b'Experiences to RememberWhile not all couples are going back to large guest counts, theyre making sure that attendees enjoy the experience, filling their special days with thoughtful touches and unforgettable moments. We are seeing more intentional weddings, where the focus is more on the guest experience versus the usual traditions, says Claudia G. De Velasco, owner and lead event planner atA Day To Rememberin Houston. We are seeing smaller weddings with bigger budgets, where couples can splurge on food, dcor and/or details. Specialty elements, such as special effects and unique visual entertainment, are on the rise.We have seen a decrease in guest size and a bigger focus on making the overall wedding a complete experience, notes Samantha Leenheer, owner ofSamantha Joy Eventsin Dayton, Ohio. Couples are moving away from just checking the box when planning, and are adding intention and purpose behind each decisionfrom the glassware that reminds them of their grandmothers to the menu representing each of the five places they lived together. They are looking at their wedding as an opportunity to create a full weekend experience with their guests at the forefront.Examples of personal details incorporated into menus include fun drinks named after their animals, says Burrow of Claudia De Velasco from A Day ToSarabeth Events , as well as local favorites. Remember says more clients are splurgingPopular choices byConstellation Culinaryat on visual entertainment (top). At Sarabeththe Norton in West Palm Beach, for example, Events weddings, couples have served cocktails named after their pets (right).include such South Florida favorites as Local food favorites are crowd-pleasingCuban sandwiches and cafecito shots. menu items, such as Cuban sandwiches at the Norton Museum of Art (above).TOP LEFT PHOTO BY DANIEL COLVIN PHOTOGRAPHY; 30 CATERING, FOODSERVICE & EVENTS cfe-news.com BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO BY JOHN CAIN STUDIO'