Getting married might be a lot of work, but it should also be a lot of fun. You definitely want guests to leave your reception having had an enjoyable experience. If they don’t, what was all your planning for? Though it might seem like a simple goal, plenty of weddings suffer from a lack of good old-fashioned fun. Luckily, it really isn’t very difficult to make this intent into a tangible reality. All you need to do is focus your attention on key aspects of the reception, and you can easily maximize how much fun people have.

Explore these tips on how you can infuse some more enjoyment into your event. A few adjustments to your plans can go a long way when it comes to delivering the fun.

Let Them Lounge

Traveling from the ceremony to the reception can often create some unique problems for guests. If there is a large window of time between the events, guests might not have anywhere to go to kill time. This can create a feeling of restlessness that lasts throughout the night. Minimizing how much “down time” your guests have can do wonders for increasing how much fun everyone has. If you are able to afford it, you should look into providing a cocktail hour or a lounge area where guests can wait for the reception to begin.

This might not always be possible, as some venues might not have the available space or you may not have the extra cash to make it happen. Still, it is definitely an important option to mull over. Guests who can linger and socialize before the start of the reception are going to feel much more comfortable enjoying themselves when the event has finally gotten started.

Layout Matters

Obsessing over the details can be an easy trap to fall into while planning your wedding. It will definitely be better for your sanity to learn to let go of the small stuff, but there are a few areas where the details will matter. The layout of your reception space, for example, can directly impact how much fun people have. If tables are too close together or the dance floor is not big enough to accommodate plenty of revelers, then this can get in the way of people feeling comfortable.

You do not have total control over the layout of the room, but you can definitely provide input to the people who control the venue. When you take a look at the space, talk with the coordinator about the layout. Be sure to comment on anything you don’t particularly like, as most coordinators are happy to make adjustments when possible. This extra step to improve the flow of the room can create an atmosphere where guests can simply focus on how much they’re enjoying themselves.

Keep Speeches Brief

Another way to lose the momentum of the evening and risk sacrificing fun is by allowing speeches to go on for too long. Sure, you definitely want your best friend or sibling to give a heartfelt toast, but you don’t need the speech to go on and on. The longer a person is holding the attention of the room, the easier it is for minds to wander. If someone in your wedding party really wants to provide an in-depth walk down memory lane, give that person the chance during the rehearsal dinner instead.

When the guests at your wedding are having a fantastic time, you can relax and feel like your mission has been accomplished. While you cannot control every aspect of how people feel while at your event, you can definitely do your part to create the most memorable and fun wedding reception possible.