8 Ways to Let Your Guests Know You're Having a Reverse Wedding

Are "reverse weddings" becoming a thing? Recently, Brit + Co covered the trend, detailing how to pull off this non-traditional timeline that's "all about the party," and we're really into it... So, what exactly is a reverse wedding? Basically, your whole celebration is backwards, beginning with a cocktail hour and reception, then ending with the ceremony. This unique schedule gives guests loads of time to party down before the vows and helps build anticipation while ensuring that your guests are well-fed and pumped for the "I dos." Because this type of wedding strays so far from the norm, you'll need to make sure guests know exactly what's going on. Here are eight ways to make sure your nearest and dearest know you're having a reverse wedding. 1. Spell it out on the save the date. Your first shot at letting guests in on your backwards big day is the save the date. Make sure to clearly state that you're having a reverse wedding, and consider pointing guests to your wedding website for more details. You can find creative ways to incorporate the idea of a reverse wedding into the design, too, by writing "etaD eht evaS" or choose a printing method where the design is inverted. 2. Work it into your wedding website. Here's your chance to really spell it out for your guests. Dedicate some section of your wedding website to giving everyone the lowdown on what will be happening when. 3. Give a full schedule in the invite.  In case guests don't make it to your website, give them a detailed schedule of the day on the invite so they know what to expect. Make sure to highlight key times, like when they should arrive, when they'll eat, and when the vows will be exchanged. 4. Set-up lots of signage. Wedding signage is your friend. Since guests probably won't bring their invites to the wedding, have a few signs with the schedule. 5. Prepare your bridal party. On the big day, guests are bound to have questions about what to do next. Make sure your bridal party is ready to help people navigate this new timeline. 6. Make the most of your DJ. Your DJ will need to keep the guests excited and informed. Make sure he or she builds a playlist that fits the schedule, and gives clear cues when guests needs to move from one thing to the next. 7. Arrange transportation. If your ceremony is at a different location than the reception, make sure guests have arranged transportation or that you provide it. Since the partying will start early, you don't want anyone getting behind the wheel who shouldn't be. 8. Have a countdown. We love this clever idea from Brit+Co. Treat your reverse wedding like New Years Eve and have a countdown to the "I dos"! Want more non-traditional wedding ideas? 23 Gorgeous Brides in Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses Non-Traditional Engagement Rings How to Host a Non-Wedding, Wedding Party!