A welcome breakfast is a great way to say “We’re so happy you’re here.”
No two ways about it: Attending a destination wedding can be an expensive undertaking. In addition to transportation and hotels, your guests are going to have to pony up for meals, non-wedding activities, taxis or rental cars, tips, and maybe even a new dress for the occasion. But there are a few tried-and-true ways you can make them feel it was all worth it. And you don’t have to sabotage your wedding budget to do it. Here’s how:
1. Buy them breakfast. You don’t have to wine and dine your guests throughout their stay—though at a minimum you’ll want to treat them to a welcome dinner and a day-after brunch, in addition to the wedding reception itself. But hosting a daily breakfast buffet, either in wedding headquarters (your parents’ suite?) or a private space adjacent to your resort or hotel’s restaurant, is a welcome gesture. It doesn’t have to be fancy—bagels, fruit, and coffee will do. But it gives everyone a chance to sync their schedules early in the day, and they’ll walk out whistling a merry tune because they didn’t have to pay.
2. Connect them. There’s no more awkward feeling than being a singleton—or even a couple—in a situation where you don’t know anyone else. So in addition to placing a schedule of events in every guest room, also provide a list of everyone who’s coming to the wedding—along with information on where they’re staying and what their connection is with you and the groom. It’s an easy way to insure each guest feels like they’re part of the group.
3. Treat them. Guess what nobody needs to find in their welcome bag? A baseball cap with your wedding date stitched on the brim. Rather than spend your bucks on novelty items that will probably never see the light of day after the wedding, think about what would make someone’s trip more comfortable. It might be a coupon for a free drink in the lounge, or bug spray and sunscreen. And speaking of bags, people pack light nowadays. Most likely anything bulky (a welcome box) or liquid (a bottle of rum) isn’t leaving that hotel room.
4. Toast them. People love a good shout-out. So unless your guest list is enormous, set aside five minutes of the rehearsal dinner to thank every one of your guests individually. Stand with your groom, ask for attention, and go briefly around the room, “We’d like to thank everyone for going out of their way to make this such a special gathering. First, to all of our siblings—Luke and his family, Francine and Brad, Truman and the triplets—it wouldn’t be a wedding without you. Next, I’d like to thank my college friends–Judy, Debbie, Bev, Amy—you girls mean the world to me, and I’m thrilled that you’re here to celebrate with us. Etc., etc.”
5. Respect them. It’s your wedding, but if this is a big trip, it’s likely your guests are turning it into a vacation. So don’t be angry if someone wants to skip the morning nature walk and sleep in, or if a couple of friends take a pass on the bride’s-side vs. groom’s-side croquet tournament in order to visit a museum they’re intrigued by. In fact, you should be thrilled that your wedding gives them an excuse to indulge a bit. Just as long as they don’t miss that grand entrance of yours. — Sally Kilbridge
2 Comments
Harold Bell · July 9, 2013 at 8:59 am
Indeed, family and friends who have come a very long way just to attend the wedding deserves to be treated nicely and properly. It is your wedding but it won’t be as memorable without the presence of those people who are dear to you.
Sally Kilbridge · July 10, 2013 at 7:18 am
You’re right–here’s to wedding couples who understand true hospitality!