In order to show appreciation for these journeys, it has become appropriate for the bride and groom to help provide ease and assistance with the wedding accommodations. There are no hard and fast rules for doing so; it is just important to lend a helping hand to those guests who are willing to go out of their way to share in the joy of your wedding.
Hotel Accommodations
A popular way to help guests with their wedding accommodations is to contact a reputable hotel close to the reception site. Look for a hotel with nice guest services and amenities. Speak with the management and reserve a block of rooms for traveling guests. Request rooms with the best views and ensure that the staff will be personable and available for helping guests with any needs they may have.
Quite often the management will offer a group discount in exchange for the block reservation. Just make sure your guests mention that they are part of this group in order to receive the discount. In addition to providing your guests with a better room rate, you are sparing them the inconvenience of researching hotels in areas that are unfamiliar to them.
Accommodating your wedding guests with special touches and concern will help them to realize that you don't take their journeys or their presence for granted. Create welcome packages that your guests will discover upon entering hotel rooms. These packages can be as simple as a box of cookies or as ornate as floral arrangements and champagne. Use your imagination; after all, no one knows your guests as well as you do. Perhaps, a special child would be thrilled to find a teddy bear waiting while a dear friend might relax with a gift of bath beads and candles.
Fun Ways to Make Your Guests' Stays Spectacular
Another wedding accommodation idea is to send a "can't wait to see you" package in the mail. Assemble an information package for guests and mail it to their homes in advance of the wedding. Include area brochures and general information, menus from recommended restaurants, and a list of fun things to do and sites to see. You might want to include restaurant gift certificates or event passes for extra special guests.
If you have a wedding guest who is traveling alone, consider asking a good friend to contact them. Your friend can make sure the guest is comfortable, offer companionship for a meal or an outing, and just reach out in a way to let this individual know that they are cared about.
Finally, accommodating your wedding guests may mean helping out with their transportation. Consider a shuttle service that will take guests from the hotel to your wedding and back. Supply a list of local taxi companies, public transportation (if applicable), and car rental services. Make sure your guests know that the hotel will also be available to help out with questions and requests.
With a little thoughtfulness and creativity, your guests are sure to know that they are appreciated and valued.