Destination Wedding, Are we doing this right?

horriblegb

I just want to make sure that I am doing things properly:

Our wedding is in November of this year.  Our wedding ceremony and reception is about 2 hours from where we live, in a small town.  Nobody lives there so I consider it to be a destination wedding.  Am I wrong? (not that that matters terribly much)

I have booked a hotel block at a hotel within walking distance of the ceremony/reception site.  The other hotel nearby is completely booked for the wedding.  I intend on calling them and finding out if there are other events in town that weekend so I know if I should be panicking about places for people to stay. I was not planning to do the hotel "welcome" bags.

I am sending out STDs at the beginning of next month, since I figure everyone is traveling to the location.  The wedding website is on the STD, and the website has the hotel information.  Thinking about putting in notes for the not-so-internet savvy re-booking hotel.

As far as the events themselves go, I am going to be sending out separate rehearsal dinner invites for immediate family and bridal party (far from now).  We cannot afford to host any additional folks for a dinner + the wedding.  Is it ok that we are not offering our guests any additional hosted events while they are in town?  Also, because it is a small town, should I be concerned about other people choosing to dine at the restaurant the same time of the rehearsal dinner, will that make things too awkward?

For other times, like breakfast after the wedding, I plan on telling people they are welcome to join (i.e we are going to breakfast at X place at Y time, come if you would like!)

Is there anything I am doing wrong in this plan?  Against etiquette? 

Heading up to a bridal show in that town this weekend so I am trying to get everything squared away and make sure I am on the right track, and that everyone is treated correctly!  Thank you ladies!

edit: Was not sure if I should cross post in etiquette so I thought I would try here first!

Jells2dot0

Hello!

It sounds like a DW since everyone will be staying in hotels. Typically we think of a DW being a wedding that is held somewhere out of town from there the couple lives or their families live.

As for your RD, I think that sounds reasonable, as long as those invited are those who are attending the rehearsal. If anyone were to see you, people would understand you were having a rehearsal and that only certain people are involved with that. You are in no way obligated to host everyone.

For breakfast, just verbally mentioning to people you are having breakfast at x place and they are welcome to join if they'd like keeps it from being a formally hosted event. So, again, I believe you are okay!

The most important parts of properly hosting a DW are to 1) properly host your guests with a ceremony/reception where everyone has seats, won't be uncomfortable from the weather, have the proper amount of food for the time of day and drinks (non-alco or alco) without having to reach for their wallets and 2) if you are not marrying legally at your destination, to inform your guests of the nature of your ceremony.

horriblegb

Awesome thank you @Jells2dot0 !  It is a very proper venue with all of the feel of a normal wedding and we have no plans to throw a PPD!  They also have a Plan B indoor scenario option in case the weather turns   No wallets required!  I just wanted to know outside of that very special evening! 

thisismynickname2

I agree with Jells. By the sounds of things, you're all good. Happy planning

SP29

Agree with the above.

Additional events and welcome bags not required.

Room blocks are considerate to have, particularly when you know many (or all!) of your guests are traveling, also particularly when you're talking about a small town. But other than that, lodgings are the responsibility of the guest. 

Viczaesar

@Jells2@Jells2dot0 , vendor above.

Jells2dot0

Got them @Viczaesar thanks