Everyone You Definitely Need to Spend Time With at Your Reception

After exchanging vows and arriving at your reception, you'll be surprised how busy you are—clinking glasses, hugging and thanking guests, showing off your rings, crushing the dance floor and sneaking bites of food between toasts—basically, just trying to catch your breath and take everything in. All good things to be busy with, we promise! But amid the excitement and celebration, don't forget to give these key people a moment of your valuable time.

1. Each Other

It sounds obvious, but so many married couples mention how much they regret not spending enough time with each other at the reception. Of course, you have to make the rounds to family and friends who've come to celebrate with you, but think of it this way: No one else there is your brand-new spouse. It's important to soak in your newlywed status together, even if it's just for a few stolen moments.

Worried you'll end up missing each other all night? A sweetheart table is a fabulous way to ensure some quality one-on-one time with your better half. If you're not into that idea, make sure you're seated next to each other at the head table—and actually stay there, chat and eat your first meal together. Depending on the size of your reception, you'll likely get separated again after dinner. Incorporate other newlywed traditions to guarantee some face time, like cutting the cake, or promise to join up on the dance floor later in the night when a certain song comes on.

2. Your Parents

This one's a no-brainer—the incredible people who've made you who you are (and probably chipped in on the wedding bill) get first dibs on your time and attention. No, you don't have to spend all night with them (they'll be busy making the rounds and playing host too), and this will vary based on how close you are, but spending a few minutes by their side during cocktail hour, sitting at their table for dinner or enjoying a special parent dance will mean the world to them. No one is more proud of you than they are, so make sure to return the love.

3. Your Grandparents (or Other Elderly Relatives)

Speaking of people who are proud of you, any grandparents you're lucky enough to have at your wedding deserve a bit of uninterrupted time with you. Whether or not they come from faraway, their age and health might make preparing and traveling for your day more of an effort than it is for other guests, and they do it because they love you so much. Save them a dance, share a piece of cake, hop into the photo booth with them, or just take a moment to give them a heartfelt hug and kiss. And don't forget to have your photographer put a few pics of you and your grandparents on the must-have shot list.

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4. Friends From Faraway

We know, you wish you could hang out with absolutely everybody (and, honestly, if you don't want to spend even five minutes catching up with someone at the reception, you might want to reconsider inviting them). But give a little extra love to any guests who've made a particularly big effort to be there. Maybe it's a close friend who's flown in from overseas, maybe it's your cousin who just had a baby and hired her first overnight babysitter in order to make it—whatever the circumstances, make sure they know how much you appreciate them being there.

5. Guests Without a Plus-One

If your budget allows for everyone to bring a date, that's great. But chances are you'll have a few guests flying solo or feeling awkward about not knowing many people. Here's where you come in: A beaming hug from you and a brief catch-up will not go unappreciated—it's like getting noticed by a celebrity. Make them feel special, thank them for coming and maybe even introduce them to another fun group you think they'd get along with.

6. Younger Siblings

This won't apply to everyone's circumstances, but if you have a sibling who's much younger, don't let the night pass without giving them some time and attention. This is a big transition for them (one they might not totally understand yet), and letting them know you'll always be part of their life, even through a small gesture like dancing with them or sharing an inside joke, will mean a lot.