What do you remember most from a wedding and the least?

Truthfully, as a guest, I can't remember the specific ceremony decor at any of the weddings I've attended. Most of the time is spent at the reception instead of the ceremony. I do remember how delicious the food was, or what they offered for signature drinks, or how packed the dance floor was. I personally would spend more on the reception food/beverage and less on the ceremony decor.

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I 100% agree with this! I hardly ever pay attention to decoration or details. As a guest I'll remember whether or not the food, desserts, and drinks were good, how the DJ/dancing experience was, and if the location was easy to get to. So those are the things I wanted to splurge on for our wedding.

Agreed. Location over decor for sure.

I’ve never paid attention to ceremony decorations or centerpieces unless they are too tall and obstructive. What people do remember though is your attitude (are you a gracious happy host, are you stressed or bitter?), are guests taken care of (if there is a meal beyond just cake is there a seating arrangement or is it a free for all, is everything back to back or is there a several hour gap that the couple chose not to eliminate?), the food (is it good, is it hot, is it filling, are guests fed promptly?) , whether guests have to pay for drinks or not, and the dj (was he good, was he too loud or boisterous, was there a good variety of music that guests danced to?). The rest people take notice of for 5 minutes unless it is an inconvenience. Guests don’t care about favors and I’ve actually seen more edibles left behind that they couldn’t give away. I used to work many weddings when I was younger so I have seen quite a lot but many things are dependent on your social circle which is not representative of what you see on Pinterest and tv.

The things I remember most as a guest are: Food, bar, the bride’s dress, the groom’s reaction when he sees her for the first time (when a first look isn’t done, that is), the music/dancing, and how well everything is planned out. And all of these items could be remembered because they were great, or because they were terrible! For example, if there is a full open bar, great! If there is a cash bar, I will remember it as a negative. Food will be remembered if it was fantastic, or if it was terrible, but not if it was just bland or mediocre. Hosting skills are definitely noticed by all guests. If your event is well hosted, they will be happy. If it is not (ie, extreme temperatures, long unhosted gaps, Cash bar, etc.) they will remember that too.
The only ceremony decor I’ve ever noticed was when it was insanely beautiful and over-the-top. Otherwise, run-of-the-mill ceremony decor usually goes unnoticed. Same with reception decor, honestly. I would focus my money on things like food, open bar, entertainment… things you and your guests will remember for years to come.

Honestly, I am the type who remembers the food, what the wedding cake looks like , what the bride dress looked like the first reaction to the groom if it was a hosted bar I have yet go to a wedding that had good food it was cold and blan

I think I first remember moments that are "slightly inconvenient" like bar lines, hot, outdoor ceremonies, traffic, or when ceremonies start late. But, I've never been to an uncomfortable wedding or any in which I was put off. I do notice decor over food, and love an immersive table setting and mood lighting experience. I guess I like art over food, but good drinks over all. As for noticeably Great weddings, I do notice if the couple is having a good time with each other and their guests stay the duration celebrating with them. I also notice fashion.

I most remember moments from the ceremony, the bride’s dress, things that are inconvenient like a gap, and what the venue is like. I literally could not tell you anything about the food from any of the last several weddings I’ve been to, or any of the centerpieces (and a couple of those I helped set up as a bridesmaid).

I DEFINITELY remember the food. i don't remember much anything else but the food haha. unless there was something truly unique about the experience though like for instance i went to a wedding that had a magician perform - i really liked that.

Reception for sure. That's what people remember.

I would definitely choose a better reception over ceremony.

I've been to 25+ weddings and I can recall the reception venue for every single one of them but I cannot recall the decor (except abundance of sunflowers at one) or food (except the crab cakes and mashtini bar at another) or much else from any of them.

For ceremony, I always remember the more touching moments, or even the funny ones. The officiants play a huge part in that, I remember almost all of my friends' officiants based on how well they performed the ceremony.

For reception, definitely the food and the flow of the night. My best friend's wedding had a perfect flow in my opinion. Cocktail hour was exactly 1 hour, everything else flowed really well, and she had a nice big bonfire outside for those who wanted to step out for a bit and get some fresh air. So definitely the ambience of the reception but also the general flow of it all. Nobody wants to sit around bored for too long!

Definitely put your budget into the reception!

Reception for sure. No one really cares about ceremony decor since 1.) they're waiting for it to end so that 2.) they're wanting to get fed and watered. More time is spent during the reception anyway, so focus budget there.

Absolutely better reception venue with good food & drinks!

I remember food&venue the most and invitations/programs/signs the least

Definitely the reception location and food/drinks. I can't tell you what decor any of my friends used, but I do remember the gorgeous venues, the drinks they offered, and the (good) food. Decor is pretty for pictures, but honestly a waste of money as it doesn't leave a lasting impact. I'd consider renting decor/buying used to save funds.

What I tend to remember most about weddings is the bride/bridal Party's attire, the annoyance of anything starting late, the temperature and if there are bugs at an outdoor wedding, being forced to come back to the tables when we were in the middle of dancing to watch something like a bouquet/garter toss, the LONG wait to eat the cake, and definitely how much or how little fun people seem to be having. If a venue is particularly breathtaking, I'll remember that for a long time.


Things I remember least: Ceremony decor, food (unless it was really remarkable), and cake (unless it was a total themed showpiece).

Hi ! As a guest I always remember most the dress! ;-), the ceremony, and then the general atmosphere I'd say.. mostly the people... Food, sometimes. I never recall a cake !

For myself, I'd like a prettier ceremony, but for my guests' sake, I'd opt for a better location...