Top 12 Ways to Impress Your Guests

Here's what guests really think about some of the great—and not so great—bashes they've attended.

1. How Refreshing
"I went to a wedding where there was dancing between courses. For the intermezzo course, instead of having us return to our seats, waiters passed sorbet lollipops. Delicious — and we never had to leave the dance floor." —Kate, New York, NY

sorbet popsicles
Photo Credit: Matt Reed Photography on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

2. Personal Touches
"I'd never met the couple (the groom was an old friend of my husband's), but after the wedding I felt I'd known them forever. From the location (an apple orchard), to the ring bearer (their dog), to the organic meal, to the mariachi band brought in from Chiapas, Mexico (where they volunteered every year), everything was very personal.  I learned that this couple was into nature, organic living and community service — the wedding said it all." —Erika, New York, NY

apple orchid wedding
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Messina on Inspired By This via Lover.ly

3. Charitable Favors
"In lieu of typical favors, the couple made a donation in honor of their guests to a mission they wanted to support. At each table, there was a note explaining the gesture." —Peggy, Spring Mills, PA

charity wedding favor
Photo Credit: Mari Darr~Welch

4. Flattering Fashion
"I like weddings in which bridesmaids are allowed to choose different dress styles. That way, they look and feel beautiful." —Hope, Chester, PA

bridesmaid dresses
Photo Credit: Scrole Vision Photography via Lover.ly

5. Nice Site
"The best thing about one wedding was the venue, on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia. The wedding was very relaxed — breezes, birds and a beautiful view." —Bruce, Washington, DC

6. Family Ties
"I loved it when the groom's grandmother was in charge of the dessert table. She happens to bake award-winning desserts!" —Jenna, Madison, VA

Next: 6 more ways to impress your guests ►

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