Being the perfect host
Taking care of guests
You may be occupied with last minute plans during your wedding weekend, while your out-of-town guests have extra time on their hands.
A great way for family and friends to reconnect is to arrange for a hospitality suite in your hotel. This room can be a regular guest room, suite, conference, or banquet room. Sometimes the hospitality suite is included as part of a wedding package with your reception and guest rooms. The hotel can stock the bar and have munchies delivered at off-meal hours—they might even supply continental breakfast with juice and coffee in the morning. Ask the hotel what their policy is about bringing in outside liquor and food—some will allow it while others may charge a fee.
Another great bonus with your hotel may be the transportation options they may offer for your guests including: airport pick-up and drop-off, complimentary trips to local shopping and tourist areas, and shuttle service to your ceremony site. You might want to schedule some special activities for your guests, especially if they are first-time visitors to your area. Work with your host hotel concierge on sightseeing tours, shopping trips, theater tickets, restaurant reservations, and to organize any special events you might like to hold. A Sunday evening wedding allows a lot of extra family time over the weekend—think about a group trip to a baseball game or maybe a family picnic in the old neighborhood on Saturday.
More often, out-of-town guests are being included in the rehearsal dinner. The catering manager at your hotel will also be a valuable resource should you choose to have your rehearsal dinner, a post-wedding brunch, or a welcome cocktail party for all your guests.
In-room amenities are always nice to welcome your guests, letting them know how much you appreciate their effort to be with you. Classics include a simple fruit basket, a bottle of wine, a fruit and cheese tray, or flowers. If you are truly ambitious, you can make your own baskets for guests, with items such as maps, event directions, snacks, games (great for families), or a souvenir from your city like a Christmas ornament that will be cherished for years to come.
RECEPTION POINTERS
Skip the huge head table at the reception—share an intimate dinner for two as man and wife or share a small table with your parents or children. This also allows members of your bridal party to sit with their loved ones.
If you are booking a facility far in advance, check that they are not planning any major renovations or changes to their facility. This should be noted in the contract and signed by the facility.
Ask the caterer or chef to prepare a late-night snack for the two of you as the bride and groom usually spend more time with their guests than eating at the reception.
Choose food at your reception that reflects your own personal tastes—a sushi bar, a pasta station, or a Spanish tapas reception.