Knee-deep in wedding day decisions? Fantasy Sound Event Service’s Kevin Dennis, is back with our monthly blog series, Seven with Kevin, to share why some well-intentioned choices can end up doing more harm than good. Kevin says it’s easy to make decisions that feel right in the moment. Maybe you saw an idea online, or you’ve heard that it’s what couples should do, or you just want everything to be absolutely perfect. After working thousands of weddings in the last 36 years, Kevin has seen firsthand that some seemingly smart choices can throw off your entire wedding day. So, here are 7 Wedding Day Decisions That Feel Right, But Land Wrong!
1. Skipping Assigned Seating
So, you’re thinking of throwing out the seating chart? It might feel like you’re doing your guests a favor by letting them choose their own seats, but in reality, skipping assigned seating can often create more stress than freedom.
Kevin says that people need direction; in fact, they crave it at gatherings like this. He’s learned that when you walk into a space and don’t know where to go or who to sit with, it can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially if you don’t know many other guests. Providing assigned seating to your friends and family offers that comfort. It signals to them that you’ve thought about their experience, and it ensures everyone has a place where they’ll feel included.
You know your guests better than anyone! You know who will pair best together and make a lasting connection. Maybe you’ve seated a few cousins together who haven’t seen each other in years and need a mini-reunion. Or you’ve paired your college friends with your co-workers, and you know they’ll hit it off. That extra step of thoughtful planning makes all the difference and eliminates any last-minute shuffling.
Photography: Hazy Lane Studios
2. A Super Strict Timeline
Trust us. We get it. You want your big day to run smoothly, and a detailed timeline feels like that key to success. However, Kevin says that when a timeline becomes too rigid, it can backfire fast. “Even the most planned-out weddings will never run exactly on time,” he shares. “Timelines should be treated more like a guideline. They help provide a natural flow, so you (the couple) are not stressed out. You can’t control it down to the minute.”
Kevin recommends building in buffer time to allow for natural transitions. This way, your day feels more relaxed and less chaotic. Plus, you don’t have to worry if hair and makeup runs 10 minutes over or if your guests take longer to find seats after cocktail hour.
Want to know the secret? Out of all the wedding day decisions, this is an easy one. Hire a professional or coordinator to manage your timeline for you! A pro knows how to keep things moving without making anyone feel rushed. They can pivot if something unexpected happens (because it will). Kevin recalled working with a coordinator once who scheduled everything down to the literal minute and said this just sets you up to fail. Create a timeline that works for you, not one that will ultimately stress you out.
3. A Million Toasts & Speeches
A million toasts and speeches sounds sweet in theory; giving everyone you hold dear a chance to share their love and wishes. But Kevin warns that filling your reception time with endless speeches is an easy way to lose your guests’ attention and your dance floor.
“I firmly believe that no more than four people should speak,” he says. “If you have more than that, it’s best to break them up as much as possible. You can consider having others speak at your rehearsal dinner instead.”
We’re not saying they shouldn’t have a chance to speak; we’re saying it’s about keeping the energy of your big day intact. Kevin recommends ordering your toasts from “sappy to happy” so that energy builds naturally.
“Every time you add another speech or formality, you’re taking away from dancing,” he explains. Bottom line? We know this may be on of the toughest wedding day decisions, but keep your toasts and speeches meaningful, but also manageable.
Photography: Apollo Fotografie
4. An Overly Complicated Dress Code
A themed or color-coordinated wedding does have a nice ring to it, but Kevin cautions that it can quickly become more stressful than stylish for your guests.
“When couples ask everyone to wear a certain color or stick to a theme, they often can forget that not everyone has the budget or wardrobe to match,” Kevin says. “You might be asking people to buy something they’ll only wear once, and that can create unnecessary pressure.”
While a general vibe (like cocktail or garden party attire) is absolutely fine, getting too specific with colors or themes can make guests feel overwhelmed. If you’re hoping for a cohesive look, Kevin recommends gently suggesting a color palette rather than enforcing a rule. Let your love set the tone of the day, not the dress code.
5. An Overly Long Reception
A party that never ends sounds perfect, right? On paper, a six-hour (or more) reception might sound like the wedding of the year, but Kevin warns that longer doesn’t always mean better.
“You want your guests to leave saying, ‘We could’ve danced all night!’ not staying until they’re too tired to keep going, “ Kevin explains. “It’s not about partying all night long; it’s about ending on that high note.”
The hard truth is that energy naturally dips as the night goes on. If your timeline stretches on and on, guests can get restless. A packed dance floor doesn’t come from the extra hours you want to add on; it comes from a well-planned, well-paced, and well-timed celebration that leaves your guests wanting more. You want your friends and family to remember how fun it all was, not how late it went.
Photography: Nicole J. Kim Photography
6. A Playlist That Matches You (And Not The Crowd)
Your wedding playlist should reflect you and your partner…but not only you. Kevin shared a story of a wedding where he followed the couple’s music list to a T, but the guests were not too happy.
“The guests thought I was the worst DJ they’d ever heard, but I played exactly what the couple asked for. The bride, however, danced all night long and left a five-star review.”
At this wedding, a majority of the guests were their parents’ friends, so they didn’t resonate with the couple’s very specific playlist. There were no crowd-pleasers, and the dance floor felt flat.
Here is Kevin’s tip: Ask yourself if you’re planning this party just for you or for your guests as well. Of course, there is room for both, but balance is the key. Happy guests and a packed dance floor make your day unforgettable, so let your music style shine, but don’t forget to throw some classics in there as well.
7. Too Small (Or Too Big) Of A Dance Floor
Of all the wedding day decisions, this may be one you haven’t considered. The size of your dance floor does matter, and it can dramatically affect the energy of your wedding reception.
Kevin recalls a wedding where the couple insisted on a large dance floor. It was big enough for 300 guests! But…they only had 100 people attending. “Even though most of the guests were on the floor dancing, it looked empty,” Kevin explains. “And from an outside perspective, it looked like I wasn’t doing my job as the DJ.”
Optics matter. Too small and your guests feel cramped. Too big, and the party feels like it never took off (even if everyone is having the best time).
Kevin advises picking a dance floor that fits your guest count. You want it to look full, feel fun, and keep the energy high until the last call.
Photography: Tyler Vu Photography
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