Warning guests about 2 hr ferry wait on invitation

moolord

My Fiance and I are getting married on Whidbey Island, a popular Summer day trip near Seattle which requires a lovely ferry ride.  Unfortunately, there will most likely be a 2 hour ferry wait leading up to our ceremony and many of our guests wont know this if they decide to drive on the ferry.  There will be a full warning of this on our website along with tips on how to make things go smoother and faster.  But is there a proper place inside the invitation to include warnings about such transportation issues?  Or should we just hope everyone will visit the website.  

CMGragain

I would put a small insert card or paper with the ferry information and schedules on it.

Maggie0829

What do you mean a 2 hour wait?  Like your guests have to get to the ferry docks 2 hours ahead of time to be able to take the ferry?  Or does it mean something else?

moolord

Yes the ferry leaves every 30 minutes and can hold 100 cars maybe.  So in the Summer hundreds of cars are waiting to get on the ferry in a special holding area and up a special ferry lane that leads to the ticket booth. 
 
But if you walk on or bike on, you do not have to wait in line.  We are hoping to encourage people to walk on and perhaps shuttle them to the event.

moolord

Good idea thanks!

RedJacks25

You can get to Whidbey Island by crossing Deception Pass. Why wait for a ferry? The crossing is beautiful, too.

moolord

I agree! I have included that tip on the website.  I wonder if I should suggest that on the map and directions card with the invitation.

CMGragain

I think you should mention that, or you can expect a lot of regrets sent.

JoanE2012

Definitely include this in an insert, or else you might have people show up really late!

Maggie0829

Honestly, I would push people to use the alternate way of getting onto the islands and sway them away from the ferry.  A two hour wait for a ferry is ridiculous and honestly, if that was the only way onto the island for your wedding I would decline.

pinkshorts27

Maggie0829 said:

Honestly, I would push people to use the alternate way of getting onto the islands and sway them away from the ferry.  A two hour wait for a ferry is ridiculous and honestly, if that was the only way onto the island for your wedding I would decline.

My thoughts exactly

QueerFemme

I'm with Maggie.

Ven&Radio

Warn your guests so they can make an informed decision.  If I found out the day of someone's wedding there was a 2 hr wait to get there, I'd turn around and go home.

kmmssg

Ven&Radio said:

Warn your guests so they can make an informed decision.  If I found out the day of someone's wedding there was a 2 hr wait to get there, I'd turn around and go home.

This is what I would be afraid of most.  People who RSVP'd yes seeing that 2 hour wait and turning around to go home.  I really really really encourage you to make sure they are well informed and know of the alternate route.  There is NO way I would attend a wedding with a 2 hour wait for a ferry.

[Deleted User]

Schatzi13 said:

Maggie0829 said:

Honestly, I would push people to use the alternate way of getting onto the islands and sway them away from the ferry.  A two hour wait for a ferry is ridiculous and honestly, if that was the only way onto the island for your wedding I would decline.

I also agree with this. Find some way to communicate travel information. Something like:

Directions:

Whidbey Island can be reached via the Ferry or Deception Pass.

Ferry information: blahblah The ferry ride takes approximately X hours/minutes. Please note that car wait times in the summer can be up to two hours. Passengers who walk or bike onto the ferry are not subject to these wait times. moolord and FI will be providing a shuttle between the ferry terminal and venue at ___.

Deception Pass route: Take X to Y and something. The trip takes approximately Z hours from Seattle.

I think having an insert with this wording is a great way to go. This way people will know in advance about the travel and can plan accordingly with their time.