by CD Gozzi

Created on: December 03, 2008

The day you dreamt about as a little girl has been selected and is now on the calendar. As the bride to be, something you learn is planning a wedding takes a great deal of patience, research and consideration. Not only do you have to select the venue for the ceremony and reception, the food, the music, the dress, the cake, the invitations and so on but you have to take into consideration the people who will be attending the event.

Make sure all guests receive a "save this date" or invitation well in advance of the event in order to make travel arrangements. Airline prices are less when purchased several weeks in advance of the actual travel date.

Out of town guests usually understand the bride and groom will be busy the day of the wedding, but will be pleased if you provide them with recommended places to stay and a few recommended activities. Depending on where the venue is for your extravaganza, arrange to have a block of hotel rooms reserved at a negotiated discounted rate. Most hotels are willing to accommodate bridal requests as they know they will have committed guests for a certain period of time.

When selecting a hotel, do consider the amenities that are available to the guests. Those with children may want to use the swimming pool. Health minded guests may appreciate an onsite fitness center. Many hotels provide a complementary breakfast for their guests. These are the things to consider when you check around. You may however also include a list of all hotels in the area if some of your guests would prefer to stay at an alternate location.

Your out of town guests may feel a little out of the loop as they will be staying away from you and the groom, the families and their own homes. Provide them with a little welcome gift basket in your absence. Since out of town guests are not familiar with the area, the basket can include a map of the area, calendar of events and popular tourist attractions or places of interest. You can include some personal touches such as food and beverage items, flowers, candles, essential oils or soaps. Make sure you include a personal note welcoming your guests to your special celebration. Call all of your out of town guests welcoming them to your event and helping them to feel less isolated.

If your wedding and reception venue is a considerable distance from the hotel location, you may consider hiring a transportation service such as vans or a bus to bring the out of town guests to the event. If this is not possible or you only have a few out of town guests, consider asking members of the bridal party to assist with bringing the guests with them.

Make sure all your guests know the features of your wedding beforehand - the requested attire, venue and registry. It may be easier for out of town guests to select and purchase the wedding gift from the registry as they will not have to carry it with them.

Consider having the out of town guests attend the rehearsal dinner or have a separate post wedding brunch or dinner just for them. This will allow you to thank them personally for attending your wedding.

Your wedding is your special day, but don't forget all of those who come from near and far to help you with the celebration!

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