Guest Care
By Brooke Vaughan Schroeder
Guests should not be forgotten when it comes time to divvy out the thanks. Here are several ways to welcome them and express your appreciation.
Out-of-town guest bags:
When guests travel a distance to attend your wedding, it’s nice (not compulsory) for them to arrive at their hotel with a goodie bag of treats (such as crackers, water, gum, candy, fruit, wine, disposable camera, toys for kids, etc.); and important information (schedule of events and local resources with phone numbers and directions) waiting for them. If they have a list of local restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping venues and so forth, then they won’t be calling you to get around. This is a nice way to help them get their bearings.
Activities/Meals:
At destination weddings or weekend weddings where there are a lot of out-of-town guests, it’s nice to offer activities (golf, hiking, tours and the like) and meals for guests. These can be hosted by other friends, but it’s a thoughtful way to provide a little something extra.
Receiving Line:
Perhaps you want to thank each one of your guests formally? If so, form a receiving line after your service at the church or upon your arrival at the reception. This will provide the opportunity for you and your families to thank everyone. The traditional order for a receiving line is for the bride’s parents to head up the line, followed by the bride and groom and then the groom’s parents. However, if most of the guests are your friends (and not your parents), it is acceptable for the bride and groom to be the first ones in line.
Favors:
These can be so fun! There are endless options, and you can do whatever you want. Personalize the gifts themselves and the packaging to make your favors truly unique.
Some food and drink items include coffee, mints, almonds, lollipops, taffy, jelly beans. Some even have candy buffets where guests can make their own goodie bag for a variety of choices. Personalize chocolate bars, truffles, olive oil, honey, jam, syrup, fortune cookies, even iced cookies. Or give out chocolate chip cookies and milk for a late night snack or donut holes, scones and orange juice for breakfast the next day. You can also personalize champagne, wine or sparkling cider with your own label.
Other novelty ideas include matchbooks, golf balls or tees, candles, playing cards, coloring books, bookmarks, soaps, ornaments, magnets, flip-flops, coozies, water bottles, sand dollars, frisbees, fans, flower bulbs or plant seeds, bells, bubbles, frames, lavender satchels, handkerchiefs, and umbrellas. You could make your own hits CD, or hire an artist to make portraits or caricatures for guests. You could also have guests choose from one of your favorite charities that you will donate to in their name. For more ideas, visit useful Web sites, such as www.theknot.com, www.theweddingchannel.com or www.brides.com.
Photographs by David Wright Photography
