Entertaining Out of town/Out of country guests

minxi

FI and I are planning an early ceremony and reception. We are also inviting out of town and out of country guests. I've been very worried since I have been raised in a "Don't leave your guests" mindset. There is a lot to do in the area of our venue. They can go to art museums, Queen Mary, the aquarium, downtown and the beach, just to name a few. However, I still have a weight on my mind that I'm supposed to do something with these people who have travelled all this way to celebrate with us. Like I must do something with them aside from ceremony&reception.

My parents are treating the new family (my nuclear family and the FI's nuclear family) to dinner and I'm feeling guilty.

Is there more that I should do or is just compiling "Things to-do" lists for the guests enough?

mcskatcat

I think a 'things to do' list is plenty.  If I were traveling to a wedding, I wouldn't want to feel like I have to partake in an extra event just because it was provided for.  Some of your guests might really want to go see the history museum while some might be dying to see the aquarium, so for their sake I would leave it up to them.

TurtlesAllTheWayDown

We invited them to the rehearsal dinner and we hosted bagels and fruit (and juice and coffee) in our hotel suite the next morning. But that's all dependent on budget, of course.

Avion22

A list of things for them to do is awesome.

If you have time, and it's in you're budget, you could do a small breakfast the morning after.  My sister did this...she called it "Come As You Go Breakfast."  Basically the hotel set up a small room with fruit, danishes, coffee, etc, and it was an open house that people could just stop by and hang out, mingle, etc before driving home or flying out.  It was way casual.  

Meg1036

Other than a list of things to do, nothing is required.

Anything extra you can do: rehearsal dinner, brunch, etc. is definitely very nice, though.

minxi

Thank you for all the tips! I'll definitely run the "come as you go" breakfast by the FI and see if we have enough of a budget for that. It would work out well because I believe we will stay in the hotel as well. (If I read the contract correctly, a room for the bride&groom is included)

mob2689

I think it's  perfectly fine on leaving a what to do and see list for your guest and leaving it at that.

All the OOT guests are going to be included in the rehersal dinner at  my daughter's wedding, we are also placing in each hotel room a "Welcome Bag" filled with local stuff, a list of things to see/do and a personalized welcome letter.

jsleik

We're inviting all OOT guests after the rehearsal dinner because we'll already have a private room and bartender.  My sisters both did this and it was nice because they have a chance to meet a couple of other people before they get to the wedding or catch up with other OOT friends/family.