Hotel/motel

Reserve a hotel/motel for guests between three and six months in advance of your wedding. However, check with the hotel/motel as early as possible because some are booked the same time each year due to conventions or other annual events. You may want to make arrangements with more than hotel/motel to give your guests a choice in price and location.

The hotel/motel will usually hold the rooms you reserved for up to 2-3 weeks in advance of your wedding date. After that, any unreserved rooms will be available to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Questions to ask the hotel/motel

• Do they offer special group rates or wedding packages?

• Do they provide registration cards to make it easier for out-of-town guests? Theses cards can either be included with your invitation or sent separately to out-of-town guests about three months before to your wedding.

• Does the facility supply shuttle service to and from the airport?

• Do they provide a complimentary room for the bride and groom?

Bed and breakfasts

A bed and breakfast is a wonderful alternative for standard accommodations for both honeymoon couples and out-of-town guests. Bed and breakfast facilities can vary in size. Some can accommodate one guest while others can accommodate several.

Bed and breakfasts often have unique surroundings like wineries, local attractions and country-like settings. They may even provide a list of area attractions for your out-of-town guests and organize day trips.

In addition to lodging, you may also want to consider a bed and breakfast for wedding ceremonies, receptions, showers, and/or rehearsal dinners.

Something to consider

Some brides and grooms want to leave a welcome package in the rooms of their out-of-town guests. Ideas for these packages include candy, fruit, wine, snacks, a map and special instructions for wedding events. A personalized note from the bride and groom is also a nice touch. If you decide to leave welcome packages, make arrangements with the hotel in advance. They may distribute them for you to the guests’ rooms before arrival.