Ushers ~ WOW Countdown … 10

It’s the final countdown (cue Europe’s 80’s single), we’ve got to 10 and I’m looking at first impressions and the role of the ushers.

This time I’ve got a video I made back in March last year called “First Impressions”. It’s one of the topics that I’m really passionate about – too many weddings start “half-cocked! This is really easy stuff but is so often neglected, a beautiful room has been prepared and yet the ushers don’t know what they are doing and there is no music creating the atmosphere – just silence and awkward conversations.

My tip for ushers … and this is brilliant, even though I say it myself…
1) Find out what the seating plan is – are the brides family sitting on the left and the bridegrooms on the right, or is everybody being asked to sit wherever they want.
2) Who are the seats at the front reserved for?
3) Once you know that simply stand at the entrance to the room and smile
4) As each group of guests arrive hold out your hand to shake theirs and say “Hello, welcome to (insert names) wedding, I’m (insert your name)” … they will shake your hand and say who they are ~ for example “I’m XXXXX” and they will probably add their relationship to the bride or bridegroom, so you’ll know where to direct them.
5) If you have time, and especially if they are older guests (Grandparents etc), escort them to a seat.
6) If they have small children think about seating them where they can easily escape if the child becomes restless and make sure any pushchairs don’t block walkways etc.
7) It’s also good to know where the toilets are for any guests who need to freshen up.

People love to feel welcomed, if your ushers can get this bit right your guests will love them and feel great right from the start.

I cover more on ushers and bridesmaids in my “Creating Your WOW Wedding” event on Tuesday 15th November at Ampfield Golf Club – you’d be a fool to miss it! Reserve your places now, email me paul@thepartydj.co.uk