You’re engaged; you’ve picked your beautiful resort, selected your gorgeous dress, and even settled on flowers and decor. Now what?? Your guests experience of course! While this special occasion is all about you and your fiancé, it’s important to keep your guests in mind when planning your destination wedding. Getting married in a far-away local means your friends and family are placing valuable time and money in you, so help make the most of their experience! Here are a few helpful tips and suggestions to keep in mind when pampering your guests.
1) Venue
I can’t stress enough how much this decision impacts your guests! I know you want a beautiful venue that you’ve always envisioned but please keep these items in mind:
a. Pricing- is the resort you’ve selected affordable for the guests you are inviting? Is it all inclusive? Are extras like alcohol and snorkeling excursions included? It’s important to evaluate these financial concerns before booking your venue.
b. Amenities – consider your friends and family and any concerns they may have. If you have lots of children coming, make sure the resort is family friendly. If grandma is in a wheelchair, make sure everything she needs to enjoy is wheelchair accessible!
c. Safety- this is definitely a concern when booking your wedding abroad. Please make sure the area you are traveling to is safe and secure. Keep in mind that beach resorts will generally be more secure than boutique hotels in the local town nearby. If you have any safety concerns about the resort you are booking, give us a call. Creative Weddings & Occasions are experts on selecting a destination venue that’s both safe and fun for your guests!
2) Welcome Bags
Welcome bags are a great way to greet your weary guests that have traveled all day to get there! Arrange for the resort to have them waiting in their room when they arrive. In a nice beach bag include items like sunscreen, bottled water, swimming toys (like boogie boards), candy and soothing lotion. A nice touch would be to find some local handicrafts (such as Mexican pottery) to include. To finish it off, throw in a detailed map of the area, and a personalized welcome note.
3) Helpful Itineraries
Often your guests will be wondering what the game plan is for the week leading up to your wedding. It’s helpful to write up an itinerary in advance to include in their welcome bag. On the itinerary, include group restaurant reservations, and any group activities you have planned. Most importantly, reiterate your wedding ceremony time and exact location (ex. secluded beach area) in case guests get too caught up swimming and drinking margarita’s to remember!
4) Group Activities
Planning a welcome barbeque on the beach, arranging for deep sea fishing, or organizing a spa day are all thoughtful idea’s that your guests are sure to enjoy. However, I do suggest keeping your group activities to a minimum. Most of your guests are probably hoping to relax and enjoy the beautiful resort, and don’t want to have to worry about a strict time schedule! If you do have lots of plans, make sure your guests know that everything (except your wedding!) is optional for them to partake in.
5) Relax!
I know that the days leading up to your wedding will probably be a bit stressful. After months of planning, your big day is almost here! But the best advice I can give you is to sit back, relax on that comfy beach chair, and enjoy having all of your nearest and dearest nearby. Your guests have travelled far and wide to celebrate with you, and stressing about how your floral arrangements will turn out is just not worth it. Instead, focus on the great conversations, the impromptu beach volleyball, and Aunt Sally busting a move on the dance floor!
Ultimately, choosing a destination wedding provides a much deserved vacation for the friends and family attending. As such, be prepared to make it as fun and stress free as you can! A little pampering here and there will ensure your guest experience lives up to every expectation!
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Adeline Schickedanz is a graduate of the Wedding Planning Institute of Canada, and team member of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. With a background in Visual Design and a true love of planning weddings, Adeline is a great choice to have on your wedding design team. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding please contact Adeline at info@delsoldestinationwedding.com.