Anyone who has been to a handful of weddings in their life can likely tell you details that have stuck with them. Maybe it included some tear-provoking vows, a showstopping floral installation, or the couple's Instagram-worthy dessert display — regardless, it was enough to be memorable in the years that have since passed.
For those planning a wedding, the idea of having a celebration that everyone has fond memories of is always appealing, but how can you make your big day stand out in the crowd? Lucky for you, our experts share their top tips for creating memorable moments.
Photo: Jenny DeMarco Photography
"Keeping your guests' comfort and enjoyment at the forefront of your mind when planning your wedding will make them have a positive, memorable experience. Focus on one or two things that will 'wow' your guests. Surprise entertainment can make a beautiful day even more memorable. If only a few people know about the surprise, it creates excitement and chatter between the wedding party and guests. 'Accidentally' drop a few clues, and let your guests start guessing." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Guest personalization is the number one way to create a guest experience. I still have a coaster with my name on it that was at my table setting from a wedding ten years ago! I recently photographed a wedding where the couple left a handwritten, personalized note to each guest. The notes, sealed in an envelope, were left at each place setting, and the overwhelming emotions I photographed on the guests' faces will be relived for a lifetime." —Melani Lust, Melani Lust Photography
"Welcome bags are an easy and inexpensive way to make a memorable first impression for your guests who are arriving to your destination wedding celebration. We recommend including items local to your destination, and take inspiration from the culture and traditions -- ex. tequila in Mexico, rum in Jamaica, etc." —Jen Avey, DestinationWeddings.com
"The location of your wedding really adds to the experience. Choosing a venue that is accommodating, interesting, and accessible is key to creating memorable moments. Whether it's a destination location that excites guests and invites them to travel, or a venue that is comfortable as far as setup, airflow, and walkability, the guests will remember it. Parking and the distance to and from the ceremony and reception are also important. When discussing a venue, you want to create a fun atmosphere that is easy to navigate and inviting to your best friends and family." —Penny Haas, Penny Haas, LLC
"Planning a wedding that is filled with your favorite colors, flowers, foods, music, and maybe even your favorite place will build a connection with the guests. When it isn't so obvious, tell the guests the significance of why you chose what you did. It could be adding a note in the ceremony program, displaying a sign at each table, or even someone mentioning the meaningfulness in a speech or toast. For example, when some of the flowers in the bouquets were from the garden of a beloved family member, sharing that with the guests makes some typical flowers turn into something incredibly special." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
"Memories that last are more easily remembered thanks to good photography. My second tip for making your wedding more memorable would be to invest in the best photographer you can afford. Your wedding day will whiz by faster than ice cream melts at the equator. So, quality photos will ensure you and your guests always remember the occasion like it was yesterday. Photos have a way of forming impressions on our brains that stick around for years." —McKenzi Taylor, Make My Day Media
"Take time to make sure that your wedding ceremony tells the story of your wedding in a very personalized way. It's likely that there are a number of people at your wedding that don't know both of you and/or your origin story, so tell them how you got there! Explain what you do, how you live together, and the things that you enjoy. If you can do it in a funny and not embarrassing way, talk about what you tease each other about. By personalizing your ceremony, the guests will not only enjoy the ceremony more, they'll become more invested in the rest of the event." —Brian Franklin, Vows & Speeches
"My favorite ways for couples to create a memorable wedding experience for both themselves and their guests is to make it feel personal. That often means planning something unique to their roots or personalities. Guests absolutely love it when they get to experience cultural traditions like Irish or Ukrainian dancers, or even Chinese Lion Dance. Another hit is food that feels interactive and fun. Food stations, gelato carts, or even a late-night food truck instead of a traditional buffet always stand out. If you want to take it one step further, you can introduce guests to dishes from a culture and share a bit of the story behind them. It turns a meal into a memory." —Natalia Zuk, Lilac Studios
"Choose one special element or theme and keep everything else simple. Build one small surprise, like a late-night snack or a quick champagne moment at sunset. Add small personal touches like a favorite dessert, a signature drink with a short note about why it matters, or a song that brings your families together." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography & Videography
However you choose to make your wedding unforgettable, remember that the most important memories are best shared between you and your significant other; everything else will fall into place!
is the founder of OFD Consulting, a public relations agency specializing in publicity, speaking engagements, and thought leadership for wedding and event professionals. She is a longtime wedding industry speaker, traveling globally.
