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Extra invitation info
It’s a great idea to include some useful additional information in your wedding invitations.
Reception committee
This is the time to let your guests know about any decisions you have made regarding the day. For instance, if you are having a cash bar in the evening, you may want to add:
A cash bar (which accepts Visa, Amex and Switch also) will be open from 7.30. Please note there are no bank facilities in Lower Netherington. Cigarettes are available at the Dog and Duckling next door.
Or:
Cars will be valet-parked, please let the attendant know if you will be leaving your car overnight/leaving early.
Or even:
The bride and groom have been planning this wedding for a long time, and will be enjoying every second of it. Therefore, there will be no 'going-away' and sandwiches will be served at midnight.
Staying overnight
Many guests will want to stay overnight after the evening reception, and possibly also the night before the wedding, so a list of local hotels and guesthouses is very helpful. Print out their names and addresses, along with contact details and rates for single and double rooms.
Hotels will often block reserve rooms, as long as they are confirmed by a certain date. This usually allows you to negotiate a more favourable rate, especially during off-peak seasons. If you do arrange a deal with any hotels, remind guests to inform the hotel that they are part of your wedding party when they book.
Make sure you include as many venues as possible -- there will always be someone who leaves it until the last minute and will phone in a panic if they can't find anywhere to stay. A good range of prices should also be included. Some guests might be looking for the least expensive accommodation they can find, while others might like to splash out on a glamorous hotel for the night.
Also include a list of restaurants, covering a range of budgets and styles.
If you have pre-booked rooms in a hotel for out of town guests, it’s always appreciated if you leave a message of welcome in their rooms. It's also a good idea to give your guests the name and phone number of someone you have appointed as a 'guest liaison', who can be contacted with questions and queries. If most of your out of town guests are arriving the evening before the wedding, suggest a time they can meet in a hotel bar and get acquainted before the wedding. This is particularly appreciated if you’re having a rehearsal dinner with your wedding party and can't spend time with them yourself.
If any of your guests aren't familiar with the traditions of your wedding, let them know beforehand what the layout of the day might be, as this will enable them to relax and enjoy the day more.
An out of town guest reception a couple of days before the wedding is an enjoyable way to catch up with friends and family. If possible, have it somewhere special locally, which would make a story for the guests when they go home, such as a hotel where someone famous has stayed, or the clubhouse of a well-known local sports team.
