Do you have lots of friends and family coming to see you on your big day from all over the country? Not sure on how to keep them entertained? Sometimes planning activities for your out of town guests can be as nerve wracking as planning the wedding!
With a little planning and thought, your guests can be right at home at your wedding.
Nowadays, the bride and her family are no longer considered responsible for footing the bill for airfare, lodging, etc. for out of town guests, but it is a courtesy to make their visit for your special day as relaxing as possible. Because many out of town guests consider their trip to your wedding a mini-vacation, it is important to provide them with as many comforts and amenities as possible. Here are some ideas to make their visit for your special day exceptional for your out of town guests.
Book a block of rooms at a couple of hotels for those guests who plan to stay overnight. Choose hotels that are good for both the budget conscious and those who like more luxurious accommodations. Usually a hotel will give a special, more reasonable rate if you book a block of rooms, and discount even more so if you book them far in advance.
Recommend reasonable airfare and other means of transportation for your guests. If you know of cheaper rates, let your guests know. If they are flying, also make arrangements for a rental car for guests as well.
For those arriving by train or plane, have family members meet them at the airport, or even better, if possible, try to meet them yourself. This will make guests feel welcome as soon as they set foot in your city.
Prepare a small gift of “thanks” for each guest that is coming in from out of town. Prepare some cookies or maybe a gift package with a few items that are unique to the city where you are getting married.
Leave a packet with important information in each hotel room. Include phone numbers of the bride’s and groom’s families, names of other guests at the hotel, and unique places to see in the city. Also, be sure to place a “thank you” note as well, letting your out of towners know how much you appreciate them coming to visit on your special day.
Create a “Wedding Itinerary” detailing the events of the wedding. Include times and places with directions, maps, and other important information.
Provide a guidebook to your city by getting in touch with the local tourist information center. Leave this with your “Wedding Itinerary” so that guests can have things to do during the rehearsal dinner, or during the time when they are not occupied by a wedding event.
If you choose, you can invite your guests to your rehearsal dinner, or even possible have a family member host a barbeque or party outside of the rehearsal.
Last but not least, be sure to spend a few moments of personal time with each of your out of town guests. After all, they did travel from afar to spend time with you on your special day. Raise a toast to those who traveled during the reception- or on the day after, have a breakfast or brunch for those who stayed overnight and are about to make their way home- if you have not already gone on your honeymoon!
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