Let’s face it, attending a wedding in the middle of a pandemic can be stressful and as a guest, you must take several things into consideration before saying “yes.” What can the bride and groom do to acknowledge a guest’s efforts to share their special day and make them feel appreciated during their visit? Here are a few ideas to let your wedding guests know you are happy they have arrived.
Leave A Small Gift In Their Room
Whether your guests are staying with a family member, at their home, or a nice hotel, have a small gift waiting for your guests as a welcome surprise. Put together a basket with some of their favorite treats, decorative soaps, light scented hand cream, and a few bottles of sparkling water. Add a bottle of wine and a wine opener if you know they enjoy an afternoon glass of vino.
Make Transportation Easy
If your guests are from out of town, hiring a car to pick them up and take them to and from the wedding would be a special offering. If there are multiple guests to be picked up, rent a car with plenty of space and make sure to offer masks, hand sanitizer and assure the passengers that the vehicle has been sufficiently disinfected before they enter.
Share a Gift Certificate to Local Eatery or Shop
Including a gift certificate to a favorite local deli to enjoy an outdoor salad or sandwich, or a coffee shop where they can sit and enjoy the fall weather. Select a location that is walking distance so they can enjoy the neighborhood views. Give them some ideas of what they can see when walking, such as a park, museum or a historic site.
DIY a Mini-Bar
I have used this gift idea for many years and my guests all love the idea. Fill a medium-size mason jar with mini bottles of their favorite liquor: whiskey, vodka or liqueurs. Tie a gift tag around the lid with a handwritten note. What they don’t drink, they can put in their suitcase and take home because mini bottles are easy to pack.
Deliver a Warm Afternoon Sweet
Have the hotel deliver (or personally deliver) a tray of warm cookies and milk to their room. Have your wedding party help if you are trying to accommodate multiple guests. Spread out and conquer, deliver the treats at the same time of day.
Give a Personalized Memento of Their Visit
Do you know a local chef, artist or vendor who can sign a book or a small piece of art? Ask them to personalize the gift and have it displayed on the bedside table for your wedding guest to enjoy. It will be a lasting reminder of their visit to your wedding.
Add a Special Touch
Regardless of how much or little you spend, letting your guests know you are happy they have decided to spend their time with you celebrating your wedding, is a thoughtful gesture that will go a long way in showing your appreciation.
You may also like What to Consider When Mingling With Your Wedding Guests. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
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