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The Guest Experience: Top Tips to Make Your Wedding a Day to Remember

Traditionally, it’s been said that your wedding day is all about you – right?

Well… not entirely!

The more couples I speak to and the more bespoke wedding ceremonies I create, the clearer it becomes that a wedding day is about everyone who’s part of your love story. Your guests are there because they matter to you — they’ve shared in your lives, your laughter, and your memories. So naturally, you want them to feel part of the celebration, not just an audience looking on.

So how do you create that sense of connection and make your day truly unforgettable for everyone involved?

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Ceremony Layout

A simple but effective way to make your guests feel more involved is by rethinking your ceremony layout.

Instead of straight, short rows, try arranging your seating in a gentle curve — it brings everyone closer and creates a feeling of unity. If you’re planning a smaller wedding, a circle or horseshoe layout can work beautifully.

Fun fact: a horseshoe is also an old English wedding symbol for good luck — so it’s a lovely way to weave a bit of tradition and meaning into your ceremony setup.

Intimate wedding at Hampden House, with the guests in curved seating, creating a gentle 'hug' around the bride and groom as they stand in front of a large, ornate fireplace

Before the Ceremony

Get your guests involved right from the start!

🌸 A bouquet of love

If you’re planning an intimate wedding, invite each guest to choose a flower for your bouquet. Include your favourite blooms and a little note about each flower’s meaning. As you walk down the aisle, guests hand you their chosen flower and a message of love — creating a one-of-a-kind bouquet filled with heartfelt wishes.

🎀 Handfasting ribbons

If you’re including a handfasting, ask guests to pick a ribbon colour before the ceremony — each representing a wish for your future together. When the ribbons are tied, those wishes quite literally become part of your knot of love.

📱 A quick photo moment

Encourage guests to take a selfie or short video before the ceremony begins, capturing their excitement and love for you both. Then, phones go off so everyone can be fully present. (And don’t forget to do the same!)

🧹 Jumping the broom

Planning to “jump the broom” as your grand finale? Beforehand, ask guests to tie on charms or messages for happiness and good fortune. It becomes a beautiful keepsake full of well-wishes to treasure forever.

Wooden hearts for guests to write advice and top tips for the couple before the ceremony, which are then read out during the ceremony.

Involving Guests During the Ceremony

💌 Readings and stories

Invite loved ones to do a reading or share a short anecdote about your love story. Your celebrant (that’s me!) can help them choose a piece that feels right — and I always bring a large-print copy so there’s nothing to worry about on the day.

💍 Ring bearers, with a twist

You can absolutely keep this traditional — or mix it up! Try taping the ring box under a guest’s chair and let everyone discover who the surprise ring bearer will be. It’s a guaranteed smile moment!

🔥 Warming of the rings

For something quieter but deeply meaningful, invite your guests to hold your wedding rings for a few seconds during the ceremony, silently sending their love and good wishes. By the time the rings reach you, they’re filled with warmth and support from everyone present.

(Top tip: allow about 10 seconds per guest to make sure the timing works out perfectly.)

🎶 A good singalong!

Who says songs at weddings have to be hymns? Choose something fun, familiar, and totally you. Include the lyrics in your order of service and invite everyone to sing their hearts out!

💞 Unity ceremonies

Unity candles, sand ceremonies, or even a personalised jigsaw — there are endless creative ways to involve your guests in symbolising your union. Each one can be designed to reflect your personalities and story.

The wedding party and close family are invited to light their own candles from a couple's unity candle to represent their support and love on their journey into married life

A Creative Keepsake

One of my favourite guest-involved ideas is creating a piece of collaborative art with Emma at Make Your Mark Events.

You and your partner start the painting during your ceremony, then your guests add their own brushstrokes during the reception. The finished artwork becomes a vibrant, personal reminder of your wedding day — and the people who shared it with you.

A bride and groom happily adding colour to their masterpiece — joyful, personal, and full of smiles and love.

Make It a Day Everyone Remembers

These are just a few of the many ways to bring your guests into your story and make your wedding ceremony something everyone remembers with a smile.

If you’d like to chat through how to make your wedding ceremony even more personal and engaging, I’d love to help you bring your ideas to life.

In the words of a guest ....

'I was a guest at a wedding led by Emily, and I’ve got to say—it was one of the best I’ve seen. She made it feel really natural, personal, and full of heart. You could tell the couple and everyone there were genuinely enjoying it. Highly recommend!'

💌 Get in touch — let’s create a ceremony that everyone will remember for all the right reasons!