Your wedding guests are likely more scattered than ever. Wedding guests used to live nearby. Nowadays, however, couples should anticipate that many of their guests (if not all) will be traveling from out of town.
Given the effort and expense involved, couples often feel compelled to provide special assistance for friends and family. Here’s how to smooth the way for your wedding’s out-of-town guests:
Accommodations and Travel
You are not obligated to arrange a hotel block or coordinate travel plans for your guests. But they’ll likely welcome local recommendations. Compile a list of hotels or alternative lodging options close to your wedding location, as well as your top restaurant picks, cafes and coffee shops.
Share any insights you have about the local airport to assist with travel logistics, including long security lines or limited parking. Offer choices that cater to various budgets. For instance, you might mention other nearby airports for guests to consider, if they can fly more cheaply.
Transportation
Inform your guests in advance if it would be more convenient for them to rent a car. It might be helpful to assist relatives and guests in coordinating carpools or to offer tips on making arrangements for transportation to and from the airport and other event locations.
This is particularly important if you have guests who do not drive. Hotels might be willing to offer a shuttle or bus service for your gathering, especially if you have already booked a block of rooms.
Entertainment
It’s not necessary to plan every moment of the journey, but pre-ceremony gatherings and suggestions for fun activities will keep your guests in high spirits. Consider hosting a welcoming celebration before the more intimate rehearsal dinner, or perhaps a cocktail hour or even a pizza party to express your gratitude.
Helpful Schedule
Provide out-of-town guests with a complete wedding schedule, and make it available both in print and online for easy access while everyone is on the move.
Consider packaging the schedule in a creative gift basket that showcases local restaurants and shops. (Hotel staff may be able to help place the baskets in guest-rooms). Help everyone make the most of their free time by making other suggestions for activities that suit various age groups and budgets.