Location is Everything

Location is often one of the issues that most celebrants/couples forget to think about. One of the reason why location is important is:

1. Convenience: convenience has to be viewed from the perspective of the locals and that of the out of town guests. If all your guests are local then think about them only. Now, booking a venue that is far away from everyone means the locals may have to travel far to attend your event or reserve an hotel simply to be on time. So the logical thing to do is to book a venue that is close and within reasonable distance to the locals but wait, what if the venue is far from the airport and/or hotel? That means the out of town guests may end up getting lost in an unknown city looking for your venue.

Here are a few a solutions to ensure that everyone feels taken care of:

A. All the out of town guests should stay in the same hotel. This will allow all your guests especially your out of town guests:

*To feel like they are a part of the celebration

* To receive a reduction in the price of hotel. Discounts are available to guests who book in groups and in advance

* Guests can ride together if necessary to the venue if the event is not at the same location

* Provide wedding information to the guests during check-in. Information about the wedding ceremony and reception (if held at different locations), directions, transportation time and schedule (shuttle buses) if prior arrangements has been made, good place to eat, best hang-out spot in the city, must-do activities, must-see locations etc.

B. If at all possible use the same hotel as the wedding venue. This will be helpful to the out of town guests. Parking may not be an hassle (to both the locals and out of town guests), the venue should be close to the locals and the out of town guests would not have to drive around looking for the venue, miss the shuttle, nor get lost. This type of venue/hotel may be a tough find but it is not impossible.

Always seek the help of a planner should you get frustrated, confused, and unsure. I simply ask my clients to take a deep breath, imagine that beautiful day and I go to work for them.

Cheers!