Destination weddings come with unique responsibilities. Beyond the financial cost of attending, your guests may be using their annual leave or spending their vacation in a place they wouldn’t have chosen on their own. They might also be spending valuable downtime with people they don’t know well. Taking steps to acknowledge and enhance their experience can show your appreciation and help make your special day memorable for everyone involved.
Welcome Your Guests in Style: Transportation and Arrival Tips
Whether your wedding is a short drive away, an interstate flight or a long-haul international trek, it’s always nice to welcome your guests. Arrange a private car or mini van for their arrival and shuttle to the hotel, preferably with you on board if you can spare the time. Have a welcome drink ready at the hotel and maybe some nice cold towels if your locale is warm.
Welcome Bag Tip
Choose treats appropriate to your destination but don’t put a strain on your guests’ baggage allowance with heavy or cumbersome items. Try a custom luggage tag, cute framed photo, flip-flops or a luxe pashmina, with a snack (local if you can get it) thrown in.
You’ll love this: A complete guide to creating the perfect welcome bag for your destination wedding guests
Ease Into the Celebration
Jet-lagged guests might not be up for a formal sit-down dinner right away. Instead, consider scheduling a casual lunch on the first or second day of their arrival. This relaxed setting gives everyone a chance to unwind and catch up without the pressure of a formal event. It’s a great way to ease into the wedding festivities and ensures your guests feel comfortable and welcomed from the start.
Kick Off the Fun: Activities and Signature Cocktails
Once everybody is over the travel and possible jet-lag, help your guests mingle and have a blast before the big day with some fun activities. Think about setting up a game night with a table game or beach cricket, or getting everyone involved in cooking classes or a relaxing yoga session.
You can also make things extra special by introducing a signature cocktail. It’s a great conversation starter and a fun way to add a personal touch to your celebration. Serve it at a welcome party or a pre-wedding get-together, and it’ll be a hit with your guests!
Incorporate Downtime into the Schedule
This goes for you and your guests. Don’t schedule too many early starts and maybe factor in an afternoon break so guests can recoup and refresh before dinner. Make it clear that activities are optional and try for a few events rather than one big one (you already have your wedding day).
Ideas for Keeping Your Guests Entertained
Ensure your guests have a memorable time by planning a range of group activities before and after your wedding. This way, they can get to know each other and enjoy some fun together.
Start with a pre-wedding welcome dinner to set the tone, followed by a day at the pool or spa treatments for the ladies. For the guys, consider organising golfing trips or fishing outings. To mix things up, try a sunset cruise, river rafting adventure, or a local sightseeing tour.
You could also arrange for a local cooking class, wine or brewery tour, or craft workshop to give your guests a taste of the region. For a more laid-back experience, host an outdoor movie night, set up beach or poolside games, or plan a trivia or game night.
During your photo session between the ceremony and reception, provide a canapé and beverage package for your guests. On other days, use in-house booking services to explore local attractions and secure great deals by booking in advance.
On Your Return
All those guests who couldn’t make your wedding are sure to want to catch up with you on your return – and see some photos! Either organise a casual picnic or barbeque or a get together at your house so you can show a highlights video or photo reel.
Header image by Fred and Hannah.
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