Welcome your out-of-town wedding guests in style...

When you invite guests to share the happiest day of your life, they are more than willing to travel great distances or even just across the river. It is traditional that all of your guests receive a wedding favor or other token to remember your special day, but is there a way to extend a special thank you to the out-of-town guests? The answer is YES!

A few things that go a LONG way...

When you receive the RSVP's with the number of guests arriving from out-of-town, the first thing to do is reserve a block of rooms at a nice hotel near the event. When reserving the rooms, make sure you inquire about a quantity discount as well as providing a list of names, or any other special needs, to the management.

Second, contact a rental car agency and reserve a few cars for your guests. You may be required to provide a credit card to secure the vehicles so be sure your guests will be using the cars or cancel the day before so as not to incur unnecessary fees. Your guests will provide their credit card, as well as driver's licenses, upon picking up the vehicle, but make sure you are aware of the agency's policy on cancellations.

When your guests arrive...

After your guests have picked up their rental cars and checked into the hotel, it is more than appropriate to make a courtesy call to the hotel. Speak to the desk clerk and make sure each guest receives the pre-arranged price, then speak to each guest individually and welcome them to your special city for your wedding.

A special touch is to prepare a Gift Basket personalized for each guest. Consider the time of year and location and then fill your basket with confections, medicine for stress relief, maps or directionals and little games for tots that may be joining parents. Use your imagination, you don't have to use traditional baskets, an old-fashioned lunch box works well or even a decorative box.

 Here is one gift basket from WeddingCreations. For a summer event, just arrange lemons, lemonade and a map in a basket. Cut out a piece of cardstock or other stationery to stamp a welcome message on. Use coordinating paper to wrap around the lemonade bottles and tie with ribbon. Tie a matching ribbon and tag around the basket. Your guests will love the special attention!

For coffee lovers (make sure the hotel includes coffee makers in the rooms) gather small coffee samples, biscotti and flavored cream in a basket. Include some mints and the map and you have a great welcome basket.

Another idea for chocolate lovers is to gather some Hersey kisses and wrap in a cello bags with coordinating ribbon. Then add some homemade brownies or chocolate chip cookies. Place all the items on a white, porcelain plate and wrap with clear cellophane. Tie with ribbon or add a bow.

**Take the baskets to the hotel the day before guests are scheduled to arrive. When you call the hotel to welcome your guests, remind the desk clerk to deliver the baskets. If you are giving different baskets to different guests, make sure they are clearly marked with the room number and name.**

An new twist on an old event...

Recently, a new event is being added to the traditional gatherings for weddings. The "out-of-town reception" is growing popularity for its itimacy and personal touch. When your guests arrive a day or two before the wedding, they are arriving at the busiest time of the affair. However, they shouldn't be lost in the shuffle. Secure a cozy restaurant in the heart of town or plan an at-home dinner gathering the day before the event. Generally, a couple has a rehearsal dinner for traditional weddings, so feel free to combine the two events into one. Attach a special invitation to the Gift Basket, if it is joint with the rehearsal dinner, or mail one 3-4 weeks prior if it is separate event. Be sure to provide directions to the restaurant or house - generally the bride's family will host the "out-of-town reception," while the groom's family hosts the rehearsal dinner. The "out-of-town reception" is a great way to mingle with those who have traveled far and family you may not have seen for years...it is more personal than the traditional reception and provides the "out-of-towners" a way to really feel like a part of the wedding.

Looking for ideas?

If you're looking for favor ribbon or unique decorations for your reception or gift basket, be sure to stop by our eBay store. We have great gift baskets or trinkets for the do-it-yourself bride. We also offer great discounts on wedding invitations, ceremony essentials, attendant gifts, children's attire and bridal jewelry. Stop by and browse!