For significant number of friends and family, arriving at your wedding means booking flights and crossing state lines. Those friends and family had to go through a lot of effort and expense to share your great occasion, so it’s your job to welcome them and keep them entertained.
1. Welcome Gift Bags
It is essential to create a welcome bag for out-of-town guests. It will be a small trinket that shows appreciation for traveling in for the wedding. It is a smart idea to include maps of the area, a list of local attractions, menus from recommended restaurants and driving instructions to the wedding location. It’s easy to gather this information and present it when guests arrive, and it will be a pleasant surprise that will alleviate stress from people who may be tired and hungry.
2. Lodging
Bride and groom are responsible for arranging lodging accommodations for their respective out-of-town guests. When suggesting hotels, it is important to consider that the venue is no farther than 30 minutes from the wedding and reception location. Decide for hotels near the airport, in a downtown location and a more scheduled area.The list should also include the approximate prices as well.
3. Do your best to keep them entertained
It is essential to keep your guests entertained. Don't leave them in the stagger with nothing to do. Arrange a welcome party and make sure there isn't too much time between your ceremony and cocktail hour or reception.
4. Make sure they know how much you appreciate them
Once you have invited your guests, do not forget to make them feel how much they mean to you. Attend each guests personally and ask them about their well-being and their journey. Raise your glass during toasting time to acknowledge those who have come from afar, and consider setting up something special for journeyers.
5. Emergency Contact Information
Assign a point person for out-of-towners to contact in case of travel delays, getting lost, accommodations issues, or any other issues. Ask a coordinator, bridal or groom party member, family member, or friend to stand by in case of any issues.
6. Post-Wedding Brunch
Its a nice touch to end the wedding festivities with a post wedding brunch. Its a great opportunity to welcome guests for travelling and plan a proper farewell. If the couple has already left for the honeymoon, the parents should oversee the event.
A wedding can be a very stressful time. However, it is essential to consider the guests and ways to make them as comfortable as possible. Accommodating out-of-town guests does not need to be difficult. The above tips should help ease the burden and make the event as enjoyable as possible.
