While your love story is at the heart of your wedding day, hosting a big celebration also means creating an experience that your friends and family will cherish. Intentional details like smooth transitions between events and thoughtful surprises show that you care as much about their experience as your own. By balancing personal touches with guest-focused elements, you ensure that everyone leaves with wonderful memories of your special day. To help you strike that perfect balance, we’ve gathered tips from six experts that will elevate your wedding and make it an unforgettable event for everyone in attendance.
Trends
Six expert tips to create a wedding experience your guests will never forget
Written by
Megan Simpson Teeter
Published:
California Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2025
1. KEEP THE ITINERARY RELAXED
"Don’t overprogram your reception and overstimulate your guests. Focus on letting the day unfold organically and authentically, without filling every moment with activities. Guests are there to eat, drink and celebrate with you—make that the focus, rather than overwhelming them with too many events."
—Michelle Garibay, Michelle Garibay Events
Photo : Catherine Marie Taylor Photography
2. ELEVATE WITH CAVIAR
"As culinary exploration becomes more popular, people are seeking unique and sophisticated dining experiences. Caviar, with its distinct flavor and luxurious reputation, fits well into the wedding-trend world. Couples want something fun, luxurious and experiential for their guests"
--Dee Lee, Dee Lee Designs
3. CREATE SMOOTH TRANSITIONS
"Ensure your transitions from ceremony to cocktail hour to dinner and dancing are pithy; before guests can wonder when the next transition is taking place, they’re being whisked away to the next portion of the evening."
—Carrie Negri, Emily Coyne Events
4. SELECT A SIGNATURE SCENT
"Based on our experience, I highly recommend using a specific fragrance to create a pleasant scent that aligns with the theme of your event. The impact of scent can truly enhance the ambiance and captivate your guests."
—Tracy Evans-Bowles, Flawless Weddings and Events
Photos Courtesy of Greg Ross
5. SHARE YOUR CRAVINGS
"A build-your-own candy bar is a fun and unique way to allow guests to snack on it throughout the night or take it home. It’s also a fun way to share your favorite snacks with your favorite people."
—Brooke Heflin, Burlap & Bordeaux
6. DESIGN THE JOURNEY
"It’s important to find a way to involve your guests so that they have a deeper experience of the event, which will create a more distinctive memory. Try leading guests on a journey by guiding them from one space to the next, unveiling new discoveries along the way. It’s imperative to think of events in terms of the five senses in an effort to create a memory for each guest in every setting."
—Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events
Photos: John & Joseph Photography
