Tasks for the Out-of-Towners
- Create a Website (Pro tip: Feature a link to your website on your save-the-dates for easy access.)
- Share Hotel Recommendations and Blocks
If you’re inviting more than a couple of out-of-town wedding guests, we highly encourage booking hotel room blocks. Not only will this reserve rooms for your crew, but your guests may also receive a discounted rate. Either way, it’s a good idea to provide hotel suggestions on your website. Make sure you include multiple price points, because some guests may want to spend more on a hotel than others. Also, denote where the we plan to stay. “Our recommendation is to have as many guests at the hotel where the couple will stay,” says Becker. - Provide Day-of Transportation
While some of your out-of-town guests may be within driving distance, most of them will likely fly, so you’ll want to book guest transportation to get them to and from the venue. It doesn’t have to be a luxury form of transportation at all (although, if it is, lucky them!). Couples will often rent school buses or trolleys as a fun alternative to a coach bus or big SUVs. Arrive and leave on their own time. Be sure to include numbers for taxi companies on your website, and if ride shares are hard to get in the area, share that information, as well. - Give Welcome Bags
You’ll want to include an itinerary for the weekend and list what time they’ll be picked up at their hotel if you’re providing transportation, the addresses of where the events are located, and any other pertinent information. Include a few snacks that you and your future spouse like, water or alcohol, and maybe a few things to form a hangover kit. Whether they enjoy it right when they arrive or save the snacks for a late-night munchie, your out-of-town guests are sure to appreciate the gesture. - Plan a Welcome Event
A welcome party can take many forms—anything from a brunch the day before to a cocktail hour after the rehearsal dinner, or even a fun group activity. - Share Your Local Favorites
In terms of activities, suggest a variety of things for people of all ages. You don’t want to offer only physical activities, especially if you’ve got older relatives on the guest list. Include a mix of outdoor activities, shopping, historical sites and anything else noteworthy in the area that has special meaning for you and your future spouse. You should also include restaurants, along with descriptions about each of them. - Express Your Gratitude
It doesn’t need to be personalized for each person—a thoughtful, general message works perfectly—and you can place it at their reception seat or tuck it into the welcome gift bag. Another option is to make a toast, either at a pre-vow renewal event or at the reception itself, to let them know how you feel. - Write a Thank-You Note
When it comes to etiquette for out-of-town guests, it’s critical to send your thank-you note within a year of your ceremony. his note can be a bit more personal than the one you wrote on the big day, and should obviously acknowledge the gift that they gave you. You can include a specific memory from seeing them at the vow renewal or note how far they traveled to celebrate you. It’s a great way to remind them that you’re thankful they came to your special day.