Guests Traveling From Abroad: Tips & Tricks

Weddings are one of the most exciting celebrations — and it’s not uncommon for friends and family to travel from abroad to celebrate this special day with you! For you as the couple planning the wedding, this means a bit of extra organisation. But don’t worry — with these tips, you can make the process easier for yourselves and ensure your guests enjoy a smooth and pleasant experience.

1. Send Save-the-Date Cards Early
The earlier your guests know when they’ll need to travel, the better.

Save-the-Date cards are a great way to communicate the most important information early — even if you don’t yet know all the details.

You don’t need to include:

  • exact times
  • ceremony location

What you should include:

  • the wedding date
  • a note that it’s a destination celebration
  • a hint about the area if helpful

This gives your guests enough time to book flights, take time off work, and plan their trip.

Ideally, send your Save the Date as soon as you’ve booked your venue.

2. Provide Hotel Options
Ask your venue about accommodation options in the area and list them on your Save the Date or invitation cards.

If your venue is more remote, consider:

  • arranging a shuttle
  • providing transport information
  • reserving hotel room blocks

Room blocks can save your guests lots of stress — and sometimes even money.

3. Welcome Bags
A sweet way to show your appreciation for guests who travelled far is to prepare small welcome packages.

Ideas for welcome bags:

  • a public transport map
  • travel-size toiletries
  • a small local treat
  • your wedding day timeline
  • water & snacks

You can leave the bags at the hotel reception or hang them on guests’ room doors once they’ve checked in.

4. Clear and Kind Communication
Above everything else, the most important factor is communication.
Make sure your guests know:

  • how to get to the venue
  • where they should stay
  • what events are happening on which day
  • what costs you cover (or don’t cover)
  • whom to contact with questions

If you are not covering flights or accommodation, be sure to communicate this clearly and early so there are no misunderstandings.

When communication is clear, nothing stands in the way of you and your guests enjoying a wonderful celebration together.

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