If you’re getting married and you have far-flung friends and relatives, it’s really tough to get everyone together. Everyone wants to be there, but some people just aren’t going to be able to make it and you have to accept that. Some people simply can’t afford airfares, or some women might be too pregnant to fly at the time.
However, by thinking ahead and considering needs, you can help more guests to come than if you just jump straight into Bridezilla mode and assume everyone wants to shell out thousands for your big day. If most of the guests are travelling from distant parts of the UK, it’s a good idea to pick somewhere in between for everyone to gather. For example, if the bride is from Stirling and the groom is from Chichester, choose a North West Wedding Venue so everyone meets in the middle.
It’s easy to lose sight of the effort and sacrifice that out-of-town (or out-of-country) guests make to get to you. It’s shocking to think how much travelling guests spend on getting to weddings – flights, accommodation, outfits, gifts – it can easily add up to £1,500-3,000 a person! Here’s how to make it a bit easier:
- make sure they have somewhere cheap to stay – either a friend’s house, or book out a hotel at bulk rates to make it cheaper;
- make it clear that you don’t expect a big gift from them – if they’re already spending hundreds or more just to attend, you can’t ask them to cart a huge gift, or an expensive one, onto a plane;
- remember that people’s circumstances vary and if you really want that person to be with you on the day, but you know they’re struggling, find some way to help them (discreetly);
- let guests know at least six months in advance – preferably a year if they’ll be travelling from overseas. If the date isn’t pinned down, at least give them the month and reassure them that you’ll look into accommodation. As soon as the date is set, let them know, and
- do something to show how much you appreciate the effort they’ve made to get to you. It could be a mention at the dinner speeches, or a decent bottle of wine to share when they get to their hotel. If they’ve never met any of your other guests, introduce them to some before the ceremony so they feel connected.
It’s not just about the big day, either. You can present the occasion to them as a great idea for a holiday, too. If someone’s paying for flights and accommodation, they might as well see the sights. Another really nice gesture is to make out-of-town guests feel a part of the family. Invite them to the rehearsal, or have them over for an informal dinner either just before or just after the wedding itself. If they’re old friends, or relatives that you don’t see very often, you should take the opportunity to leave the wedding zone for a day and enjoy their company.
Do you have any other tips for successfully organising an out-of-town wedding?
As always I’d love to hear from you, so why not let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading.
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