Planning for guests coming from out of town is one thing that gets left until the last minute.

Think about this, how much time will it take to figure out what to do with all of your out of town guests?  It may seem like a short amount of time, but coordinating all their flights, travel and daily activities can be a huge task, especially if you’re doing it at the last minute.

Get Rooms Early – Book now, or pay later!
Book a block of rooms for your guests months in advance, most hotels require 10 rooms + to be booked if you want a block of rooms.  You can always change this number, usually with 24 hour notice.  Get rooms at hotel that is near your house, guests will want to come over and chat before and after the wedding.  Take a look now at room rates, they will change, and most likely be higher as your event gets closer.

Food – You love food, and so do your guests!
Keep it simple and plentiful is my best advice that I can give when it comes to planning out what type of food to serve during the afternoons or evenings that follow up to the big day!  Your guests expect something when they first get in, that isn’t airline food or McDonalds.  Go to your local super market and get cheese platters, fruit platters and other catored food.  The one thing that you shouldn’t do… is plan on having lots of time to make home-cooked food the day before your wedding.  You won’t have the time, and neither will your designated helpers.

Entertainment – Get them out of the house!
One of the best decisions that you can make is to get rid of your guests by keeping them busy.  This will give you plenty of time to catch up on those last minute needs and fixes before your wedding.  Plan an evening where most of your guests go out to dinner and movie, this gives you a solid few hours to spend relaxing – did you hear that? I said… RELAX!

Make a List – All your Guests will ask for one!
Everyone that comes from out of town will have the same questions.

  • Where can I get something drycleaned at the last minute?
  • What are some great places to eat that are near by?
  • How can I get a taxi?
  • What can I do on Sunday before we fly home that is fun and close by?
  • I need to send a letter, where’s the FedEx?
  • How do I get the wedding? How about the Reception?

Take a few minutes and write down the answers to these questions, print them out ( several copies!!!) and have them ready for your guests when they get into town.