When celebrating your nuptials, it’s likely that you’ll be inviting loved ones from far and wide to ring in your newly married status.
Whether journeying across the country or from the other side of the world to witness those “I dos”, guests travelling from out-of-town should be made to feel as welcome and comfortable as everyone else. Read our top tips to help out-of-town guests feel right at home.
Give out-of-towners a plus-one
The etiquette rules regarding plus-ones may be regularly debated. However, if your wedding budget will allow it, giving out-of-town guests a plus-one can make all the difference to their comfort levels and yours as Wedding Spot reveals:
“Most couples also choose to extend plus-one invitations to friends and family in serious or long-term relationships, especially if they don’t know the primary guest’s partner well. Out-of-town guests who may not know many other attendees are commonly given plus-one privileges so they don’t feel out of place or lonely. If you’ve ever been to a wedding alone, completely surrounded by strangers, you can probably attest to the awkwardness.”
By extending the invite to a plus-one, you’ll keep out-of-town guests who don’t know many people at your wedding satisfied – which means one less thing to worry about on your big day.
Welcome guests with a welcome bag
The benefits of wedding welcome bags shouldn’t be underestimated. As well as providing an exciting glimpse into the celebrations to come, a ‘welcome’ bag does just that – it gives a warm welcome to each and every one of your guests.
For out-of-town guests, the welcome bag can contain a few extras that enable them to get a feel for their home away from home. Your wedding welcome bag could include guides and tips for enjoying your wedding and the local area, plus the comforting essentials that will be greatly appreciated after a long journey, such as mini toiletries.
Whatever your wedding welcome bag goodies, present them to your guests in one of these top-rated totes.
Share your local knowledge and recommendations
While we’re certain you’ll have enough things to organise in the run-up to your wedding day, providing support to out-of-town guests as they plan their journey to your wedding is recommended.
You can give your guests advice and assistance over the phone or via your wedding website. Offer your suggestions for accommodation, travel, transportation, and even entertainment options and amenities that will come in handy once they arrive.
Include your guests in pre-and post-wedding events
Unlike your other guests, loved ones travelling from out of town to attend your big day are more likely to stay for a few days on either side of your wedding date. Whilst it’s not up to you to plan their entire itinerary for them, inviting out-of-town guests to celebrate with you at any events you are hosting before or after your wedding is a great touch that will leave them feeling extra welcome.
In addition to keeping them entertained, their attendance could help them feel more comfortable on the big day itself. Whether you plan to host a rehearsal dinner, pre-wedding pamper party, post-wedding brunch or a simple backyard barbecue, extending the invite to out-of-towners is a fantastic way to prolong the festivities and ease into the main event.
