We asked wedding industry experts for their top tips on how to honor your matchmaker at your wedding. Here are some creative ideas that will make sure they feel appreciated on the big day!
Finding true love is a magical thing, and it’s even more special when you have someone to thank for bringing you and your partner together. Whether your matchmaker was the mutual friend who introduced you at a party, the college professor who put you in a group project together, or even the couple whose wedding you both attended, honoring them at your wedding is the perfect way to show appreciation for their efforts in helping you find "the one."
Photo: Amy Kolo
"A creative way to hon'or a matchmaker at a wedding is to have them serve as the wedding officiant. This can be a meaningful way to incorporate the matchmaker into the wedding ceremony and acknowledge the role they played in bringing the couple together. Having the matchmaker as the officiant can also add a personal touch to the ceremony. They may be able to share personal anecdotes or stories about the couple that highlight their unique connection and love for each other.” —Megan Breukelman, Megan & Kenneth
"Include them in the ceremony. You could include the matchmaker in the wedding ceremony by having them give a reading or blessing. This can be an excellent way to recognize them in front of all the guests. We have seen officiants talk about how they met and add a sweet recognition to the matchmaker friend. We've even heard personalized vows that include some background into how the couple met, including the key player in connecting the two." —Mary Angelini, Key Moment Films
"Another creative way to honor your matchmaker is to surprise them with a special moment during your toasts, perhaps presenting them with a gift that commemorates how they introduced you, or giving them a standing ovation for being the reason for the day you are celebrating." —Cathy O’Connell, COJ Events
"Many of your wedding guests won’t know your story of how you and your partner met, so be sure to let them know. You can have your matchmaker give a 'toast' at the wedding or the rehearsal dinner and ask that they tell the story of how you two met and why they set you up in the first place. Be sure to remind your matchmaker that it’s a toast, not a roast, and to keep it fun and lighthearted. The goal is to share your 'how we met' story, and who better to share it than them?" —Julianne Smith, The Garter Girl
"I would honor my matchmaker at my bridal shower or bachelorette party. This way, all of my single friends can have an opportunity to speak to them and meet who is responsible for introducing us." —Alicia Igess Jones, Alicia Igess Jones
"Name your matchmaker in your program or have the officiant say something to the effect of 'we wouldn't all be here without X, who introduced the couple.' Acknowledge and thank the person without embarrassing them too much." —Nora Sheils, Rock Paper Coin, Bridal Bliss
"Honoring your matchmaker is a nice way to pay homage to the person that brought you and your soon-to-be spouse together. If you want to surprise them, consider decorating their reception chair with some signage or florals to make them really feel special. This is a great conversation starter, and it can double as décor. Whether or not they're included in the wedding party, this gives them VIP status for the night." —Kevin Dennis, Fantasy Sound Event Services
Whether you opt for something simple like including their name in the program or go all out with a surprise gift during the reception, there are plenty of creative ways to show them just how much their efforts mean to you. With these tips from our experts, you'll be sure that they feel appreciated for the role they played in bringing you and your partner together.
