This is one of the most challenging aspects about releasing the news of destination weddings. Some guests are just not travelers, may not have the budget or may have different vacation plans for the year of your wedding.
How do you reveal the news to your guests? How do you tell them about the money and time investment they need to make if they want to join you in your wedding? well, its simple. You personally call the people in your guest list. You can start with the people that matter the most to you, see their reactions and then call whoever else is left in your list. If you don’t have the time. You can also send a nice e-mail with a save the date and some of your destination wedding details.
Keep in mind that It’s key to mention, when you deliver the big news, the main reasons for celebrating your wedding in your selected location as well as to provide an estimate of the investment. After the news has been released it is smart to continue the communication either on the phone or via e-mail. The key is to create as much anticipation as you can to help the guest in doubt reach a decision.
Below are the top 3 things you can do to alleviate the guest gripe and have more guest joining you.
1. Select a destination that has good prices and stay away from expensive all-inclusive resorts
2. Select a city that offers more than majestic resorts and blue waters. Look for things like history, ecological parks, nightlife and dinning experiences. This may increase the number of people attending your event since they may decide to turn your weekend getaway into a full week vacation.
3. Organize before and after wedding activities and provide as much as possible detail of all the tourist attractions in the area. This will create anticipation and will make them feel you are taking care of them. If your budget allows it, it would be nice if you cover some of the costs of these activities. It is a way to thank them and honor their presence.
When you do proper planning and create the right experience that appeals to the majority of your guests then no one will remember the money investment or the hours sitting in an airplane but the awesome experience they just had!
Tell us your biggest guests gripe!