BY CINDY SOSROUTOMO
Not everyone will be able to attend your destination wedding – and that’s okay. With airfare and accommodation adding up to hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, no one is obligated to attend, nor should you expect them to. But you can still make those unable to make the trip feel special and included in your big day. With these small gestures, family and friends at home can stay connected to you and the festivities, even from thousands of miles away.
Creative ideas on how to include guests at your destination wedding from afar
Face to face
Carve out a few minutes throughout the day to Facetime loved ones at home. Find a quiet corner after the ceremony and during the reception to call and share the excitement of the day. You can also ask a guest at the wedding to Facetime your loved ones during special moments at your destination wedding, like the vows, the first dance or your speech, so that they can watch the action unfold in real time.
Hashtag it
Create a wedding hashtag and encourage guests at home to follow it on social media platforms. They’ll then be able to view photos and videos that you and your guests in destination upload throughout the day.
Take notes
Mail out blank cards with return postage to guests staying behind and ask them to write down a few words of advice for a happy marriage. Reading them aloud during your reception is a great way to celebrate their presence in your life. They’ll also double as a special keepsake when stored in a beautiful album or box.
Live stream your destination wedding
Many hotels and resorts offer live-streaming services as part of their destination wedding packages. Check with your chosen accommodation to see if they can set up a live feed of either your ceremony, your reception or both. Alternatively, you can ask a trusted guest to live-stream the day for you; all they’ll need is a camera, streaming software, a microphone, computer and good Internet connection. Then simply send the video link to loved ones back home.
Song requests
Ask guests who are unable to attend to send you their song requests ahead of the big day, to play during your reception. Whether you’ve hired a DJ or created a playlist of your own, including their song requests is a fun way to get them involved. When their song comes on, Facetime them so they can dance along in real time.
The destination wedding after party
Of course, there’s nothing like celebrating in person, in real time, so why not throw a mini-reception upon your return home for those unable to attend the actual wedding? Whether you have an intimate backyard barbecue or a more formal, sit-down reception, an at-home after-party is the perfect way to celebrate your nuptials with everyone who matters most to you.
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