All photos: Jonathan Borba
The wedding weekend is a precursor to everything that’s to come. For couples extending their celebrations over the weekend, providing helpful guidance is essential to making your guests feel comfortable and included. This is more than just organizational information. It is the essence of the atmosphere that the couple embodies, smoothing the path for the participants.
What is Wedding Weekend Welcome?
A wedding weekend welcome guide is essentially a collection of information your guests will need during your event. This can be found in physical form, digital form, and even a combination of both. The purpose is simply to eliminate confusion and help your guests get the most out of your event.
It’s more than an itinerary. It’s context about what to expect, what to wear, how to get around, where to go between activities, and more. For visitors attending your wedding from other parts of the country or world, this is important information to provide.
A welcome message builds anticipation and shows appreciation. A short acknowledgment from the bride and groom to the guests who were there to share in the celebration creates a warm and intimate atmosphere.
This section can also represent the weekend atmosphere. Whether your weekend is formal, informal, or a combination, it’s essential to give your guests some guidance on what to wear, especially early on.
- See the weekend schedule at a glance
An effective timeline is the foundation of any welcome manual. Organizing your events chronologically will help your guests understand the structure of your weekend. We recommend including the time, venue, and clothing requirements for each event.
It also helps distinguish between events and activities. Welcome cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, and ceremonies should each be considered separately. Optional activities give guests choice without pressure.
Dress code and style guidelines
Fashion advice is especially helpful for multi-day events. It is common for guests to be concerned about proper packing, especially in different venues and weather conditions.
Avoid generalizations. Learn what to wear for cocktail party attire, beach formal, and casual chic. You can resolve ambiguity in expectations by clarifying a few points.
Travel and transportation information
Out-of-town guests need helpful travel information. This may include advice on alternative airports, approximate travel times and local public transport. If a shuttle is available, include location, time, and sign-up requirements.
Information on hotels and accommodations
If you are blocking rooms, you must list the hotel, address, and dates to book. Be sure to highlight check-in times and special benefits available to hotel guests. If your guests will be staying in another location, it’s helpful to offer hotels around the area.
Please note the walking and/or driving distance between your hotel and location. It’s a small detail, but it helps the weekend flow.
Local recommendations used by guests
Local recommendations are welcome, especially if you arrive early or leave late. Think restaurants, coffee houses, shopping, salons, and tourist attractions. Allow your guests to explore when they are free.
- Weekend beauty and health tips
For a beauty and fashion target audience, health advice adds value to your blog. This may include recommendations for spas and other beauty services.
Notes on climate are also important. Adding weather, terrain, and season will help your guests choose shoes, jackets, and accessories.
Digital vs. printed guidebook
Couples can choose a print guide, a digital guide, or a combination of the two. Printed guides are visually elegant and can even be found on welcome bags or in hotel rooms. Our digital guide is always up-to-date and convenient to access from your mobile phone.
Many couples choose to combine both print for aesthetic reasons and digital for convenience reasons. QR codes make it easy to connect both forms of media.
- Appropriate design and presentation
High-quality paper, strong branding, and information hierarchy create a more valuable resource without making your space feel cluttered. Although subtle, aesthetic elements can be incorporated through light illustrations and photography.
Clearly address expectations
An effective guide avoids confusion by answering questions before they are asked. Examples include plus-ones, kids, and event timing. Transparency promotes relaxation. When you’re clear about where your guests are and what to expect, you can focus on celebrating, not problem-solving.
A wedding weekend welcome guide is more than just a factual document. This is a hospitable gesture that shows the couple organizing the event is attentive, organized, and has a sense of style. By combining useful information with a great presentation, couples can make the weekend easier for their guests while highlighting the theme of their celebration. See the infographic below for more information.
Source: Lizbreygel: Beauty, Fashion, Lifestyle – www.lizbreygel.com
