Foreign guests' etiquette 101
For many of our friends and family, showing up at the nuptial celebrations may actually mean flying thousands of miles and crossing numerous state lines. Evidently, it means that these friends are precious and would go through anything in the world to share in our momentous occasion.
So common sense dictates that we should go above and beyond in helping them be at ease, and why not! After all, they have valued us significantly over a convenient life, time, and money.
MAIL NECESSARY DETAILS
The basic etiquette calls for a proper itinerary mailed well before the actual date of the wedding. The mail should include a complete rundown of the events leading up to, and following the reception. The detailed mail can include the key times, locations of the events, what to wear and so on.
A separate feature on the free time should be noted in the mail, including suggestions of how to fill it — like visiting museums or attending cultural shows.
Sometimes, friends flying in from abroad have separate plans of their own, like turning the nuptial event into a weekend getaway. In such a case, receiving an itinerary way before helps to properly plan ahead.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND TRAVEL
Some of us may go overboard in helping out our foreign guests, like providing them with accommodations and paying for the flights. That's only for people who can afford to spend a lot of money, but for the rest of us; our guests would be just as happy if we offered them suggestions on how to find a good deal on both.
However, once they arrive at the destination, we need to send someone to pick them up from the airport or arrange for their hotel shuttle.
WELCOME BAGS
If you have planned on receiving the guests at home, then there is nothing more welcoming than a basket of fresh fruits, chocolates, and bottle of chilled soda. What you choose to give depends on your resources; if you can be extravagant, offer a lavish massage at the hotel spa – we are pretty sure nothing can top that!
Finally, we can say that the bride or the groom may have a lot on their plate, but it's not necessary that the foreign guests would have the same. So, it is necessary to make sure that the out-of-town guests do not feel bored or out of place. We need to make sure they are busy and entertained —after all, they have spent a lot of time and effort to be present on one of the most important days in our lives.
By MMC