You would think that, by now, wedding planners and dedicated venues would be well aware that weddings seldom run to schedule and advise their clients accordingly. However, it seems that every event brings the same optimism that things will run perfectly to plan this time. Unsurprisingly, it never happens that way, and if you have ever been to a wedding, you will be well aware that guests always end up tucking into their dessert a long time after plans dictated they would.
Being armed with the knowledge that weddings are always overrun will be very important for anyone organising a wedding. However, it doesn’t mean you need to put extra time aside for every part of the wedding, as many venues will be so used to overrunning that this approach may lead to each section of the day taking even longer than it otherwise would have. Instead, this knowledge should allow you to plan your transition from day to evening more effectively.
THE IMPORTANCE OF A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Why do weddings fail to run to schedule so regularly? When it comes to one’s wedding day, there is almost always far more to enjoy than a couple has taken into account. Not only will venues feel uncomfortable rushing the bride and groom from one thing to the other. Often over-estimate how easy it is to get rooms prepared and serve a given number of meals, but the bride and groom will also want to enjoy their big day fully. After all, it will have cost enough, and it will be rare for them to have all beloved individuals in one place and be the centre of so much positive attention.
When planning your wedding, it won’t hurt to leave a little more time than you expect you will need each part of your day, but the best approach is to be prepared for what time things will happen. Furthermore, if you want to ensure that you get the best entertainment possible and, in turn, get value for money, you may want to consider having your main entertainment a little earlier.
DINNER ENTERTAINMENT
More often than not, the evening does suffer when schedules overrun. For example, the bride and groom will not be ready for their first dance until long after the band should have started, or the guests will still be full from dinner and, in turn, not ready to dance the night away until the band has almost finished. If your only entertainment is in the evening, the act you book may not perform for as long as you originally wanted it, or your guests may not be in party mode until it is nearly time for the curfew.
By having entertainment during your meal, you can be sure that you will make your wedding meal more relaxing and fun in equal measures and that you will get your guests in a party mood right from the earliest opportunity. Booking the likes of singing waiters will be a great way to boost your guests’ spirits as early as possible, but they will also be a genuine surprise to most people in attendance. In addition, such entertainment will ensure that you can take as long as you want to enjoy your reception without feeling the need to rush towards the evening do.
Knowing your wedding is unlikely to run to the schedule may mean that you can plan and indulge in an unhurried yet satisfying celebration.
