Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Travel
  4. Destination Weddings
  5. Your Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Destination Wedding All Your Guests Will Love
Martha Stewart Weddings

Your Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Destination Wedding All Your Guests Will Love

Skip gallery slides
Pin
Bride and Groom on Sailboat
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

Plan an unforgettable trip for everyone to enjoy.

Start Slideshow

1 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
Paris wedding
Credit: Greg Finck

With all of the factors that go into planning destination weddings, it's no surprise that they're inherently more difficult to plan than a wedding close to home. There's more to it than simply selecting your location and celebration site—as it turns out, picking a faraway venue is only half the battle. Not unexpectedly, the majority of the legwork will likely involve helping your friends and family members get from Point A to Point B comfortably, especially since destination weddings often require guests to step outside of their comfort zone. When it comes down to it, you want to ensure that all of your loved ones not only get your destination, but also have a great time once they're there. While this may sound daunting, planning a destination wedding that your guests will love doesn't have to be stressful.

In the following slides, you'll find step-by-step instructions on how to plan and personalize a destination event that'll make guests feel like they're still at home. The best part about this guide? It applies to any destination wedding, no matter the location. Whether you are throwing a springtime affair in Paris or a tropical wedding on the hot beaches of Cancun, these helpful hints will steer you in the right direction. Not only will it make things easier on you and your partner, but it will also show your attendees that you thoroughly considered their needs.

To help you on your way, we've compiled our most helpful destination wedding planning tips. From the invitations to the flight home, this guide will provide you and your guests make the most of your faraway wedding. Click through the slideshow to learn how you to begin planning for your wedding in paradise.

1 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Build Excitement for Guests

island-inspired stationery
Credit: Aaron Cameron Muntz

A few weeks before the wedding, send each of your guests a teaser via snail mail to get them excited for the upcoming trip. Some ideas: a guidebook with the location of your wedding bookmarked, or a gift that's super-specific to your destination—a fresh lei, a beautiful shell, a bag of gourmet coffee beans, or a bottle of local wine.

2 of 32

3 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Help Guests Pack for Your Wedding

globe decor on suitcases
Credit: A Guy + A Girl Photography
For the Bridal Party: This Is What You Need to Pack for a Destination Wedding

Add a section to your wedding website that makes prepping for the trip a piece of cake. In addition to giving guests a heads-up about all the special events they'll be attending, include dress-code information and a list of things they won't want to leave home without, such as sneakers or snow boots (if you have any hikes or nature walks planned), sunscreen (if the hotel doesn't provide it), and a shawl (if you're jetting off to a steamy location that's cool at night). It's a nice and organized way to lend a helping hand while giving them a sneak peek at the events you're planning.

3 of 32

Advertisement

4 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Provide Transportation for Your Wedding Guests

wedding-weekend-ideas-local-transportation-trolley-0416.jpg
Credit: Sargeant Creative
4 Steps for Hiring Transportation for Your Wedding Guests

Arrange for a van or limo to pick your guests up from the airport and shuttle them to the resort. If possible, hire a guide who knows a lot about the area for a special touch. Guests will be able to ask questions, get a free history lesson, and sightsee as they make their way to the hotel. For extra credit, hang a welcome sign in the van's window—it's sure to elicit smiles from plane-weary travelers.

4 of 32

5 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Set Up a Personal Greeting

wedding welcome sign
Credit: Lauren Scotti Photography

It's all about the details: Place a pretty poster at the reception desk to greet guests as they check in, and appoint a "Wedding Concierge" (it can even be your planner) to answer any questions your guests might have. Just be sure to give him or her a title-bearing button so guests know who to look for.

5 of 32

6 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Give Guests a Drink When They Arrive

waiter cocktail tray wedding
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

After a long day of traveling, it's hard to resist a few sips of something delicious. Have the front desk welcome guests at check-in with a beverage: hot cocoa or mulled cider in a chilly locale, sparkling cider (or, what the heck, a glass of Champagne) in a city, and an Arnold Palmer or chilled cucumber water at the beach. A table stocked with cool, moist, lemon-scented towels is especially refreshing. To satisfy the littlest (and likely the grumpiest) travelers, instruct greeters to make the drinks extra special for kids. Just have them embellish the glasses with a bendy straw, colorful umbrella, skewer of tropical fruit, handful of tiny marshmallows, or dollop of whipped cream.

6 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Connect Wedding Guests with One Another

caitlin michael wedding cocktail hour lounge seating
Credit: Meg Smith Photography

Ask hotel staffers to have your guests add their room numbers to your "Looking for Someone" phone list at check-in. The directory will be kept at the front desk throughout the weekend, and your guests will be able to access it when they need to track someone down. Make some extras, and give them to your wedding party, family, and wedding planner to have on hand wherever they are.

7 of 32

8 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Build an Emergency Kit for Guests

sarah-kelly-wedding-wd110684-firstaid-3906-0514.jpg
Credit: Erin Kunkel

Here in the States, there's a pharmacy on virtually every street corner. But in, say, Costa Rica, it's not going to be that easy to find a box of bandages or a bottle of aloe. Enter your portable apothecary, which you'll ask the front desk to stash for you upon arrival. Fill it with everything you can think of, from aspirin to bug spray to over-the-counter medicines.

8 of 32

9 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Stock Guests' Rooms With a welcome Gift

veronica mickias wedding italy welcome bags
Credit: Lisa Poggi Photography
Get Welcome Gift Ideas

Upon arrival, give your guests a warm bienvenue with a gift to prep them for the weekend. You don't have to go overboard, but a few bottles of water and a handful of snacks that satisfy guests' sweet and salty cravings is a thoughtful touch. And don't forget the little ones—if you know there will be kids in the room, milk and chocolate-chip cookies will certainly be well-received. If you're staying in a major city, leave a city-themed magazine (Time Out is a great one) in each room, too. It triples as a perfect beach read, a quickie guidebook, and a great memento of the trip. Can't find a magazine for your city? A map, notebook and pen, or a disposable camera are equally appropriate.

9 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Host Meet-Ups

eb mike welcome party groupphoto
Credit: Carrie Patterson
27 Ideas for Including Your Wedding Guests in the Party of a Lifetime

Get everyone together daily for cocktails and mingling—it's an ideal way for friends and family from different parts of your life to get to know one another. The time of the soirée should remain the same every day, but switch things up by changing the location. Meet at the pool one day, the beach the next, the library, and so on.

10 of 32

11 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Add Personal Touches to the Hotel Bar

lindsey william wedding dc colins bar
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography
Signature Drinks from Real Weddings

Ask the hotel (well in advance!) if you can use a corner of the hotel bar; set out matches, napkins, and stirrers that bear your monogram for the duration of your guests' stay.

11 of 32

12 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Serve Grab-and-Go Lunches

kacie-david-msw113-003.jpg
Credit: A Bryan Photo

Work with the restaurant to coordinate bagging up portable picnics that guests can enjoy on the beach or tote to a daytime excursion. Keep the fare simple—a panino, a side snack, and a dessert that won't spoil in the sun—and toss in a handwritten "Happy Lunching" note plus a napkin that matches your wedding palette.

12 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brand Your Wedding

Woods-inspired stationery
Credit: Aaron Cameron Muntz

Guests traveled a long way to celebrate with you, and putting your personal stamp on everything they touch is a way of letting them know how much thought you put into their stay—and how much you appreciate their being there. One of our favorites? This invitation suit that includes a field guide, which fills guests in on everything they need to know about the day—the timeline, temperature, tide report, meal info, and special activities they won't want to miss.

13 of 32

14 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Thank Your Wedding Party

danielle-brian-wedding-bracelets-0046-s113001-0616.jpg
Credit: Erin McGinn Photography
29 Destination Wedding Favors Inspired by Travel

If possible, take your attendants on a surprise excursion—a snorkel trip, a surfing lesson, or a kayak adventure—as a thank-you-for-being-in-the-wedding gift. Don't have the time? Personalize something they can use again and again instead. For the groomsmen, send your fiancé to Personalization Mall—it will customize guy-friendly gifts such as golf balls and watch faces. Online vendor Bags of Love has gorgeous photo bags and even sofa cushions that your bridesmaids will love. And for that maid of honor who literally has one of anything? Turn to CafePress, which makes it easy to personalize whatever it is you're looking for, including dog bowls, buttons, and banners.

14 of 32

15 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Make Reservations for Guests

eb mike welcome party lounge
Credit: Carrie Patterson

No one—repeat, no one—wants to have to pace around looking for a lounge chair at the beach or pool. To prevent it from happening to your guests, ask the resort staff to place reserved signs on chairs in both locations. Don't expect them to allow you to take over every single one—they won't—but do ask if it's possible to put just a handful on hold.

15 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Give Guests Customized Luggage Tags

amanda-jared-wedding-0440-ds111350.jpg
Credit: Corbin Gurkin

Gift your guests with stylish, completely customized luggage tags that unify them as a group and serve as keepsakes long after the festivities wind down. When to distribute them is up to you—mail them to your guests before they begin their trek, or hand them out after the wedding, before they jet off for home.

16 of 32

17 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ban the "Do Not Disturb" Sign

mainfavor-046-mwd110570.jpg
Credit: Burcu Avsar

It's so...boring. Plus, there are plenty of times when your guests aren't in their rooms and actually want to be found! Instead, provide them with door hangers that let them check off where they are—the beach, the pool, the lounge, the bar, the spa, the gym, in town, or, yes, hiding on purpose—and then hang it on their doors. It's an easy way to encourage people to connect, and the idea itself is an instant conversation-starter.

17 of 32

18 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Postcards Instead of a Traditional Guest Book

guest book post cards mailbox table
Credit: Birds of a Feather
Postcard Wedding Stationery We Love

Instead of a guest book, give your guests pre-addressed postcards before they leave for home. Ask them to jot down their favorite moment from the weekend, then mail the cards your way while you're honeymooning—you'll return home to a mailbox full of memories.

18 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Set Up a Class for Guests

mackenzie-boman-wedding-ferriswheel-228-s112693-0316.jpg
Credit: Kate Osborne Photography

Arrange for a yoga instructor to teach a private class for any guests who might be craving a good, old-fashioned om. Some ideas, depending on the destination: sunrise yoga on the beach, hot yoga in the lodge, skyline yoga on the roof. Too hippie-dippy for your taste? Arrange a guided hike through the rainforest, a group ski lesson on the bunny slopes, a walking tour of local museums or art galleries, or even setting up a ferris wheel on-site at the resort; activities like these are sure to pique guests' interest.

19 of 32

20 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalize Guests' Wake-Up Call

colorful hotel

Your hotel will be happy to rouse guests with their standard-issue wake-up calls, but wouldn't it be sweeter if you and your fiancé recorded a personalized rise-and-shine greeting instead? Here's a tip: Sing it, especially if you can't sing.

20 of 32

21 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Say "Good Night" to Guests

lian-erween-wedding-hawaii-0133-s112268.jpg
Credit: Corbin Gurkin
Get Recipes for Making Chocolate Wedding Favors That Guests Will Love

Arrange for hotel staffers to leave a different sweet treat on guests' pillows every night—think chocolate, from mocha-dipped cherries to tiny little devil's food cupcakes. For rooms where there are children, adding the gift of a different storybook each night is an adorable touch.

21 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Create Your Own Menus

ana and damon menu on table
Credit: Shannen Natasha of The Wedding Artists Collective
33 Pretty and Unexpected Wedding Menu Ideas

Your guests already expect that the wedding-day feast will be a reflection of your taste, so imagine their surprise when they dig into an entire weekend of inspired meals. With the help of your planner, work with the chef to put your stamp on each menu that's served, from the welcome dinner to the ladies' luncheon to the Sunday brunch. If children are included, be sure to offer them something they'll enjoy, like grilled cheese or a classic spaghetti and meatballs (their parents will thank you, too). No matter how amazing the food, most children simply aren't going to go for a plate full of ceviche or clams on the half-shell.

22 of 32

23 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use One Color Throughout the Weekend

abbey jeffrey wedding reception banquet table
Credit: Amanda K Photography
See more monochromatic wedding ideas

Monochromatic decor takes little effort and makes a massive impact for a multiday celebration. Use just one hue throughout the entire weekend, especially the ceremony and reception. To complement it, work in metallics or basic black and white.

23 of 32

24 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mix Up the Styles of Events

eb mike welcome party sundries
Credit: Carrie Patterson

No matter how formal your actual wedding ceremony and reception may be, it's a good idea to make sure you've got at least a few casual events peppered through. If you're getting married in a beachy locale, for example, why not make the welcome party or even the rehearsal dinner an easy, breezy clambake, a come-as-you-are luau, or a flip-flops-only sunset picnic, rather than a sit-down, four-course meal? Not only will a low-key vibe make guests feel instantly comfortable, but it won't detract from the main event (the I do's). 

24 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Decorate with Local Touches

abbey jeffrey wedding ceremony site with chuppah
Credit: Amanda K Photography
Get Ideas for Throwing a Tropical Wedding

If your wedding is on the beach in the Caribbean, create an aisle runner out of seashells rather than heavy satin or velvet. Getting married in the mountains? Construct your wedding canopy out of branches, not traditional chiffon. You want your guests to remember the beauty of the location in addition to the day itself; there's no need to mess with nature.

25 of 32

26 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Use Nonbreakable Items for Decorations

vicky james mexico floor pillows beach table
Credit: Jodi & Kurt Photography
Make These Paper Decorations for Your Wedding

Rather than lugging suitcases full of delicate vases and bulky chandeliers on the plane, make it a point to shop for nonbreakable items that can be packed flat. Everyday items like ribbon and trimming are perfect—use them to decorate everything from guests' favors to your cake and bouquet. Paper lanterns in various shapes and sizes are also a great way to supplement the resort's outdoor décor, as they take up virtually no space when flat but make a magical impression. Framed photos pack well, too—use them to dress up the escort-card table or cocktail hour.

26 of 32

27 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Personalize Your Table Numbers

julie anthony real wedding table number sailboat
Credit: Mirelle Carmichael Photography
The Prettiest Wedding Table Number Ideas from Real Weddings

Standard-issue table numbers (the small metal stand with a numeral on a card) say little about your personality. Swap those out and use table IDs that feel like you and reflect your locale. Some thoughts: tiny recreations of sailboats, black-and-white photographs of street numbers in your city locale, wine bottles with numbered bands at your vineyard nuptials, or map cutouts that represent all the countries you've ever visited together.

27 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Put Your Guests' Comfort First

kendall nick wedding blankets hankies
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography

Anticipating your guests' needs in advance is the key to being an excellent hostess. In chilly locations (or even in the tropics, where it tends to get cold or windy at night), pass out shawls or pashmina scarves for people to wrap up in during the reception. (Bonus: They'll keep guests cozy on the flight home, too.) If you're getting married on the beach, a big bucket full of flip-flops in a range of sizes is a great idea—who wants to step into the sand in four-inch heels or lace-up oxfords?

28 of 32

29 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Infuse Local Flavor

drum players
Credit: Morning Light by Michelle Landreau

As a special surprise to your guests, arrange for a local artist to perform or provide a service during the reception. There are plenty of options: cigar rollers, tarot-card readers, silhouettists, dance troupes, bagpipers, gospel choirs, flame throwers—you get the idea.

29 of 32

30 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Book Babysitters

michelle-kimball-wedding-0016-s111580.jpg
Credit: Kate Headley
Click here for more tips on hiring a babysitter

If some guests are bringing children on the trip or you're including little ones in the ceremony, it's a good idea to set up a babysitting service—just be sure to pass the information along to the parents well in advance. During adults-only parties like the rehearsal dinner or even the reception, sitters can gather the children in one suite for pizza, projects, and a movie before putting them to bed. If kids are invited to the reception, make sure you plan for a few children's tables. Decorate them with paper tablecloths and crayons, and have a sitter on hand to oversee the area.

30 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Snap a Group Shot

corbin thatcher wedding guest group photo
Credit: Elizabeth Messina Photography

After the ceremony, have your wedding planner gather all your guests together to take a group picture. Have copies made of the photo promptly when you get back from your honeymoon, and include one with each thank-you card. If you're not keen on getting every single person in the shot, simply ask that the photographer take family photos. In a way, your wedding is a reunion—why not make the most of it?

31 of 32

32 of 32

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pack Goody Bags for the Plane

anjana-trent-wedding-dc-1061-s112345.jpg
Credit: Kate Headley

Ask the front desk to distribute goody bags full of munchies for the plane (a mixture of M&Ms candies and nuts is one delicious option; they'll stand up to some hurried handling) as guests check out. Pick something you can assemble in advance.

32 of 32

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 32
    2 of 32 Build Excitement for Guests
    3 of 32 Help Guests Pack for Your Wedding
    4 of 32 Provide Transportation for Your Wedding Guests
    5 of 32 Set Up a Personal Greeting
    6 of 32 Give Guests a Drink When They Arrive
    7 of 32 Connect Wedding Guests with One Another
    8 of 32 Build an Emergency Kit for Guests
    9 of 32 Stock Guests' Rooms With a welcome Gift
    10 of 32 Host Meet-Ups
    11 of 32 Add Personal Touches to the Hotel Bar
    12 of 32 Serve Grab-and-Go Lunches
    13 of 32 Brand Your Wedding
    14 of 32 Thank Your Wedding Party
    15 of 32 Make Reservations for Guests
    16 of 32 Give Guests Customized Luggage Tags
    17 of 32 Ban the "Do Not Disturb" Sign
    18 of 32 Use Postcards Instead of a Traditional Guest Book
    19 of 32 Set Up a Class for Guests
    20 of 32 Personalize Guests' Wake-Up Call
    21 of 32 Say "Good Night" to Guests
    22 of 32 Create Your Own Menus
    23 of 32 Use One Color Throughout the Weekend
    24 of 32 Mix Up the Styles of Events
    25 of 32 Decorate with Local Touches
    26 of 32 Use Nonbreakable Items for Decorations
    27 of 32 Personalize Your Table Numbers
    28 of 32 Put Your Guests' Comfort First
    29 of 32 Infuse Local Flavor
    30 of 32 Book Babysitters
    31 of 32 Snap a Group Shot
    32 of 32 Pack Goody Bags for the Plane

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Your Ultimate Guide to Throwing a Destination Wedding All Your Guests Will Love
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.