PREVENT EAT-AND-RUN GUESTS

Lhia Ubaldo | June 11, 2020

Dreading if your guests are going to leave early on your wedding reception? Here are some tips that will do the trick!

Wedding events are all too familiar for some of us because we’ve attended at least more than a dozen of them. We probably even memorized the programs by heart. And sometimes, let’s be honest here, we’ve been an eat-and-run guest at least once or twice; we all know how that is. Some of the guests will just wait until the wedding reception’s dinner time program and leave once they’ve had their meal. It’s a dilemma most brides and grooms strive to beat.

Naturally, wedding guests have their own reasons for leaving early. It is, however, only natural to want to avoid them walking out of the venue and missing out on the entire program you’ve prepared. After all, you’ve worked hard to pull off this wonderful occasion; you want your guests to see it in its entirety. Fortunately, here are ways to convince them to stay.

START ON TIME

Get a good and organized coordinator. We know that we start late in the Philippines, but with a good and organized coordinator, they’ll manage your wedding timeline. When you tell people that the Wedding is at 4 PM and the reception is at 6 PM, make sure to follow so the guests won’t get bored.

GET A LIVELY HOST

A host is essential to the success of a wedding. Getting a lively host will keep your guests entertained and leaving wouldn’t even cross their minds. Aside from entertaining the couple’s guests, the emcee is one of the key elements that sets the mood and vibe of the wedding. You’ll know it’s a good host if they can make your guests participate in the program, regardless of age.

GET A PHOTOBOOTH SERVICE

Remember way back in 2014 when Time Magazine said the Philippines (specifically in Makati) was the selfie capital of the world? Yup, let’s own it! While you may already have a professional photographer on-site roaming around during your nuptial, we think that getting a photo booth service could help entertain your guests while waiting. Young and old, your guests would surely enjoy posing with fun props in front of the booth. And best of all, they can take home their souvenir shots!

MOBILE BAR

Alcohol. That’s automatically a non-negotiable to have at weddings. It’s something that the majority of your guests will look for. Your guests can line up there after their meals!

GET A GRAZING TABLE

Apart from alcohol, what’s another thing your guests will surely love? Food of course! Satisfy their cravings with delightful snacks after the wedding ceremony but before the reception, and after they’re done with the photo taking. Serve finger foods like nachos, sandwiches and chips. A dessert table full of donuts, cookies, cupcakes, candies, and chocolates is another way to entertain your guests.

DON’T GIVE OUT THE SOUVENIRS JUST YET

One of the mistakes the bride and groom make is that they give out the souvenirs too early during the program, making their guests leave right after they had their meals and received their souvenirs or giveaways.

END WITH AN AFTER PARTY

The celebration doesn’t have to stop once you’ve cut the cake. An after-party filled with more food, drinks, and fun. End the day by instructing your wedding guests to join you as you dance with your spouse.

Follow these suggestions to make sure your guests will enjoy the wedding until the very end!