Have you ever heard of "Guestiquette"? It is a new term that is popping up amongst those planning weddings or other large scale events. Guestiquette is just a way to keep your guests, particularly out of town guests, informed and provide them with information and even a few "treats" to make them feel welcome and a part of your wedding day. It's all about going from out of towner to guest of honor.
This can be done in many ways and at different stages in your planning process. Many couples are creating wedding websites to keep guests informed from start to finish. Then when the wedding comes, it is nice to make your guests feel really welcome with a gift bag or basket.
Guestiquette bags or baskets can be produced on the cheap or can be quite extravagant and fancy, all depending on your budget. Here are some recommendations of items to include:
- Information regarding their hotel and their amenities.
- Other local amenities such as nearby hikes or local shopping.
- Snacks such as granola bars or trail mix, chocolates and bottled water. You can even upgrade with bottles of beer or wine.
- Information regarding the rehearsal dinner, if you are having one and if they are invited. Often times, out of town guests should be invited to the Rehearsal dinner as they came all this way to see you on your special day!
- Information regarding the wedding, where to go, when the ceremony starts, and other pertinent wedding information you would like to share.
- Adding a personalized note to the guest(s) receiving the package adds a very personal note that makes the guest(s) feel even more welcome.
- A small gift such as a gift card valid at the Hotel they are starting. McMenamins sells gift cards at all locations and are valid at all locations.
Often times, these packages can be made in advance and labeled with the guests name(s) and delivered to the hotel so they may provide them to guests upon check in or even delivering to their rooms prior to arrival. It is best to double check with the hotel first to find out their policies. McMenamins is very familiar with this and will be more than willing to help out!
Happy guestiquetting!
Which beer is our best-selling ale? Hammerhead, of course. Have a pint or two today! “Wine is bottled poetry.” -- Robert Louis Stevenson What’s the name of the Kennedy brewery? The Concordia Brewery, named for the surrounding neighborhood. At the Grand Lodge, the mosaics in the basement hallways were inspired by the work of Spanish artist Antonio Gaudi. Does each McMenamins pub brew beer? Nope – only our brewpubs and breweries do. They supply our other spots. Queen Elizabeth I, daughter of Henry VIII, was said to be able to drink any man under the table. You show ‘em, Betsy! McMenamins has a full-time historian on staff. He collects stories, photos, anecdotes and more about McMenamins spots, past and present. “Wine is bottled poetry.” -- Robert Louis Stevenson How many McMenamins are there in the Seattle area? Three – Mill Creek, Six Arms and Queen Anne. What was the very first McMenamins pub, opened by Mike and Brian McMenamin? The Barley Mill on SE Hawthorne in Portland. The Centzon-Totochtin (“Infinite Rabbits”) was an Aztec group that represented the ways humans are affected by intoxication. Give it up for St. Arnold, the patron saint of brewers! His miracle was a tankard of ale that never ran dry… Put him on the invite list. “We borrowed golf from Scotland as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good.” -- Horace Hutchinson “Give me a woman who truly loves beer and I will conquer the world.” – Kaiser Wilhelm II
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#1 Michelle
I love this idea. I am going to be having a wedding in the up coming year and I fully intend to use these suggestions to make my guest feel welcome and part of the event instead of just a spectator. Thanks McMenamins for the fabulous ideas!