by Veronica Shine

Created on: April 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 28, 2010

One area that should be paramount to reflect a couple’s loving personality is to think about those special people in your life who will travel from far away to be with you on your wedding day. So before those invites say no, make it favorable and convenient for your invite to respond with an affirmative.

Secure group rates

Negotiate a group rate with a hotel near the location of your wedding and reserve a block of rooms. This way your out-of-town guests can then a cost saving group discount during their stay. Many brides choose to send a letter with the invitation to their out-of-town guests with the hotel’s special room rate and reservation number.

Begin by advising the hotel know approximately how many rooms you will need. Once the invitations are returned by those who will be attending and request a hotel, allow a member of your wedding party to follow up on the individual reservations.

Your guests can arrange their own reservations. Please be sure to inform your guests that they need to re-confirm their reservation at least two weeks prior to the wedding. Any rooms that are not booked within that time frame will be released back to the hotel

Transportation

Take in account that your out-of-town guests may need transportation to and from your wedding. Providing a shuttle van is a thoughtful gesture for your guests that don't know their way around your city or town. You can have the shuttle used as an airport pickup too. It is also good for any elderly guests that no longer drive.

Welcome your guests

Add a touch of class show and your appreciation to out-of-town guests by having a welcome basket or gift bag with a personal note from you to your guest(s) placed into each room. Simply enclose some essentials that will make their stay more comfortable such as a bottle of gourmet water, a bottle of wine box, fine chocolate, assorted snack items and some pampering essentials. These small gestures will point out to your wedding guests that you appreciate their arrival to attend your wedding.

Also consider including items that are reflective of your location. Use your wedding welcome baskets as a creative way by enclosing a map of the area, brochures to nearby attractions and emergency contact numbers. 

Extra special touch

Invite your out-town-guests to the after wedding rehearsal dinner. This is a lovely gesture because it will indicate that you are interested in spending additional time with them out of your hectic schedule.  If it is not cost effective or practicable to include them, you should consider options. One way is to invite to your home for drinks and hors d'oeuvres and appetizers.

Allocate these extra expenses in your budget and plan on making their stay an enjoyable, as well as memorable, experience. They will be assured that you and soon-to-be spouse are wonderful.

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