Local Activities for Your Out-of-Town Guests

Encourage non-locals to make a vacation out of your wedding

By Ashley Gallman

Photo by iStockphoto.com

While you may be thrilled to have wedding guests who are willing to travel to attend your ceremony, you may also fear that your guests will feel lost and bored in an unfamiliar city. No matter where the ceremony takes place, whether a huge city or tiny village, every location has attractions. Write a one-page guide to the locale and send it to your guests in advance of the wedding, or post the information on your website, to help them entertain themselves.

Cuisine

Give your wedding guests a taste of the local cuisine. If you're in Texas, recommend restaurants that serve authentic Tex-Mex. In Maine, direct your guests to lobster places. Few people will turn down a good meal, especially one that wouldn't be the same anywhere else. Guests will also get a chance to sample the style of food that will be featured at your wedding and rehearsal dinner.

Landmarks

Mention to your guests a well-preserved mansion or battlefield that would attract the interests of historically minded guests. These are sites specific to the past of your wedding location and will give your guests a sense of the tradition and culture surrounding your venue.

Museums

Offer your guests a list of museums in the area. A natural history or art museum will be a draw for many guests with time to spare. Many cities also have museums dedicated to an event or product specific to that particular location.

Shopping

For wedding guests who are interested in local boutiques and other shopping opportunities, include a map of malls, shops, and main commercial strips, with notes about stores that feature local specialties.

The Outdoors

Suggest a particularly picturesque hike or a promenade along the prominent streets. Offering a trip to see a local team compete will capture the attention of the sports enthusiasts on your guest list.