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Attendants and Guests

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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