Jen's Reply

Dear Ellie,

There are lots of things you can (and should) do to make your guests from out of town feel comfortable, especially if they’ve never been to Western New York.

First, give your guests detailed information as soon as you have it, whether it’s via a Save the Date card or your wedding website. The information should include dates and times for any events you’re hosting – rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception and post-wedding brunch (whichever apply.) This gives guests plenty of notice to book flights or coordinate travel arrangements.

Next, arrange for a block of rooms at one or more hotels. You can usually negotiate a group rate, and it’s nice when all or most of your out-of-town wedding guests are staying in one central location, especially if it’s a group of college friends or scattered family members (think mini reunion).

Gift bags upon guest check-in are also thoughtful. Include small items your guests would appreciate like bottled water, mints, snacks, maps of the area, and an itinerary of the weekend’s events, including ideas for what to do during their “down” time (mention places of interest like Niagara Falls, the Albright Knox, The Roycroft, etc.) Also include practical destinations like the closest Spot Coffee or Walgreens.

Finally, you may also want to arrange transportation to and from wedding events – like a shuttle from the hotel to the ceremony and reception and back.

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