Planning your wedding can be an enjoyable part of what should be one of the most wonderful events of your life. It can also be very stressful if you don't keep it under control. There's no easy way to get all of your friends and family onboard to be on hand for the big event. Some relations have work commitments or long distances to travel. Here are some tips to making sure even your most remote relatives will be able to attend.
Plan and streamline your budget to determine how much you could possibly set aside to help with travel expenses. You may be willing to sacrifice a few things to have special loved ones attend. If you have other relations in your area, ask how much it would mean to them to have their far-flung relations attend, and whether they'd be willing to put them up for a few days. Make sure you do it before the invitations go out!
Wedding plans should begin at least 10 to 12 months before the big date you had in mind. Let distant relations know as early as possible and ask them to plan on freeing up some time. Ask their input. Be prepared to help out with maps and directions to rehearsal dinners and the ceremony location. You should also advise on local resources such as good restaurants, motels, and car rentals. Help them to feel that everything is planned out.
The size of the guest list and the money left in your budget may determine the venue you choose. Keep in mind that you need to book popular spaces well in advance. Consider alternatives, such as an outdoor wedding with a beautiful seascape view or flower-filled grotto. Also keep in mind that you may have to provide access for older relatives who may not be so mobile anymore. If you're willing to make a few compromises, you can still plan a beautiful ceremony.
One way to entice more people is to plan on a truly memorable ceremony. Instead of blowing all your money on extravagant decorations and floral displays, do something special like releasing doves or having a champagne fountain. Make music a priority to keep things lively and fun. This can be done by hiring a DJ service or a live band. You may also want to consider having fun activities, especially if your wedding will have children present. You may even want to consider having a photo booth and a videographer going around taking fun videos of everyone enjoying the event and documenting their well wishes to you and your spouse.
If you're planning to invite remote family to your wedding ceremony, be prepared to compromise to make things work. Don't be bashful about "selling" the experience to entice them into making the trip.
Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer and mother of two from Sacramento, CA. She enjoys kayaking and reading books by the lake.
