The Wedding Planner
Anthony Milkey, Director of Wedding Sales for the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California

Are you considering guests at your destination wedding? If so, you know that inviting guests to a destination wedding is a little different than inviting them to a ceremony in your home town. Where will they stay? What will they do? We know you've got a million questions...and we've got answers. We've interviewed Anthony Milkey, Director of Wedding Sales for Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa in Dana Point, California, for his tips on bringing guests to your destination wedding. Are you planning the resort or hotel wedding of your dreams...and looking for a planner

What trends are you seeing related to quests at destination weddings?

The trend I have been seeing are smaller weddings, but in destination locations. The couple invite a list that is smaller than before, some couples are using other means to bring down the count ie Black Tie Event, No Children, Destination Events. I am looking to changing this trend though, we love big reception and gathering, they are so much more memorable.

We have a lot of weddings that need assistance with transportation, golf packages, Spa packages and offsite activities (ie. Surfing, shopping, entertainment) I am beginning to see a lot less children at the events and those that have large groups of children are asking about hiring child care providers and services (organized, licensed and insured) they come in and watch the kids throughout the event. Child Drop-off and Pickup services are great to have available to your guests at your event.

How can a bride work with the hotel to obtain a better room rate for their guests?

This is the QUESTION of the day. Resort room rate, especially on weekends during the summer have gone up substantially over the last couple years. Especially on weekends when people are trying to get away from the city. Resort, destination hotel etc. are benefiting from this, however weekend event organizers are not. If a bride’s family is willing to sign a contract for guestrooms, they may see some kind of discount. It probably will not be a super rate, but it could be something. The best thing is to plan ahead and check rates all around the destination location. Tell your guests to do the same. Have hotel options available for every economic level of guest.

Photo at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort courtesy Barnet Photography

What can brides do to make guests feel welcome upon arrival?

One thing is to meet them at the airport. If you can not meet them, have someone in the family meet them. Welcome baskets with a personal note or letter, local gift (sunscreen, local maps, post cards) or gift bags that are personalized for each family is such a nice welcome amenity. Include weekend agenda, freshly baked cookies, bottled water or favorite wine. These ideas can be so easy and so nice and certainly very thoughtful. Some hotels and resorts have a dedicated TV station on their TVs. Perhaps prepare a welcome message to be played on the channel and/or have a voicemail message left on everyone’s phone greeting, which welcomes them and their families to the resort and your event.

How can a bride work with the hotel to help arrange activities for guests?

Most of these activities do cost some money. The welcome basket, letter, bag can contain all the brochures for activities in the area. These items can be picked up from the hotel or mailed to you in advance. The gift basket idea can be put together at a very reasonable price. It might also be nice to have an organized hospitality room or suite for the evening where people can gather before or after dinner, socialize, play cards or just visit. One of the relatives could have this or do this as a wedding gift to the couple. This is a great way to get people together. An organized breakfast the day after your event is another way to say thank you for coming. Have a special room set with light breakfast from 9am to 12noon, and be there to say good-bye and thanks for coming to celebrate such an important event – your guests will be very impressed.

Related articles

• Interview with Anthony Milkey about weddings at Laguna Cliffs
  
• Background information on Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
  
  To plan a Marriott wedding, call the Marriott of your choice and ask to consult with the hotel's wedding event planner. For more information on Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites, call 1-800-228-9290 or see www.marriott.com.