Happy & Healthy

This is how to make your wedding unforgettable

(also for your guests)

Unfortunately, I am not an expert on this subject myself. If you ever meet my dearly beloved, subtly yet clearly tell him that my ring size is 20. Just kidding, my unmarried status is a self-chosen good, we would rather smash that half ton (because that ‘does’ a bit of marriage these days) during a year-long sabbatical in Rome.

But in my old age, I have experienced quite a few weddings. And darn it if it's not true, they are all still married too. A friend first did it in Vegas and then it went wrong, after a year of ‘just a cross’ they did it over with a general wedding at the Amsterdam film museum and with May-Britt Mobach on the guest list et voilà, they live happily ever after. So if you want to be sure of eternal loyalty and happiness, put me on the guest list and everything, but really everything will be alright.

But anyway, back to all those weddings I attended, I learned a lot there. How it should be done, how especially not (and specifically regarding the behavior of the guests) and how no one will ever be able to forget it.

1. Anticipation

Aside from the invite and the save the date, it's fun to count down to the big day together. Maybe you can ask your best friends to write a piece about you and send it to everyone once a week. Or you reveal a little more each week about what your guests can expect. Or you send a playlist to get everyone in the mood.

2. Gift

My friend B gave the witnesses the ingredients of the cocktail they would serve at the party in advance. For the better drinking, I would say.

3. Attention in the room

Suppose you are having a wedding abroad and your guests arrive a day in advance. How nice would it be to leave a handwritten note and some local treats in the room? A few self-picked flowers, a small bottle of wine, some nice places to visit, something about the region...

4. A photo book

Of course, you know quite a few friends of the couple, but have you ever been to a wedding where you knew everyone? I always have the feeling that there is always someone who doesn't even know the bride or groom. Make a nice photo book with a personal story about how each guest came into your life. Then the guests also have some hooks for conversation.

5. Deluxe seating arrangement

Our friends M and H got married on the Swedish coast. They are Swedish themselves and quite rustic. Think of chopping wood and getting your Christmas tree from the forest and such. For the seating arrangement, M (who is a carpenter) sawed different pieces of wood in half. So you had two round pieces, two flatter ones, etc. Everyone got their piece and had to find their match in the company. Even though we came from all corners of the world, we were immediately a group.

6. CD

I thought it was so nice when K and S got married, we received a CD with their favorite songs. Especially nice if you write how each song came to be for you.

7. The goodie bag

Friend M is the goodie bag chef. We received a few aspirin for the next morning, a croissant, small jars of Bonne Maman jam, and a face mask. Perfect.