Admit it: You’ve been to at least one wedding where something about the events made you uncomfortable or possibly even cringe. For instance, maybe dinner was delayed 1/2 hour while the bride and groom were having formal pictures taken. Or, you ordered a drink at the bar only to find out it was a cash bar, and you have $0 cash. Not very nice, was it? But now, the tables are turned and you’re the hosts. Your guests deserve to go home happy—and what couple wouldn’t want that?—a few of our gracious host suggestions:

Pick your wedding date carefully.
Sure, holding your affair on a Friday or Sunday night — or even a weeknight — is a great way to save money. But this might pose a problem for guests who don’t live nearby. Many will have to take a day off from work in order to attend your wedding; your immediate family and your wedding party may have to take even more time off in order to attend your rehearsal dinner. A clever compromise, if you’re really set on a Friday or Sunday affair: Hold your wedding on a holiday weekend, when most working guests would automatically have an extra day off.

Think your menu through.
Chances are some of your guests observe dietary rules — maybe a few vegetarians or folks who keep kosher. Be sure to take a look at your guest list and see who might fall into this category. Most caterers will provide meals to accommodate these guests for little or no extra charge. Just be sure that the catering manager knows where these folks are sitting, and that your guests know ahead of time that you’ve taken care of their needs.

Let’s talk wedding registry for a second. Registering for gifts is a wonderful concept — it takes away the guesswork, and it ensures that you’ll get the things you need and want for your new life. Just be sure that, in addition to selecting your favorite pieces, you choose items in a range of prices—everything from spatulas, hand towels and cookbooks to crystal stemware, electronics and sporting equipment. This way, every guest will find something within his or her budget. Most all stores offer the option to purchase a gift card for any amount as well.

Help your single guests feel extra welcome. Make sure you seat them where they’ll know other people. For instance, you can put unattached colleagues with other work people; your high school or college buddies can all sit together, whether single or hitched.
Another thought, go ahead and ask your single pals with whom they would prefer to sit—this way, they’re sure to be comfortable. In addition, while you are under no obligation to invite single guests with dates (unless they’re living with someone or are in a long-term relationship), it’s a very nice gesture to do so, and your friends will surely appreciate it.