Weddingbee PRO

Does it seem to you that more couples are looking for personal and emotionally-rich ways to experience their wedding day?  It does to me.  Lately, I have noticed a lot of couples who are including more of their guests in the activities of the day.  They want to acknowledge and honor these people by drawing them in as participants.

From a filmmaker’s perspective, these interactions and activities help make for a great wedding film. They get the couple and guests interacting in interesting and often touching ways.

Here are some things I have seen couples do to include guests in the event:

1. One bride collected flowers from people as she walked up the aisle, which became her bouquet.

2. Another bride, after walking down the aisle, pulled the flowers from her bouquet and handed a single flower to each person who was there for her when she was growing up.

3. Pre-ceremony activities like taking part in the bride and groom letter/gift exchange, helping with the garter or the bustling. Or having a friend in charge or doing the ties, cufflinks or boutonnieres.

4. Friends or family being put in charge of directing the sometimes awkward cake cutting.

5. A pair of very outgoing friends of the couple was asked to stand in as MC’s and introduce the wedding party into the reception.

6. I just read Kim's post on the Broadway version of a processional. That was just amazing!

7. Then there is Amy's toast musical, although, I am not sure that this is real. But it's a great idea.

8. Special guests doing readings or performing music during the ceremony or reception.

9. Asking guests to bring in something personal such as favorite recipes, photos, stories, etc.

10. Photo booths or cameras at tables.

11. Interviewing select guests on video (OK, that was an obvious plug ).

I am sure there are many more great ideas people have had to draw in their guests.  I would love to hear more stories.  If you know of any, feel free to add them.

Take care.

William