The BEST Wedding You've Ever Been To

I haven't been to anything I'd call an "extravagant" wedding but I've seen lots of beautiful and memorable wedding ideas. My sister's wedding had delicious food and a bacon bar, my DH's cousin's wedding was at the most beautiful venue, my close friend had centerpieces made of really gorgeous fruits and vegetables which were donated to a homeless shelter after the wedding which I thought was a beautiful idea, and my cousin's wedding ended the night with fireworks over water.

My favorite wedding by far was a small, backyard wedding of a close friend of mine. It was a smaller wedding, very intimate feeling to the whole thing. It has been a crazy storm the night before and power had gone out. So they had the generator up and running. The food was simple but delicious and plentiful. Also, since it was a smaller wedding most people knew each other at least peripherally and it made it so everyone was very social. They didn't have a DJ but a friend of ours loves making mix tapes and we were dancing all night long. It was simple but really embodied the couple and everyone seemed to be having a ball.

ETA: Also, she and her dad do pottery and made ceramic cups for each guest as a favor. Each one was unique and I still use ours to this day.

I went to a reception once at the RItz and it was beautiful. The only thing was it was a plated single entree on the plate meal. Not enough food.

@Ayla B, I'm so happy to hear your opinion on the cocktail style reception! That's what we want/plan to do but haven't gotten to logistics yet. I know a few people who have done it so I plan on drinks and brain-picking in the near future!

The best weddings is when everything is taking care of. Shuttles to the venue from hotel, drinks all night, food that's bomb, and dessert bar.

My best friend had the best wedding I have ever been to. She got married under a large gazebo in front of a pond at a vineyard. It was GORGEOUS! The thing I remember the most is the amazing food. So delish!

People loved the live country music I had playing at for my ceremony and cocktail hour.. I didn't hear much of it, but for the money I paid, it better have been good!

The last wedding my husband and I went to, they had the best passed appetizers during cocktail hour. Definitely a foodie here, so I was happy!

The best one I went to had a totally open bar (including liquor). Lots of people I know are going beer and wine only which is okay or cash which I dislike or just signature drinks, anyways just saying it was a welcome change. They had good food for dinner and a late night snack of donuts! And the music was this really awesome live band. And when the reception was over there was after-party at this cool whiskey bar nearby. Clearly good food and booze is the way to my heart lol.

I think the best wedding I've gone to was this one my friend had at a castle venue. The venue was not only beautiful but it perfectly suited them as a couple because they're really into history and the groom proposed with the ring hidden in the hilt of a fake sword. The wedding was around forty people, and it was so easy to talk to everyone there. The food and wine were delicious. There wasn't a DJ or dancing, but we really didn't need it. Everyone was happy to just drink, mingle, and explore the castle. Everything just felt so personal and unique to the couple, and it was a fantastic celebration of their marriage.

My favorite was probably at a ski resort. The reception was in a GIANT clear heated tent, so we could see all the snow, the mountains, it was just gorgeous. They also spent like $75k on 70 guests and there was 10+ food stations that were all delicious.

@WWJo - a BACON BAR?! I must know more about this!

I haven't been to a lot, but my favorite, because the food was so great, was one of my BM's 10 years ago. They had a mashed potato martini bar, a cold seafood bar, carving stations, make your own gourmet salad station....it was heaven.

@AK.....OMG, do you have pictures?! That sounds incredible!

Great dance floors, moving ceremonies and toasts, open bars, and couples/ families that are happy, relaxed, and having fun are the hallmarks of the best weddings I've been to. In terms of the dance floors, it seems to depend more on the guests than on the DJ or band. I've been to several weddings with great DJs or bands and people that JUST. WOULD. NOT. DANCE. I don't know what it was.

I like beautiful spaces and aesthetics in general, but they don't make or break a wedding. Until I became engaged, I never paid any attention to the quality of the food or even the booze at a wedding, and I'm something of a foodie. I was always too busy being happy for the couple... I really, really like the sentiment and happy feelings at weddings.

I went to an amazing wedding in Italy and they prob had 12 courses of food lol. The wedding lasted 12 hours as well, so that's the only part that could have been a little shorter.

I will definitely echo the good dj. One of my favorites was at a restored historic auditorium. The architecture set the tone for a beautiful ceremony and reception. A great venue makes all the difference

My cousin's wedding was at this lovely mansion in the hills. The weather was perfect so the entire thing was outdoors surrounded by thick fields of wildflowers. He had a prime rib carving station with plenty for everyone, and loads of other magnificent food. My stomach is growling just thinking about it lol.

My FHs friends got married two years ago and it was by far the most enjoyable wedding I've ever been to in my opinion! It was so laid back, dressy casual attire in a barn in mid spring. Ceremony seating was reception seating, you came right in and got a drink. The ceremony was fast and heartfelt. Reception started immediately following. BBQ food that was delicious! And by far the most dancing of any wedding I've ever attended. I had so much fun and felt so comfortable, which is saying a lot because I literally knew no one except FH and his friend.

My friend got married recently in Vermont during the Fall. I had never been and was just blown away by the beauty. The ceremony was very touching. It was the first time I had seen a close friend get married and it was very special. They got married at an inn and the plated dinner was so amazing!!!! They did the hora which was fun and afterwards had a Cuban band playing. Overall a fantastic night.

By far, the best wedding that I've ever been to is FH's best friend's wedding, which was only a few months after FH and I had started dating. I knew a total of three people there... the bride, groom and FH (who was best man), so I was really nervous about not knowing anybody. I was wrong to worry-it was a BLAST!

They had good live music, good beer, little personal touches (like having Polish dishes made from recipes the couple liked to make together), and they (bride and groom) made all the guests feel so welcome and like they truly were thankful for the love and support that was there for them that day. Their love for each other was evident, too. It was so great