While your wedding is your time to shine, it can also be an epic trip for your guests who have traveled to be by your side for your destination wedding weekend. We know you’re already wondering and thinking through the ways that you can make your guests feel welcomed and special, so we’ve got you covered! Here are seven ways you can elevate the guest experience at your destination wedding. 

Your guests are ready and excited to create some unforgettable memories with you. By being mindful of how you incorporate your guests into your destination wedding, you’ll be able to create a joyful and stress-free experience for everyone.

Simple + Easy Communication with Your Guests

From the moment you set your wedding date, you’re likely wondering: when is the best time to send out invites? How can I communicate better with my guests? Well, it’s important to start communicating openly with your guests about your plans as soon as possible. Make a conscious effort to be more transparent and proactive with information from the beginning. 

One of the easiest ways to make your guests feel valued is to keep them in the know by working with a travel advisor who works specifically with destination wedding couples. This will allow them to start planning for your destination wedding and eliminate the stress of arranging a last-minute trip without having to nag you at every turn. Share your travel team’s information and let your guests know about the big day as soon as possible. Trust us, the early notice sets the stage for a thoughtful and relaxed celebration.

By using a trusted travel advisor to assist with travel accommodation and everything in between, it goes a long way in showing your appreciation and elevating the entire experience. Being empathetic and responding quickly to guests’ questions as they plan their trip will help them feel included and cared for. At TravelBash, we make sure that no guests are left behind and are there for you throughout the entire journey. 

Pro Tip: You can also designate someone as a point of contact for guests to approach during the wedding itself. Having support in place will make your guests feel at ease and appreciated as they come together to celebrate with you.

Proper Celebration Welcome

Once your guests have arrived at your destination, you can start the celebration off on a high note with amazing destination wedding welcome bags! These thoughtful packages could include maps, local goodies, drinks or treats, travel necessities, a schedule of events, or even a heartfelt thank-you note.

Putting together the perfect welcome wedding bag is where you can get creative and showcase your personality! Building the perfect welcome bag could be a daunting experience, so we’ve put together some handy tips. With TravelBash, these welcome bags will be placed in your guests’ rooms on your behalf.

Take things to the next level by keeping your welcome bags on theme, incorporating your own unique wedding aesthetic. We guarantee your guests will be delighted from the minute they touch down in paradise.

You do not have to stop there, we always encourage our couples to do a welcome cocktail, taco bar or bonfire on the beach so guests can get to know each other on a deeper level.

Highlight The Destination

Infusing your wedding menu with local flavors and cuisine is the perfect way to heighten your guests’ cultural experience while abroad. A destination wedding is an exciting chance to explore new dishes and flavors, and guests will appreciate the opportunity to savor regional delicacies. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits, let the local cuisine shine!

Another fun way to incorporate local culture into your wedding ceremony is through your decor. Use local materials, colors and patterns in your theme. Take things a step further by incorporating special ceremonies native to the area that will wow your guests. Think of using local flowers, shaman, fabrics or art to create an unforgettable vibe in your ceremony, making it easier for your guests to feel part of the culture.

Elevate your guest experience by incorporating local musicians, dancers or performers, bringing a vibrant cultural touch to your celebration!

Plan At Least One Group Excursion

One of the most incredible things about destination weddings is the opportunity for your guests to bond over shared adventures somewhere new and exciting. Once your guests arrive, break the ice with fun group activities like a welcome dinner, beach bonfire, or a sightseeing tour.

Your destination wedding is the perfect chance for guests to explore a place they may have not visited before. Encourage them to go on adventures of their own, whether they’re into hiking, scuba diving, or learning more about the local culture. Even better, provide your guests with resources and suggestions for things to do! They’ll definitely appreciate you going the extra mile to ensure they have an amazing time, and you’ll appreciate the stories and memories they share with you, in turn.

Make Them Part of Your Wedding Ceremony

Inviting your guests to participate in your destination wedding ceremony is the perfect way to ensure their trip will be one to remember. You can have loved ones read special passages, offer blessings, sing, dance, or even play music, creating a beautiful and interactive experience for everyone to enjoy.

Your guests’ involvement will add further depth and significance to your ceremony. Let them participate in different, creative ways, giving them space to share their experiences and memories.

Pro Tip: To take things up a notch, you can even name cocktails after your friends and family for the reception, have them break out in a flash mob and ask them to join you on the dance floor during your first dance.

Favors?

Give your wedding guests a piece of the destination they can treasure forever by sending them home with local souvenirs as wedding favors. Whether it’s a jar of locally sourced honey, handcrafted jewelry, or a mini bottle of your wedding destination’s famous liquor, these keepsakes will serve as a lasting memory of the good times they had.

Always Thank Them

After the wedding, remember to send personalized thank-you notes to each guest expressing your gratitude and appreciation for their presence and mentioning a special moment from the celebration. It may seem like a small gesture, but a simple thank-you note goes a long way toward letting your guests know just how happy you were that they could join you on your big day (and let them relive a little bit of that destination wedding magic, too!).

Pro Tip: Send a postcard from your destination and have it shipped while there so they come home when they least expect a surprise in the mail.

As you can see, keeping these seven tips in mind as you plan your destination wedding will ensure your guests feel just as excited about your wedding as you and your partner do. At the end of the day, a wedding is not just about the “I dos,” but also about creating cherished memories with the people you love. By being intentional with your planning and incorporating your guests into the journey, you’ll transform your special day into a spectacular celebration for all.

For more great ideas on how to include and wow your guests at your destination wedding, reach out to our team.

Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.