How to invite your guests to gift their time, not their money

Modern couples are increasingly forgoing the gift list, and choosing to do something a little different. Asking your guests to do something for the wedding instead of giving a gift can be the ultimate skills exchange. It allows your guests to help out in the run up to the big day. Many people struggle to purchase the perfect wedding gift, so the chance to give their time instead might be more popular than you realised.

Being a wedding guest isn’t cheap either. A recent study conducted by American Express found that the average guest spend per wedding was a whopping £303. Although this figure includes the cost of attending pre-wedding celebrations like stag and hen parties, giving guests the opportunity to save a bit of money and instead donate their time to making your wedding extra special will certainly be appreciated. Find further advice on cutting the cost of attending a wedding here.

There are a number of tasks that your guests can help out with to contribute to the magic and romance of your wedding day. We reveal just a few them so your guests can get involved and you can make the experience even more enjoyable and a little less stressful.

Be supportive during the wedding dress shop

For brides, finding a dress that makes them feel like a princess, and really wows their partner and guests is a top priority. With so much choice out there, finding ‘the one’ isn’t easy. Being reassuring and even helping your bride-to-be negotiate the many bridal boutiques in your area will go a long way. Here wedding planner Joelle Duff offers her advice on being as supportive as possible to your bride throughout the rather stressful wedding dress shopping experience, even if your bride’s fashion choices aren’t to your taste:

“Dress shopping is one of the biggest events in a bride’s process. It is obviously a delicate and emotional time, so be careful with how you address things. There is a difference between not liking a dress because it’s not your taste, and not liking it because it’s not right for the bride. Just be careful how you word it.”

Host a bridal shower or hen party

In most circumstances, the bride leaves the planning of a bridal shower or hen party to her maid of honour or bridesmaids. However, getting other guests involved can really take the pressure off the bridal party, who will have a long list of duties to fulfil. Getting the opinions of other wedding guests, particularly those who wish to attend the hen party or shower, will also mean the activity or occasion planned will be extra fitting and super enjoyable for all.

Provide vital transport for those wedding essentials

It may not be the most exciting job on our task list but providing transport for the wedding essentials that will make your bride and groom’s big day is important. Helping with the collection of flowers, wedding attire, dry cleaning and other wedding items is a simple task and one that should be awarded to someone the couple trusts.

Those wanting an extra role in the ferrying of precious wedding cargo can also volunteer to provide airport pickups for out-of-town wedding guests.

Help make those all-important wedding invites

For the most creative wedding guests, getting involved in the making of DIY invites, save the dates, favours and decorations is a great way to go. The same theory applies to guests who have a talent, such as people who can sing or play an instrument. Thanks to your talent, you could save your bride and groom a small fortune on wedding entertainment.

To get in touch with a member of the team, please email or call us via the contact details below. Alternatively, if you'd like to request a brochure or enquire about date availability, please click 'request a brochure' in the menu at the top of this page.

Linda

T: 01787 472 914
E: info@gosfield-hall.co.uk

March Flash Sale! Save £1,000 if you book by 31st March 2024Tell me more