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Home Away From Home
Guests coming from out of town? Make sure they're set up right.
Are your guests coming from far and wide to witness your wedding?
One way you can show your appreciation for their efforts is to arrange
spectacular overnight accommodations for them. Yes, your guests
could find a place to stay on their own, but it's thoughtful—and,
frankly, expected—for you to have done some legwork for them
in advance.
Do Your Homework
If you're getting married at a hotel, look into arranging on-site
accommodations. This will be especially convenient for guests without
access to a car. If you're not getting hitched at a place with guest
rooms, check out the overnight sites in the immediate area—from
bed and breakfasts, inns or historic hotels to major chains. Keep
guests close to the ceremony and reception sites, though —they've
already traveled enough.
Money, Honey
Guests pay for their rooms on their own—unless you've just won
the state lotto and really want to splurge—but some planning
on your part will help get them an affordable rate. For starters,
keep in mind your guests' financial situations. If you're having a
lot of young, still-struggling pals at your bash, it wouldn't be smart
to reserve rooms in major hotels at major prices. Conversely, if you're
inviting many older relatives or experienced travelers, it might be
disappointing for them to do without some cushy amenities. Also, keep
in mind that many guests will make this wedding getaway into a mini-vacation.
So see if your chosen locale has a pool, cable television, in-room
movies and room service.
If you can't find a site that's ideal for all your guests, consider
reserving rooms at two different sites and allow your guests to
choose. It is, however, a good idea to get as many guests as possible
at the same place. Try to find a location that has room enough for
everybody - it will be in your best interest and theirs. Most hotels
offer discounted rates when you reserve a block of rooms. Doing
this will also allow your guests to mingle not only on the wedding
day, but before and after. Call different hotels, inns and bed and
breakfasts in your area and see what kinds of discounts or group
rates they offer.
Spread the Word
Once you have decided on where your guests will stay, send them information
on their home-away-from-home in advance of the wedding day (many folks
include it with the save-the-date card). Provide them with hotel brochures
so they know what to expect. Also, give the scoop on transportation,
such as how they can get from the airport to the hotel or where they
can rent a car.
The Personal Touch
When the big day is upon you, welcome your guests with open arms (not
necessarily literally). Have a little treat placed in their rooms,
such as a floral arrangement, a fruit basket or something indicative
of the local surroundings. A note for each guest, welcoming them to
town and thanking them for coming, is another nice gesture You may
also include a list of all the other wedding guests staying at the
hotel, to help them schedule pre- and post-wedding get-togethers with
friends and family. Finally, leave brochures from local attractions
in the room, along with recommendations on restaurants and things
to do. Little touches, sure, but the kind of things that will make
your guests feel great.
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