5 slipups that can spoil your reception, Part 1: "We didn't know where to go!" {Maps and directions to your wedding}

5 COMMON SLIP-UPS THAT CAN SPOIL YOUR RECEPTION

A Special Series from EJP Events and the Portland Wedding Coordinator blog

But first! Introducing Lauren, a not-so-new addition to the EJP Events Team:

Hello! I'm Lauren and I've been working with Emee of EJP Events since December 2009. I am thrilled to finally make my debut as her co-blogger. A few tidbits about myself:

My interest in event planning began to tug on my sleeve when I was in high school. My amateur event planning experiences drove me out of town in 2007 and into my first years of college, spent at the University of Oregon. There, I studied Public Relations which soon led me to new opportunities in Portland, OR.

This fall, I transfered to Portland State University and I am quickly wrapping up my college education career. Next March I will be receiving my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, approximately 29 credits from now, but who's counting?

By the end of my time spent with Emee at EJP Events, I hope to have proficient knowledge and experience that will enable me to fulfill my future academic and career undertaking. I look forward to sharing my thoughts, advice and inspirations with you.

 

Now, on to 5 COMMON SLIP-UPS THAT CAN SPOIL YOUR RECEPTION:

You put so much time into your wedding planning, carefully considering every decision, from the invitations to the cake.  But many things don't show up anywhere on the online checklists, and if forgotten, can throw off the enjoyment of what should be a delightful day.

Every time we meet with a new client, we ask them, "What have you seen that you didn't like at wedding receptions you've attended"?  We compiled Top 5 reception mistakes from years of listening to real brides and grooms talk about what they didn't want to see at their own wedding, and we'll be covering one slip up each day this week.

Today's Common Slip-Up:  "We didn't know where to go"

Photo courtesy: Wes Peck

This is a basic no-no, but unfortunately lots of weddings get caught up in it. Online maps aren't always reliable, so it's best to have someone drive the route before you commit it to a printed invitation. In addition, create maps for other important wedding weekend locations, such as rehearsal and rehearsal dinner site, salons, getting-ready-hotel, and photography meeting spot.  All of these maps should go to wedding vendors as well. Also consider those coming from out of town. We suggest issuing maps showing return directions to each hotel to ensure your guests get back safely.

When creating a parking area for your guests, particularly at an unusual location such as a field or clearing in the woods, properly designate this area with some form of signage or markers. Make sure that finding the location is intuitive; if you're having your fête out in the country or a secluded spot, engineer an entrance through creative decor or lighting so that guests never feel lost.

Finally, some facilities are big enough that it makes sense to provide signage and/or attendants at the entrance to direct guests and vendors to your particular space. Consider this is your event is in a large hotel or event center with several events going on at the same time.

 

Tomorrow: Join us at Portland Wedding Coordinator for Slip Up Number 2: "The band/DJ sounded terrible!" (Planning the music and audio aspects of the wedding)

Did these tips help you? You may like our past advice on more wedding planning tips!

Comments

[Brad Fallon]

Yes this can really cause delays if the guests or other important people involve in your wedding doesn't know where to go. This happens when the venue of the reception and church is of quite a distance between them. For those who are part of the entourage should really be given schedules ahead of time for rehearsals to avoid delays.