Brides - Worried your guests will leave early? Here’s the secret to throwing a party they’ll never want to leave!
“Why did so many guests leave early?”
As a wedding photographer in Coeur d’Alene, one of the most common frustrations I hear from couples is this: “Why did so many guests leave early?” You’ve spent months planning the perfect day, carefully crafting every detail to ensure your loved ones have an amazing time, only to glance around mid-reception and notice empty seats. The good news? There are simple, creative ways to keep your guests engaged.
I may not be a wedding planner but I attend weddings for a living and I know how to keep your guests till last call - consider these tips
Practical tips to help you throw a wedding so unforgettable no one will even think about leaving early
1. 🤍 TImeline: Look for ways to maximize the time you spend with your guests.
2. 🪩 Entertainment: Start the music from the get-go and don’t stop until the last dance.
3. 🍔 Late-Night Snacks: Keep the food coming and make it fun!
4. 🛋️ Comfort: Provide cozy lounges, cigar bars, and outdoor fire pits.
5. 🚌 Transportation: If guests know they have a safe ride home, they will stay later.
Keep reading for more tips and links to local vendors
Which wedding planning tips will you use to help keep the party going?
Timeline
Do the first look and take ALL formals before the ceremony. This eliminates a 1-2 hour gap post-ceremony and allows you to join the party immediately after you say I DO.
Need advice on how to maximize your photography coverage and not alienate your guests? Ask me how! I love helping couples strategize their wedding day timelines. Let’s Chat
Every wedding needs a planner. My favorite are https://driftwoodpointevents.com/ and https://eventsonpointsandpoint.com/
Entertainment
Start the entertainment and music when guests arrive. A lively DJ who can read the crowd and keep the energy high is a must. Interactive entertainment like photo booths or live artists can also keep guests engaged.
A long-time CDA favorite, Ruby Frog Entertainment will keep your event hopping. https://rubyfrogentertainment.com/
Not everyone likes to dance. You know it’s true. A cigar bar is a nice way to give those who don’t dance a chill place to kick back, chat, and soak in the vibe without feeling left out. Plus, it looks so good in photos! Get the goods at: https://www.theracketeerlounge.com/
Late-Night Snacks
Around 9 PM, surprise your guests with a snack bar—think mini burgers, tacos, or a sweet dessert station. It’s a great way to re-energize everyone!
Graze and Rose Catering offers luxury charcuterie style grazing tables for your wedding day - perfect for your cocktail hour or late night snack station.Based in Post Falls they serve North Idaho and the greater Spokane area - see their website for details. https://www.grazeandrose.com/
Want world flavors and a street food vibe? Check out Beet and Basil based in Ponderay, Idaho. They catered a wedding I photographed in Sandpoint, Idaho and did a slow roasted pork tenderloin topped with pickled cucumbers and fresno chilies, hoisin, micro cilantro, and aioli on a steamed bao bun. I still dream about this! https://www.beetandbasil.net/
Sweet Evie’s Bakery offers everything from glamorous wedding cakes to desert platters for late night reception sweet treat stations. You will be amazed at their artistry! https://www.sweeteviesbakery.com/
Comfort
Provide cozy lounges or outdoor fire pits where guests can relax without feeling the need to head home.
The Attic is a vintage & specialty event rental company. If your wedding is in Northern Idaho & Eastern Washington, including Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Sandpoint, Spokane & surrounding areas book The Attic to create a vintage lounge. https://www.atticrentals.com/
Transportation
Arrange for shuttle services or partner with a ride-share company. If guests know they have a safe ride home, they're more likely to stay longer.
Looking for more wedding tips and inspiration? Be sure to check out my Wedding Journal for planning advice, venue guides, and behind-the-scenes content from weddings I’ve photographed in Idaho, Washington, and Montana.
