When it comes to wedding day directions, Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events shows the way.
Go here. Wear this. Bring that. Weddings can be confusing for guests, so they need direction. What signs should couples provide at their wedding events? Master planner and designer Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events reports her favorites.
Announce the Newlyweds
“Chair signage for bride and groom’s chairs is still trending,” says Cousins. “Verbiage varies from Mr. & Mrs., His & Hers, and Bride & Groom.” Fresh garland and flowers pack a punch as well, and they give the signs an updated look.
Leave a Note for the VIPs
Express appreciation in style. One of Cousins’ brides created festive paper tags to tell her bridesmaids, “Cheers!” Mini sparkling-wine bottles made the perfect statement of appreciation.
Hold the Hashtags
Leo’s team prefers unplugged ceremonies. “This isn’t the time to have your cell phone out and snapping away,” Cousins says. “There’s plenty of time for picture taking—and posting—later.” If a guests want to hit their feeds, Cousins suggests waiting for the reception.
Say Hello
“Welcome bags are great,” says Cousins, who finds guests prefer welcome gifts over wedding favors. “For destination weddings, welcome bags add an additional level of comfort when guests check into their hotel rooms. “
Gift Wisely
Offer gifts that reveal a couple’s personality, the time of year or the location. “Things like ‘his and her’ favorite snacks are great. If a wedding is located in a mountain setting, bug spray, sunscreen and chapstick are great for summer visitors. Winter weddings in the mountains inspire hand lotion, a pack of hot cocoa and maybe a pair of gloves or a nice scarf so a guest can keep warm.”
Raise the Bar
“We’ve executed everything from custom napkins that share fun facts about the bride and groom to custom koozies that keep drinks icy cold,” Cousins explains.
Toast Fur Babies
“This couple traveled from D.C. and couldn’t bring their beloved bulldog to the wedding,” Cousins says. “By customizing cocktail napkins with Winnie’s picture, she was there in spirit to help the couple celebrate.” The Michelle Leo team has also helped couples incorporate pet portraits into paper suites and RSVPs.
Keep Guests Calm
“Welcome signs are huge and they’re a nice touch because they let guests know they are in the right place,” Cousins explains. “We execute many destination weddings where couples invite friends and family—many who have never been to Utah before.”
Count on Table Numbers
Gotta have ‘em, no doubt, Cousins says. “Table numbers help staff indicate which meals are to be served to what guests by quick reference of master spreadsheets.”
