We ask all our couples “What are the top 3 things that are most important to you about your wedding?” And a fun wedding is almost always on that list. Some weddings are more fun than others, here’s why.

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow created Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which says that to reach our full potential, we first need to satisfy a series of needs. At the foundation, we need our physiological needs met first: air, water, food, sleep, the basics. Next are safety needs, personal security, employment, resources, health, property. The third level is love and belonging, friendship, intimacy, family, connection. The fourth level is esteem, which includes respect, status, recognition, freedom. And the top of Maslow’s Hierarchy is Self-actualization, where we become the most we can be, our full potential.

For your wedding to reach its full potential, for it to be really fun, follow this same guide for addressing your client’s needs. At its full potential, your wedding will connect, welcome, entertain, and wow your guests. They’ll enjoy the food and drinks, laugh and dance like they haven’t in a long time. They’ll feel like the day was an expression of you and their heart will be full.

Physiological Needs

Start with physiological needs. Have adequate food and drinks for your guests and account for any dietary needs or allergies. Choose a venue that comfortably fits your guest count and is appropriate for the season of the year. So for example, avoid outdoor weddings in the heat of the summer.

Safety Needs

The next level is safety needs. Now more than ever, you have to really think about your guests’ safety. Have plans in place for social distancing, mask-wearing, and surface cleaning. Also, make sure there are safe and easy parking options, also that guests can put their purses down somewhere when they hit the dance floor!

Love and Belonging Needs

When it comes to Love and Belonging needs, find ways to help your guests feel connected. If you are doing a live stream, assign someone to host a chat. For your in-person guests, take the time to say hello to every person and to call them each by name. People feel like they belong when they see or hear their name. It might take some preparation between you and your fiancé to be able to know each other’s family and friends by name. Create a seating chart where people feel comfortable and connected to the table mates.

Self-Esteem Needs

The next need relates to esteem. All of us have a need to feel respected, accepted, and valued by others. One way to show respect to guests is to simply send timely thank you notes. Finish pre-wedding event thank-yous before the wedding. This gives guests a feeling of value that they have already contributed to your celebration. Plus they know that you appreciate it. Recognizing friends and family as part of the wedding party, readers, ushers, or another role in the wedding is a way to recognize them and meet their esteem needs.

Self-Actualization

If you provide for all these needs, your guests can move to the last level on Maslow’s hierarchy … self-actualization. Once reaching this level, people are primed for a really fun time.

Many people will tell you, just make sure you have fun at your wedding and that is all that matters. I’ll add that the surest way to have fun at your wedding is to be surrounded by guests who are having a great time. Do this groundwork to make sure your guests are well cared for, and you’ll create a happy, comfortable vibe at your wedding that everyone can enjoy.