We love this welcome bag complete with chocolate, cookies and a map of the city!

We love this welcome bag complete with chocolate, cookies and a map of the city!

As I was scrolling through my newsfeed the other day, I noticed a Knot.com article that really caught my eye.  It was titled “How to make your out of town Wedding Guests feel at home,” and being recently invited to 2 out of town weddings I was excited to gain some knowledge on this subject to share with my girlfriends who are planning their wedding celebrations on the west coast.  I found the article to be extremely thoughtful, helpful and insightful…so here are a few nuggets that will ensure the perfect out of town wedding for you and your friends and family.

Send your guests a Wedding Itinerary:  Include key times, locations, who is hosting, what to wear and so on for each activity.  That way guests can plan well in advance.  Keep in mind most guests will arrive the day before and stay the day after your wedding, so hosting an informal barbecue, pizza night or barbecue the evening before is a nice gesture along with a casual post wedding day brunch. This also allows your out of town guests to get to know one another in a casual setting.

Kasey Larson at DBY Events & Invitations designed this custom welcome bag and itinerary for an out of town wedding client.

Kasey Larson at DBY Events & Invitations designed this custom welcome bag and itinerary for an out of town wedding client.

Create a Travel Guide:  Provide room block information at 1-2 nearby hotels, a list of local restaurants, rental car, cab or limo information and phone numbers.  Check with the city’s Visitors Bureau for maps and brochures that you can include in your travel guide.  If the location is “special” to you, include your “Top 5” things to do.

Welcome your guests with Yummy Treats:  A basket of local artisan chocolates or caramels, cookies, nuts, pretzels, local fruit, bottled water, etc. is a thoughtful way to welcome your guests for traveling so far to celebrate with you.  Imagine the smile on your guests faces when they walk into their hotel room to see a lovely basket of goodies and a hand written note from you.

The best way to welcome your out of town guests? Chocolate of course!

The best way to welcome your out of town guests? Chocolate of course!

Say Thank You:  Don’t forget to thank your out of town guests personally throughout the weekend, whether it be individually, or in your toast at the reception.  Guests will have spent time and money to travel a long distance to celebrate with you and a simple thank you goes a long way!

Love this canvas tote welcoming guests to our favorite city!

Love this canvas tote welcoming guests to our favorite city!