Every bride wants her day to be perfect and that includes having her guests have a fun and relaxed time.  Confused, grumpy and late guests do not make for care-free day.  Preperation and organization are the key to keeping everyone informed and on track.

To bring some more clarity on this issue, Elizabeth Ann from Elizabeth Anne Events lays it all out for us with a little help from some other {AMAZING} Portland vendors!

From Elizabeth Ann:

1. Give Directions Multiple Times

It is the worst feeling to be late or miss out because of poor directions. Yes, it happened to me when I was a guest about five years ago--maybe that is why it is one of my Top 10?

Giving adequate, clear directions is an easy and inexpensive way to save your guests time and hassle, particularly if you are having the ceremony and reception in two locations. Include directions in as many places as you can. Here are some ideas of where to place directions:

• Include a copy with the wedding invitation.
• Have your coordinator hand them out after the ceremony.
• Print them on the back of the wedding program.
• Place them in the out of town gift bags.
• Leave extra copies at the front desk of the hotel.
• Put them up on your wedding website.

Do not forget to include directions for other events as well, such as the rehearsal dinner or post wedding brunch. If you like, appoint someone Directions Guru and print their phone number on the directions in case someone gets lost.

2. Be Clear About the Dress Code

Guests struggle with what to wear to weddings. If you are going black tie, or black tie optional, you may print it on your wedding invitations. Another good place to inform guests of your dress code is on your wedding website. Finally, inform your bridal party and parents so they can spread the word to other guests.

3. Hydrated Guests are Happy Guests

Lauren Brooks sums it up perfectly:

I love seeing the different touches and gestures that they offer to make the event really special and comfortable for their guests. In the summer, I’ve seen couples offer paper parasols, fans, and refreshing pre-ceremony beverages such as lemonade and ice tea to make sure that guests stay cool during an outdoor ceremony.

You need not break the bank with this either. A cooler filled with ice and bottled waters will be just fine. Drape the cooler in some fabric and put a cute sign on it. For parasols or fans, check out websites such as Luna Bazaar or Paper Lantern Store.

4. Mail Invitations in One Batch

Many brides categorize guests on A or B priority lists, based on how likely they think it will be that the person or persons will attend.

Whatever the reason, send out the invitations in one big batch, and be done with it. If someone gets their invitation in the first round, then spreads the word to someone who has not yet received theirs, you get the idea. Avoid potential hurt feelings. Do it once, do it right.

5. Mix Up the Food Choices

Chicken or beef? Always ask your caterer about children's choices for food at your wedding. They often have selections which children will like, and as an added benefit, it will cost you less. Plus, children's foods are a great thing for your adult guests too, as Nick Curteman describes:

Having a second food option for kids can make them exponentially happier, which means their parents have a better time. I have seen sit down meals with a fried chicken and macaroni and cheese option or as a separate buffet line of grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with no crust. Let the parents eat the beautifully delicious food, but keep the kids happy so they can also enjoy it.

6. Recognize Your Guests

Even though your face may hurt from smiling and posing for pictures, it is only polite to thank your guests for joining you on your big day. Sara Gray states this succinctly:

Don't invite so many guests that you don't have a chance to say hello to each of them and thank them for coming. When each guest gets a chance to talk with you, if only for a minute, they feel really appreciated for coming out, bringing a gift and being part of your day.

7. Let Your Guests Suggest Songs

It is perfectly fine to list the Chicken Dance or The Macarena on your Do Not Play list. However, you should still allow guests to make suggestions, which subtly indicates you want them to enjoy themselves at the reception.

If your older guests want to hear Nat King Cole croon Unforgettable, what's not to love?

8. Stack the Reception Events

Stacking the big reception events such as cake-cutting, first dance, and toasts into the first half of the reception is very helpful for guests, especially those with small children who are eager to get home at a normal hour, as well as older guests. Nick Curteman put it this way:

As time goes on and the dancing picks up those families with small children seem destined to try their best to keep the kids entertained long enough so that they can catch a glimpse of the bouquet toss or the first dance. Your grandparents can only drink so much coffee before it's time for them to leave before they get their cake. It also has been my experience that couples have more fun if they can get scheduled events done early, which can free them up to party or finish greeting guests.

As Nick correctly pointed out, stacking the events will also free you newlyweds to really tear up the dance floor with your friends!

9. Do Not Make Them Wait Too Long

Many couples plan to take photographs between ceremony and reception, particularly if they did not see each other before the ceremony. This is a perfect time for guests to settle in with a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres.

Work with your photographer and coordinator to ensure that your guests are not half way through dinner because you got carried away between ceremony and reception. Even if it is not your intention, you do not want to give off the impression that it was more important to take photographs rather than spend time with your guests at the reception. Stick to your schedule.

If you are hankering for more pictures, ask your photographer about a Day After session, where you can dress up again and take more relaxed photographs in a variety of settings. I did this myself and highly recommend it to clients.

10. They Brought You Into This World, They Can Take You Out

It never goes out of style to thank your parents.

Before you cut the cake, and when you have your guests attention, take the microphone and give a short thanks to everyone for coming out, and for the love and support of your parents. Some folks will leave after they finish dessert, so it is a good idea to say thanks once more. Melissa of Soul Mates Photo put it this way:

Consider thanking all your guests for coming to your event. It's always so nice when a bride and groom stand up in front of everyone to thank guests for taking time out of their busy schedules to join together and celebrate marriage. It's one of the most thoughtful, kind and sincere things a couple can do at their wedding. Oh, and don't forget to thank your parents!