Long Waits for Guests Tops List of Wedding Complaints
Written by
Bella Jolly
Brand Lead
With 10 years' experience working in brand and content for some of the UK's biggest hospitality brands under her belt, Bella takes ownership of the Togather brand. Bella's passion for the events industry shines through in her work, ensuring the stories of amazing suppliers and unforgettable events are effectively communicated through various mediums such as video, photo and the written word.
Outside of work, she can be found scrolling TikTok or enjoying a spicy margarita.
Published on Wed 4 September 2024
Planning a wedding is an exhilarating yet daunting task, especially when considering the financial investment involved. With the average wedding in 2024 costing around £30,816.41, couples are more committed than ever to ensuring that their special day is not only memorable but also enjoyable for everyone involved. However, despite the best intentions, certain aspects of weddings can frustrate guests and detract from the overall experience. By understanding what people commonly dislike about weddings and staying informed on the latest trends, you can plan a day that maximises both enjoyment and value.
In light of this, we have conducted research to delve into current wedding trends that might be contributing to these frustrations.
Reddit Users Share Their Biggest Wedding Guest Frustrations
Based on a comprehensive analysis of Reddit threads from communities like r/weddingplanning and r/weddings, several common complaints consistently arise, revealing what guests find most challenging during these events.
The long wait between the ceremony and the reception
Uncomfortable or unassigned seating
Bad or insufficient food
Cash bar (guests having to pay for drinks)
Extended or too many speeches
Poor transportation arrangements
Long distances between venues
Lack of time spent with the couple
Climate issues (too hot/cold)
Photomontages or toasts that drag on
Long wait between ceremony and reception
The most prevalent complaint among wedding guests is the extended wait time between the ceremony and reception. Guests often find themselves in an awkward limbo, with nothing to do while the couple and their party take photos or freshen up. This downtime can be frustrating, especially if there are no refreshments or activities to keep guests entertained. We've noticed that many couples opt for canapés and mobile bars during this period, which helps keep guests engaged and satisfied.
Uncomfortable or unassigned seating
Seating arrangements can significantly impact a guest's experience. Many guests express dissatisfaction when there is unassigned seating, which can lead to confusion and discomfort, particularly for those who prefer to sit with friends or family. Additionally, uncomfortable seating—whether due to cramped spaces or poor-quality chairs—can detract from the overall enjoyment of the event.
Bad or insufficient food
Food is a central element of any wedding reception, and guests have high expectations for the meal. A common complaint is either the quality or quantity of the food provided. Guests often feel disappointed when the food doesn’t live up to expectations or when there isn’t enough to go around. Depending on the food you select and the number of courses, the budget can vary but we suggest an average rule of thumb is to budget £15 per course for more informal setups and £20 for formal dining.
Trends in wedding preferences
On the flip side, couples are increasingly turning to new trends that emphasise comfort, enjoyment, and personalisation.
In light of this, we've explored some of the most significant trends in weddings today.
Catering Preferences: The decline of stuffy set menus
Our first-party data shows a shift away from traditional British cuisine like hog roasts, modern British dishes, and BBQs. While these remain popular, their relative share of total catering requests has declined by 5%. Instead, there’s a growing interest in international flavours, with cuisines like Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese on the rise by 200%.
Street food is becoming a must-have at weddings, with 65% of all catering enquiries including a request for it. This trend aligns with the growing preference for informal, interactive dining experiences. Street food options can add a fun, vibrant atmosphere to the reception, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of flavours and cuisines in a relaxed setting.
Additionally, the way food is served is also changing. More than 50% of catering requests now involve buffets, table sharing, grazing boards, food stations, live fire cooking, and sharing platters. This move towards communal dining experiences highlights the desire for a more informal, interactive atmosphere at weddings. In contrast, formal plated meals and fine dining now account for just 20% of catering requests.
Photography Styles: Natural over staged
When it comes to wedding photography, couples are increasingly favouring natural styles over traditional, staged portraits. Editorial photography, which captures the day as it unfolds in a genuine way, now accounts for 80% of all photography inquiries. This trend also addresses common concerns about long waits after ceremonies. Often, these delays are due to lengthy couple and family photoshoots; by leaning into a more organic photography style, couples can help avoid extended waiting times for their guests.
Event Themes: Embracing the informal and rustic
When it comes to wedding themes, informal, rustic, modern, and natural styles are dominating the scene. These themes account for over 50% of all enquiries, reflecting a shift towards more relaxed, personalised celebrations. Couples are moving away from traditional, formal, and vintage themes, which now only make up 15% of all requests. Slightly more unconventional themes, like fairytale, bohemian, and whimsical, also have a strong following, adding a touch of magic and creativity to the day.