There are so many details to consider when planning a wedding! Communication is a must between the couple, planner, and service providers as everything comes together for the big day! But what about the guests?
Have you ever attended a wedding where you received minimal information about the day? Maybe you knew the location, but no one shared that the venue had limited parking! Or maybe you were under the impression that the wedding festivities would be held indoors and they ended up being outside in the freezing cold!
Although many couples put up a wedding website with the basics (hotel room block, venue location, overall timeline), there are some additional details you can share with your guests to help them have the best experience at your wedding!
Hotel
Simply providing your hotel options is helpful. Guests can easily use your reservation link to secure a room for your event. Of course the hotel website will share details about the grounds. However, it doesn’t hurt to add some of those details to your wedding website so that your guests are fully aware!
For example, let your guests know if you’re using a pet friendly hotel. This could be a godsend for some guests, and a nightmare for others. For those that want to bring their pet with them, be sure to share the hotel’s pet requirements/restrictions. And for those with allergies, contact the hotel about their non-pet rooms/floors so that you can provide that information on your site.
It’s also important to share hotel fees and valet costs with guests. Planning a wedding is expensive and so is attending one! These days, hotels have gotten creative with their pricing. They will provide an amazing daily group rate to you. However, by the time you add on hotel fees, taxes, and parking/valet costs, the total daily rate can increase by $100 or more! It’s important to work closely with the hotel to understand all fees and costs then share that information with your guests. This will help them better plan for their stay!
Inside or Out?
Failing to share this one detail can really impact what your guests remember about your wedding day.
I went to a wedding once where I assumed (never a good idea) the festivities were being held indoors. The wedding was scheduled in the middle of summer with a start time that occurred during the hottest part of the day. Why would anyone get married outside in the sweltering heat?
Overall, I had a nice time at the wedding. Unfortunately, this is what I remember most about that day:
My beautiful new heels sinking into the ground with every step I took towards the wedding ceremony area.
The poor positioning of the umbrellas over the ceremony seating. Apparently, the umbrellas were set up in the morning but not adjusted as the sun moved in the afternoon. The seats were so hot!!!!
The ungodly amount of sweat that I dealt with that day due to my wardrobe choice.
Save your guests some heartache. Make sure your website specifically states where wedding activities will be held. Also include information about backup plans for inclement weather. Your guests will appreciate having the information they need to feel prepared for your big day.
Alcohol
Be up front about the beverages that will be served during your wedding day. You may include this information on the invitation, but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate it on your website.
Are you having an alcohol-free wedding? Will there be an open bar?Cash bar? Whatever you decide, make sure guests are aware!
If you choose to have a dry wedding, communicating that information before the wedding will limit all those “Wait, where’s the alcohol!?” questions!
If you serve alcohol, share that information on your website and include a few reminders. Suggest that they bring a valid ID for bar staff to review and, if you plan to have a cash bar, they should bring money! Also encourage guests to tip the wonderful, hardworking bar staff!
There are so many other topics I could add to this list! Whether it’s about the hotel, ceremony location, or alcohol, guests will always have questions!
If you’re worried that you may have missed getting these details to your guests (or that they won’t read the information you sent to them), hire a planer! Your planner can be the point of contact to answer all those questions on your behalf!
J. Renee Services includes this service in all planning packages! Leading up to the wedding day, I am the point-of-contact for all guest questions. This ensures that the couple has a chance to relax and enjoy all of their wedding week festivities!
I hope my suggestions were helpful to all the couples out there! Please take time to share any of your personal wedding guest horror stories in the comments! Your stories will help me help others in the future!