your Wedding With These Ideas

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The months leading to your wedding are going to be packed with an array of tasks and activities connected to your big day. For many couples, this leads to all of their free time being consumed by planning responsibilities. Unfortunately, this also brings about tension and frustration. To avoid this, you must spend time with your partner who is dedicated to undertakings that are unrelated to your wedding. Explore these ideas and find ways to keep the fires alive as you prepare for your nuptials. 

Keep Communicating

Conversation is key to a healthy relationship. Naturally, what you talk about makes a world of difference when it comes to how the conversations enrich your connection. During the wedding planning process, it is important to frequently check in with your significant other. Talk about how he or she is feeling and what you can do to alleviate any building stress. You should also have chats about mundane and inconsequential topics. Talk about your daily routines, thoughts about current pop culture stories, and fun facts you’ve learned about topics you find interesting. 

It may seem simple, but having time for idle chatter can help you decompress during stressful times. Plus, it strengthens your relationship by showing your partner that you are there to lend an ear or shoulder whenever the time arises. 

Commit Random Acts of Kindness

When you first met your partner, you likely spent more time and effort on little surprises. This is because the early phases of a relationship are built on such little gestures. Sadly, most people tend to commit fewer acts of kindness as they spend more time with their romantic partners. To keep the passion alive in your relationship, see how you can improve your partner’s day with little action. Running a bath and lighting candles when your significant other is coming home from a stressful day is a great example of a little action with a big emotional impact.

Look Back

It stands to reason you decided to marry your partner because you’ve spent many years growing up together. One of the best ways to keep your connection strong as you plan for your wedding is by reminiscing together. Grab your phone and open some old albums you can swipe through. Talking and laughing about adventures you’ve had in the past can help you remember why you are enduring all of the stress of planning a wedding in the first place. Take this idea a step further by visiting locations you went to during your first dates. 

Practice Respect

Having mutual respect is vital to a strong marriage. Get into the habit early by showing your partner the thoughtfulness he or she deserves as you plan your wedding. For example, your partner might be asking you for input on reception decor. If you’re not responding to this request right away, your partner might take this as a sign of disrespect. Avoid this scenario by staying on top of your partner’s needs and being open and receptive to any ideas or tasks that may emerge. 

Go Away

Taking a trip somewhere can also be a good way to shed the stress of wedding planning for a bit. While a big trip may not be in your budget, taking a small trip somewhere local can still have a positive impact on your relationship. The main goal is to dedicate time to going somewhere private where the two of you can connect and remember why you’re getting married in the first place.

Strengthen Your Bond

While preparing to tie the knot can be a thrilling time in your life, it can also be a very frustrating period. To keep the connection you have with your partner strong, be sure to step back and dedicate time to tasks and activities that will enrich the bond you share.

Creative Ways to tell the world you are engaged

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There are few moments more exciting in life than the decision to get married. After you’ve spent years with your partner, you likely are ready to take your relationship to the next stage. Naturally, you’re going to want to spread this news to all of the people you love. If you’re someone who loves to get creative with such announcements, you may be wondering the best way to tell loved ones about your engagement. Consider these suggestions to discover the perfect method to let the world know you’re about to tie the knot.

The Preliminary Decisions

Before you finalize your method of announcing the engagement, you must ask yourself a few crucial questions. First, do you want to tell everyone in one swoop or are there specific people you would like to inform first? Typically, parents and siblings are people you want to make the announcement to separately from the rest of your relatives and friends. You also need to consider whether you’d like to have photos taken. If so, try and get the pictures done before you make the announcement. This gives you media you can utilize in your message about the milestone.

The Traditional Method

In some cases, the classic options are the best. If you’re someone who loves to send and receive messages via traditional mail, you may want to consider snail mail for your announcements. Though it is not a speedy method in any capacity, sending your messages out in this manner is a charming option to consider. With this option, however, you will need to make sure you have the mailing addresses of everyone you want to receive the message. You will also need to print enough copies of your engagement photos for each announcement you mail out.

The Digital Divide

Though plenty of people still use traditional mail for making important announcements, a large chunk of people have switched to digital methods of communication. Social media has radically transformed the way that most people interact and discuss big life events. The easiest and most effective way to make your engagement announcement online is by making a post on your social accounts. Facebook and Instagram are the perfect platforms for such announcements, as you can share some of your favorite engagement pictures and write a message that captures how excited you are to take this next step.

Social media isn’t the only way to make the announcement online. Though it isn’t as popular a choice, using email is still an option worth looking into. This is a fast, effective way to get the message out to hundreds of people with one single email. Again, to see success with this choice you will need to make sure you have the email addresses of every person you want to receive the message.

The Surprise

Hosting an intimate gathering of your closest friends and family members can also make for a lovely way to announce your decision. Invite everyone to your house for a dinner or a party, then make a speech thanking them for their presence and slip in the news about the engagement. The party will instantly turn into a joyous celebration of your relationship. If you’re looking to knock out the announcement and the engagement party in one shot, this is a great way to cover all of your bases in a single moment.

While it is an important decision to make, you should not spend weeks debating the best method of announcing your engagement. All you need to do is think about which option aligns best with your personality. Whether you decide to surprise family at a party or make the announcement through email, there are a ton of exciting options that can help you along the way.

The perfect Wedding dress

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Everything you need to know about buying your wedding dress for your big day!

The dress. It’s a big part of the vision for your big day. Many brides dream of wedding dresses for longer than they’ve even known who would be standing at the end of the aisle on their big day. It’s an important outfit choice to be sure, and there are so many factors to consider when you’re making the big decision.

When it comes to choosing the dress you’ll wear on your wedding day, it can be difficult to know where to start. I recommend beginning by gathering inspiration. Ask yourself these questions:

  1. What are your favorite outfits? Think about the clothing you have in your closet. What are your favorite clothing items to wear? Which pieces make you feel your best? Do certain fabrics bother your skin? Does a particular sleeve length irritate you? Make notes for yourself about these preferences, because they could come in handy when dress shopping!

3.What styles flatter your body type the most? Think about the outfits you own that look the best on you. Do they have anything in particular in common? Do you love tops that have ruching at the waist, or skirts that hug your curves? Keep these things in mind as you consider your ideal wedding dress style.

4. What types of wedding dresses flatter each body type? Do you have any “problem areas” that you don’t love or want to consider in the design of your dress? If you don’t like showing your arms, you may want to find dresses with full sleeves. If you’re a little rounder in the middle, there are certain types of rushing that can really disguise and flatter your midsection.

5. What kind of venue are you using for your wedding? What is the level of formality for your event? You want the gown you choose to work well with your chosen venue and match the level of formality of your event. If you’re hosting a casual backyard wedding, a full satin ballgown encrusted with crystals may not be the most appropriate choice. Generally speaking, your wedding dress should fit the vibe of the entire event so you don’t seem out of place. If you’re getting married on a beach, steer clear of dresses with long, sweeping trains as they could make it difficult to walk.

6.During what season is the wedding taking place? What’s the average temperature? The weather could play a big part in the type of dress you choose to wear for your wedding. Keep the temperature and season in mind when choosing your dress. Lighter-weight fabrics like chiffon are great for hotter temps, while heavy satins and silks and even some laces are better worn in cooler months.

7. What type of gown will be the most comfortable to wear? You’ll likely be wearing your wedding dress for anywhere from 4-10 hours on the big day, so keep your comfort in mind. If you’re not feeling comfortable in your gown, it will likely show on your face, which won’t make for good photos.

8. Are there certain styles I am particularly drawn to? Head over to Pinterest and search for wedding dress inspiration. Start pinning dresses that you like! If you already have ideas of what you’re drawn to, try searching specifically for similar styles. Such as “Lace wedding dress” or “sweetheart neckline” or “asymmetrical wedding dress.”

Setting Your Wedding Dress Budget

9. What is your wedding dress budget? What percentage of your wedding budget should you use on your wedding dress? Learn how to decide on your wedding dress budget below: Most experts say that you will likely spend 5-10% of your budget on your wedding attire, but that’s not *just* the dress. That factors in your partner’s attire as well as any alternations or accessories like shoes, veils, ties, and the like. It also includes wedding day beauty like hair and makeup! So if you want to get a rough idea of what you could or should spend your wedding dress, we would recommend to shoot for the lower end of the spectrum (about 5%) on the dress itself.

Shopping for Your Wedding Dress

10. Should I shop in-person or online? What does your schedule allow for? Do you have a few weekends to dedicate to visiting bridal shops to try on some dresses in-person? Or would you rather have the convenience of shopping online? There are many online options that make it possible for you to “try before you buy” at home, or at least have generous and flexible return policies.

11. What should I bring with me to my appointment? Undergarments. If you’re not 100% sure on the type of dress you’re going to buy, it’s best to bring a few different styles of bras to try on with your dresses. It’s also important to bring a pair of shoes similar to the style/heel height you plan to wear on the big day.

12. What do I need to know before going to try on wedding dresses? Know the types of styles you are drawn to but be open to trying different things. Also, be open to potentially altering any of the dresses you find to make them absolutely perfect for you! You should definitely know your MAX budget for your dress, and be sure to leave room for potential alterations in the cost.

13. How do I find a dress within my budget? Once you’ve set a general budget for yourself and gotten an idea of what you like, you can start seriously shopping! When you visit salons, let them know what your budget is. Ask them to not show you anything over your budget if you are really tight when it comes to your expenses.

Wedding Planning Checklist

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5 things for a great wedding celebration

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  1. The ceremony itself is the most important. You want to remember it for a lifetime, so be sure to include memorable moments, such as unity candle ceremony or a handfasting. The ceremony won’t last long, but will be remembered forever.
  2. The wedding food. This can make or break your wedding day. Do food tastings, even if it is not an expensive 3- course meal. No matter what you serve to your guests, make sure it is suitable for the most important day of your life, so far.
  3. Drinks. No matter whether you are going to serve alcoholic beverages or not, make sure you have enough. Provide enough hydration to go around. If you want to serve alcohol but it is too expensive, offer a cash bar. People understand that everything is pricey these days, and they won’t mind paying if they want to enjoy a drink.
  4. Music. Oh so important. This sets the mood for the whole event. A band is a great idea, or even a DJ. Please do your research before hiring someone. Make sure that they know your vibe, and will play what you want to hear. Give them a playlist and see if they can provide whatever type of music that you are into.
  5. Last but definitely not least is a banging dance floor. Smaller is better for this. People seem to be intimidated by large empty spaces and don’t want to draw attention to themselves. Make it small and it will be buzzing.