If you’re inviting people to travel for your big day, it’s not just about sending a date and hoping they show up. Out-of-town guests are investing their time, money, and energy to celebrate with you, and a little extra effort on your part can go a long way. The more info you give them ahead of time, the smoother their experience will be—and the less you’ll get hit with a million texts asking for directions or check-in times.
Here’s everything your out-of-town wedding guests actually want to know before they pack their bags.
Start With the Basics Early
As soon as you lock in your venue and date, let your guests know—even if formal invitations aren’t going out for a while. A save-the-date with the city and date gives them time to plan, book travel, and budget. For destination weddings or hard-to-reach locations, the more notice, the better. This also helps people coordinate with work, childcare, or pet-sitting ahead of time so there’s no last-minute stress.
Offer Clear Travel Tips
Make it easy for your guests to get from point A to point B. Let them know which airport is closest, how far the drive is from there, and whether they’ll need to rent a car or use rideshare apps. If you’re offering transportation for wedding day events—like a shuttle from the hotel to the venue—let them know when and where to meet it. Bonus points if you can explain traffic patterns or suggest the best times to arrive and leave.
Share Where to Stay
Set up a hotel block or at least recommend a few nearby places to stay. Let them know which ones are closest to the venue and what kind of vibe each one offers—some guests might want luxury, while others are looking for budget-friendly. Make sure you mention any group codes or discounts they need to book. If you’re hosting any extra events (like a welcome dinner or post-wedding brunch), it’s helpful to choose a hotel that’s close to all the action.
Keep Everyone in the Loop
A wedding website is super helpful here. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a place where people can find updated info all in one spot. Include the full weekend schedule, dress codes, directions, and any little things that will make their trip easier. You can also share fun extras like your favorite restaurants, local attractions, or coffee shops. Think of it as a mini guide to your wedding weekend.
Let Them Know What To Wear
If your ceremony is outdoors in the grass, guests need to know to skip stilettos. If there’s a big temperature drop at night, they’ll want to bring layers or the right footwear. Be clear about the dress code, and if you’re planning something with a theme or a more casual feel, say so. People appreciate knowing whether it’s cocktail attire, garden-party casual, or full-on formal.
Help Them Feel Included
Out-of-town guests often don’t know many other people at your wedding, so finding ways to include them in the weekend is a nice gesture. Even something simple like a welcome bag at the hotel with a little snack, a water bottle, and a handwritten note makes a big difference. If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or brunch, make sure they know they’re invited and where to go. These extra touches help them feel more connected to the celebration.
Don’t Forget The Little Things
Out-of-towners might not know what’s normal for your area, like whether parking is easy or what kind of weather to expect. If your venue is hard to find, tucked away in a rural area, or has limited cell service, give them a heads-up. If there’s a lot of walking, let them know to bring comfy shoes. Even if it feels obvious to you, your guests will appreciate the heads-up. Think of it as removing guesswork so they can just show up and have a great time.
At the end of the day, out-of-town guests are going the extra mile—literally—to be there for you. Giving them all the info they need ahead of time makes things easier for everyone and sets the tone for a stress-free weekend. When your guests feel taken care of, they can fully relax and enjoy your wedding—and so can you.
