How do I help those who traveled far have a GREAT time at my wedding?

Question

I am planning an intimate wedding (no more than 50 people), but at least 10 of those people will be coming to the USA all the way from Germany. My fiance and I want a very small wedding, but we also want to make sure those who traveled so far have a very memorable time at our wedding. We already know we want good food and good music, but what other ideas do you have? Creativity is a plus! Thank you!

Answer 1

1.  A list of important phone numbers, hotels, family, etc.

2.  A map of the area and if you can provide transportation available.

3.  As many get togethers with the entire family so they can get to know each other (or spend more time together and celebrate, eat, etc.)

4.  If they show interest, have them participate in the wedding plans, etc.

Enjoy!

Answer 2

I live in NY, and when my cousin got married in VA, there were several out-of-towners, as our family is spread out all up and down the east coast, mainly in NY, but also FL, etc.  Anyways, we didn't have any international travelers at the wedding, but the idea is the same.

First off, try to book rooms at a hotel, ideally in the same hall, next to one another.  When booking several rooms at once you can usually get a great deal on this, and when your relatives come, it'll be nice to all stay together instead of at several different hotels.  

Also, my cousin held the reception at the hotel ball room.  Excellent for several reasons.  First, your guests won't have to worry about travel arrangements to get there.  Second, they can drink and party all they want, as late as they want, and no need to worry about driving back.  Just walk up to your room.

If you decide to hold the reception elsewhere, or also for the church, don't forget about transportation.  Either offer limos, or have enough local attendees who are willing to help carpool, or even rent a bus or something.  Just a few ideas off the top of my head.  I forgot how my cousin did his, as I was pretty young, maybe 15ish at the time.  But all those ideas should work.  Or even if your lucky enough to have the church within walking distance, that would be ideal.

Don't stop at the church/reception/wedding stuff.  Offer fun activities and things to do for the whole weekend.  No reason to spend a whole lot, but again your guests are coming for a weekend at the least, others might be staying a week or more.  Nobody's going to fly from Germany just for teh wedding, and go back the same day.  Make sure to keep them entertained.  

My cousin had a big softball game Bride against the Groom team.  Both were huge baseball fans, and this turned out really well.  You can also make shirts ahead of time, such as what my cousin did.  On the back they all said "John and Carolyn" and the date, or something to that effect.  But we had the blue team and the red team I think, or something.  Like each side had a different color and then on the front it said Groom's team or Bride's team.  We were the blue team btw.  Cheap, fun idea.  Even the ones that didn't play enjoyed just cheering on those who did.  We did this at a park, so some of the others who weren't playing the softball game were able to play on the playground or play frisbee, or whatever, and we also had a bbq/picnic.

Going back to the hotel, another nice option was that we all met for the complimentary breakfast the next morning.  Out of towners and locals alike.  Free and well worth it.

Another option is if you live in a touristy area with things to do, then maybe you can set up a group tour of some sorts.  Especially if this is the first time they've been to your area.  A few of us went on a side trip to Washington DC.  It wasn't pre-planned, but a few of us who travelled from NY all stopped there on the way back.

Bottom line is think cheap but fun.  Ask them what they enjoy doing.  Maybe you aren't a baseball family, but rather a football/soccer family.  Set up a game of soccer.  If your family doesn't like sports, but enjoys nature, maybe a picnic of some sorts at the beach or something.  Just keep it simple, fun, and within your budget, and I'm sure they'll all have a great time.  Good luck!!

Answer 3

If they don't know anyone introduce them to people they might have something in common with.  Since it is intimate (this may sound corny), but what about ice breaker games or other party games, to get the ball rolling, so to speak.

Answer 4

Well if they are all flying in together you could have a limo come and pick them up from the airport.

At your reception when you make a speech or whatever you can say and we thnk all the relatives from germany from coming.

Have one special picture with all of them put it in a frame and mail it to them.

Incorperate German foods or tradition into your wedding if you are part German.

Hope i helped!?

Answer 5

I'm traveling to a wedding this weekend and the one thing that bugs me is that theres not many activities or ommunication between family for what to do before/after the wedding. I feel like I'm going for 3 days and just seeing family for 4 hours..

So plan some things other than the wedding that will make them feel included

Answer 6

Plan out some activities in your hometown for your out-of-town guests, especially ones that let them experience the best parts of your city. Is your area known for a nice lake or ocean? Great golf courses? An exciting amusement park? Awesome shopping?

The good food, music, and dancing (and spending time with you!) sounds like a very entertaining time at the wedding reception, but if you can plan some outings for the rest of their stay, I'm sure they'd really appreciate it. A brunch the morning after the wedding is a nice idea, too - it lets you relax and spend some extra time with them before they leave.

Answer 7

there is nothing more fun than DANCING AND BOOZE lol have memorable favors for your guests i had 150 people at my wedding and we did a big candy buffet all kind of candy in cool vases with tons of color and we had cool containers with our names and the date and a little poem on the inside every loved it and they still talk about it....you and your new hubby could do a special dance example here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT56YizyR...

you can first dance your sweet dance then bust out a funny one like this........i hope this helps and CONGRATS! if i can think of anything else i'll answer again.