In the not-so-distant past, it was normal
-- even expected -- for a person to grow up within a few blocks
of grandparents, aunts, uncles and assorted cousins. He or she
could attend local schools, seek work in the area, and perhaps
settle down with a hometown sweetheart. Weddings could take
place nearby and the reception might be held at a favorite family
restaurant within a short commute of friends and family alike.
While this kind of idyllic (or not-so-idyllic) situation certainly
still exists today, it's much more likely that your friends
and family will be somewhat more far-flung. So while you plan
each aspect of your wedding experience, take a moment to recognize
the special effort made by those guests who will be arriving
by planes, trains, and automobiles in the days preceding the
main event. And what better way to say thank you to a travel-weary
guest then to have a special welcome gift awaiting him or her
on arrival. With that in mind, here are some ideas to help you
plan the perfect 'thank-you,' without breaking your budget.
Food for Thought
Nothing hits the spot more after a day of airline food or rest-stop
take-out then an assortment of yummy treats waiting on the hotel
dresser -- especially ones your guest won't be billed for by
the item. But before you pick up the phone to order the standard
fruit basket, think for a moment about the message you want
to send. A gift tailored to your friend or family member's individual
tastes will often speak louder than a generic snack pack --
no matter how extravagant. If you know that your guest likes
to unwind at the end of a long day with a glass of white wine,
why not have a bottle of his or her favorite label chilled and
waiting in the room? A chocoholic might be thrilled to find
a plate full of gooey brownies waiting with ice-cold milk upon
arrival. If your out-of-town guest list is too extensive to
afford such personal attention, consider gift baskets stocked
with local goodies to give your guests a taste of the area.
Stress Relief
A day spent in cramped seats with little legroom is enough to
make anyone cranky. Think about greeting your guests with an
assortment of spa products geared towards soothing their aching
bodies. With the rise in popularity of aromatherapy, many companies
offer collections of scented products formulated for specific
results -- such as stress relief or extra energy. There are
even a few geared specifically towards travelers, with formulas
touted to promote restful sleep and reduce the effects of jetlag.
Add colorful bath salts, a mud mask for the face, and perhaps
a gift certificate for a mini-massage -- if the hotel offers
such services. Your guests will probably be pleased to know
that you recognize how little fun traveling days can be, and
how much you appreciate their efforts.
The Best Medicine
A friend recently attended an out-of-town wedding and received
a basket of goodies containing, among other things, the bride
and groom's favorite hangover remedy. You don't expect your
wedding to be a solemn affair, so why not start the merriment
early by greeting your arriving guests with a gift of the giggles.
Put together a welcome basket that will prepare your loved ones
to dance the night away at your reception. Stock your goodie
box with vitamins, herbal energy boosters and nutrition drinks
to fortify your guests for the party to come. Add an eye mask,
aspirin, and some recommended steps for post-party recovery
to send the message that your wedding will be as much about
fun as formality.
Mother's Helper
If your guests will be arriving with small children in tow,
why not greet their parents with a little post-travel relief?
Prepare a kid's activity pack with age-specific games and activities
to keep the little ones busy while their parents take a well-earned
rest. Be sure to include any batteries, pens, and paper that
might be required and avoid anything particularly noisy or messy.
You might also want to steer clear of any toy guns or weapons,
unless you know in advance that the parents would approve. Those
extra large boxes of crayons are generally a safe bet, and travel
versions of board games work well if there will be several children
within the same age group. If you haven't the foggiest idea
about your five-year-old niece's idea of fun, check with your
local toy store. Odd are, the salesclerks can point you in the
right direction.
Traveler's Survival Kit
What's that you say? After the catering, the dress, and those
cute little monogrammed cocktail napkins, you don't have a nickel
left over for welcome gifts. Fear not. You can still let your
friends and family know how much you appreciate their presence.
Put together a local survival kit, containing all of the information
your guests might need for their short stay. Some items to include:
Directions to the nearest sundries shop if there isn't one in
the hotel Menus from local restaurants.
A list of taxi and car services, including phone numbers Brochures
for local amusements
Maps and guides for local public transportation -- include directions
to the closest pickup points
Directions to the nearest same-day dry cleaners (accidents happen)
Local sources for fax, email, and FedEx (work doesn't always
stop because you get married)
Driving instructions from hotel to wedding location and back
again
Much of this information should be readily available at the
hotel front desk, and the rest can be gathered with a minimum
of legwork. And if you've ever arrived in a strange town, tired
and hungry, you'll know how pleasant it will be for your guests
to find that you have already handled many of these pesky details.
Welcome gifts are a wonderful way to extend a special thank-you
to those guests who have traveled long distances to join you
on your big day, and there are lots of options to choose from
beyond the standard fruit basket. With a little extra time and
energy, you'll be able to pull together a present that brings
a smile to your travelers' faces without placing a sizable dent
in your wallet.
Whether you opt for humorous, helpful, or just plain delicious,
you will ensure that your friends and family remember the wonderful
time they had at your wedding, not the stress and aggravation
of the preceding journey.
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