"Out of Town Weddings: A Guide for Guests"

[Tanya]

I found this going through my hard drive...there is only two of us getting married far away from our homes but so what! Some of this is common knowledge, but maybe someone can benefit from this.

 

"Out of Town Weddings: A Guide for Guests"

 

Going to a wedding out of town? If so, your head may already be spinning. Do you have the time? Are you up to traveling to an unfamiliar place -- possibly by yourself -- for just a weekend? Relax. You are the weekend wedding guest, and we're here to help take the pressure off.

 

Making The Best Of It

You're in, you're out and you're exhausted when Monday rolls around. There's no time to linger for a long weekend, the spreadsheets are calling. Relax. Here is some advice on how to make the most of your time.

 

Before You Leave

Turn it into a mini-vacation. It's a matter of mindset. Instead of asking, "How am I going to do this?" say, "I'm going to have fun." Then get started.

 

Plan ahead. Planning can help you make the most of your time. If old friends will be attending the wedding, call them beforehand and make plans to hook up. Make any rental car or other reservations in advance.

 

Call ahead for a hotel brochure and a local events calendar. The more you know about your destination, the more time you'll be able to spend enjoying yourself once you get there.

 

Send wedding gifts ahead of time. That way, you won't have to lug packages onto the plane with you.

 

Make plans to hook up with friends. If old friends will be attending the wedding, call them beforehand and make plans to get together.

 

On The Plane

Don't take a night flight before a morning wedding. You'll be exhausted. Also, to make your flight more enjoyable, try to travel with friends who are also going to the wedding. Time will zip by.

 

Don't check essentials. You'd hate to show up at the reception in your Ungaro gown and your Reeboks!

 

Request an exit row on the plane. Extra legroom means more comfort.

 

Don't bring your work. Unless absolutely necessary, don't bring your laptop and files. Instead, enjoy the in-flight movie. Remember, you're on a mini-vacation.

 

On Location

Don't live out of your bags. As soon as you arrive at your destination, unpack your bags. You'll feel much more at home if you aren't constantly yanking things out of your suitcase.

 

Hit the spa. If the local activities don't appeal to you, make your weekend into a spa-like retreat. Use all the hotel facilities, starting with room service. Many larger hotels offer a massage service, as well as a gym, sauna and pool. Take advantage.

 

Take a catnap. If it's an evening wedding, it will give you just the pick-me-up you need for later.

 

Live it up. Make up your mind to dance, indulge and have a great time.

 

Sleep in. The morning after the wedding, sleep as late as possible, and then order room service.

 

Plan your trip home so that you arrive in plenty of time to have a good night's sleep. If you head home too late, chances are you'll spend those last precious hours worrying.

 

Traveling To An Unfamiliar Place

Going somewhere you've never been before? How will you fill the time when you aren't celebrating with the happy couple? Every city has many unique things to offer its visitors -- even the smallest of small towns. Take advantage.

 

Do some research. Conduct a search on the country and resort you will be visiting. What is it famous for? There may be a museum, festival, park or other location that you'll want to visit.

 

Pick up a travel book. There are several outstanding series of city guides, including those by Frommer's, and Fodor's.

 

Get a local to show you around. This may be a great chance to meet up with an old friend who's local. Just offer to return the favor when they visit your city.

 

Ask the bride and groom. They probably have personal recommendations about activities and things to do in the area

 

Check out the local newspaper. When you arrive at your destination, this is a great way to find out about events.

 

Ask the concierge. If you've forgotten to make plans in advance, don't worry -- they can help with recommendations. I'm making copies to put in our guest folders.

 

Offer to help the wedding couple and their families. If you don't feel like sightseeing, they are sure to appreciate any assistance. This is also a nice way for you to spend extra time with the people you've traveled so far to see.

 

Remember, the few days before the wedding are the busiest time for the bride and groom. This is not the time to ask them to play chauffeur or tour guide. One of the best gifts you can give the couple is to take responsibility for entertaining yourself during your stay.

 

 

Feel better? You have everything you need to help make a weekend wedding fun and fruitful. Have a blast!

[TammyWright]

thanks tanya, this is great information!! i'm sure it will be useful to post on wedding websites and/or email to guests.

[destinationbride07]

this is awesome can I post this on my wedding website?

[TammyWright]

Quote:

Originally Posted by destinationbride07 this is awesome can I post this on my wedding website?

sure!

[LonaJ]

This is great thanks for sharing....I think I will include some of the points on our website.

 

[belledame]

Thanks for sharing Tanya!!

[JayKay]

I wish I would have seen this earlier!  This is really great information.

[Jber713]

This is great! Thanks for sharing!

[stefkva]

Great for our website!

[dominiqueamber]

This is helpful..thank you!