Out of town guests

[Brad's Bride in 08]

We have approx. 15 guests coming from out of town. Of course this isn't a final count, but this is immediate family on both sides and it is pretty much guarunteed they will be here, just from talking to them about the wedding.They probably will not all be staying in the same hotel...actually most of them will more than likely be staying with family members in town. We wanted to recognize them for taking the time to take off work, paying for flights or gas to drive and such. However, if we give them "out of town baskets" or different gifts, the people they are staying with might get offended. Has anyone else ran into this problem? Any suggestions of what we should do?

[Danielle9608]

I have the same problem, however no solution. I am having a semi destination wedding in the cape. It is hard to draw the line about who is considered out of town and who is not.

[SerendipityCrafts]

I was at one wedding where the DJ made a game of it.

First, he asked all those who were from out of town to stand up ..... then he asked those who were from out of state to remain standing and for the rest to sit down ........ then he asked those who were from out of the country to remain standing and for the rest to sit down ........ those people who were standing got a small gift.

You can also play the same game with married couples. All those who have been married 10 years or more, stand up. All those who have been married 30 years or more, remain standing ..... etc.

[Danielle9608]

Thats a really neat idea Elizabeth. LOL in that case though I have no out of town guests :) Well no one from out of the country at least

[SerendipityCrafts]

Thats a really neat idea Elizabeth. LOL in that case though I have no out of town guests :) Well no one from out of the country at least

Hmmmmmmmmmmm miles away? If you travelled over 50 miles to get here? If you travelled over 100 miles to get here?

I forgot one thing about the game re: married couples. The dj reduced it until their was only one couple standing (the couple that had been married the longest) and he asked them to give the newlyweds their best tip on having a happy marriage. I thought it was such a nice idea.

[Brad's Bride in 08]

I love the idea about the dj playing games. I will have to do that. THANKS!

[LoveHim08]

Great ideas! I will have to use these. Thanks.

[EarlyBird]

wow great idea- I plan on just doing it for people who are at the hotel- my fmil does these anyway so im sure she wouldnt think ahead to the people who are at others houses hehe

[suzismi]

The baskets are a great idea. I have talked with they hotels in our town (there is only 2 owned by the same lady...so it was easy) and asked if they would be able to put baskets in the rooms for my guests. I planned on including a map with restuarants, grocery store, gas stations, point of interests and how to get to our church & reception site. Does any one have any other ideas to put in the baskets? Any suggestions would be fantastic!

[shawnsgirl]

All of our out of town guests stayed in the same hotel..So we did up a little welcome packet with local restaurants, bars, and also driving directions to all what was nearby, the hotel gave all of our out of town guests a coupon for their restaurant, local attractions (little league museaum attractions), and we made sure they had an invite to our rehearsal dinner.

Since theyare staying with family I can see where it would be very hard to get all the baskets where they would need to be..

I think the game with the DJ and then maybe an invite to the rehearsal dinner would be very nice.

[bichonlvr]

I love Elizabeth's game...you can also put something in the program thanking everyone for coming from near, far, etc.

I also think you can give them gift baskets, people will understand and they might not even get wind of it!!!

Also, make sure you take the time at the wedding to go up to their tables and thank them personally! :)

[august8bride]

I am doing welcome gift bags too! Along with the stuff that's been listed I thought it be cute to add, a welcome letter thanking the guest for coming so far. Contact info (my mom's cell, and MOH cell) and a postcard from that area.

[suzismi]

Great idea for the letter thanking them for traveling and also including contact information if needed. I think I will definetly also remind them what time the ceremony, meal & reception starts...just incase they don't bring the invite with them.

[august8bride]

That' s a good idea. Becuase they probably will forget their invitations.

[Lajollawed]

Are the wedding gift bags on top of the guest gifts given at the wedding? When do you give them their gift bags?
I'm also wondering approx how much people spend on their guest gifts?
I had never thought of a gift bag, it sounds like a great idea!

[suzismi]

Are the wedding gift bags on top of the guest gifts given at the wedding? When do you give them their gift bags?
I'm also wondering approx how much people spend on their guest gifts?
I had never thought of a gift bag, it sounds like a great idea!

As far as guest gifts go, we are only giving favors and also having a candy buffet. The bags/baskets that we are giving to out of town guests will already be in there hotel rooms when they arrive. That way they will have them for their entire stay.

[august8bride]

I am putting mine in the hotel room for my guests too. I'm only spending appr. $5 on each bag. Just the bag a list of hotels, etc. and contact information. Then maybe a late night snack such as popcorn and a couple of drinks. Not alot to it money wise.