?As a bride, you will want to think of every imaginable aspect of your wedding. This may be your wedding, but for your guests, it may be much more than that. It often includes several days and nights of festivities. Therefore, you have to consider where your out-of-town guests will stay and ensure they will be comfortable.

You will want their stay to be an unforgettable experience. You can not possibly impress someone that missed a beautiful wedding because they were unable to find lodging. Nor is a fantastic wedding celebration going to make up for the aggravation guests will encounter if easy overnight accommodations are not available in advance. Make it easy on your guests by taking the time to consider the comfort and convenience of the out-of-town guests you want to invite. Do not assume that your guests will want to stay with close relatives. Most people enjoy their privacy and a good nights sleep before a wedding, especially if they have had a long drive or flight.

If you are having a large wedding, and you have invited many guests that will need to stay in a hotel or inn, it will be your job to find the best deals for them. Start your shopping by browsing the pages of our magazine for one of the fabulous hotels we have featured for you. After you have several places in mind that will fit your particular needs negotiate a group rate with that local hotel of choice. When shopping for the best deals, your main concerns should be location and cost. You should begin looking for good deals six to eight months before the wedding, and one year in advance if it falls on or near a holiday.

Most people want to stay in lodging that is close to the airport, rehearsal dinner, church and reception. If possible, arrange for your guests to stay in the same hotel where the reception takes place. This way, if alcohol is served at the festivities people will not have to be on the road.

Remember when choosing accommodations, you will need to consider how your guests will travel to the festivities. It is best to arrange for some transportation for your guests, whether it is limousines or luxury party vans. You should try to make it as easy as possible for guests coming from out of town. This will save your guests from having to rent a car.

After you have chosen the most convenient accommodations for your guests, you will find that several factors affect room prices, including season or time of year, whether your wedding takes place in or near a resort area and the number of competing hotels in the area. Most hotels or inns will negotiate rates, and many offer discounts or other deals in exchange for a commitment to rent 10 or more rooms. Hotels have helped solve this problem for brides by offering special packages and discounting blocks of rooms, particularly if the reception is held there. Couples should inquire about any special packages.

First, let the hotel know approximately how many rooms your guests will need. Then, have a relative or a member of the wedding party coordinate the individual reservations. Many brides choose to send a letter to their out-of-town guests with the hotel’s special room rate and reservation number so that guests can arrange their own reservations. B sure to inform your guests that they need to contact the hotel at least two weeks prior to the wedding. By doing so, any rooms that are not booked can be released and you’ll not be held accountable for them. Many hotels offer maps and return postcards that can be sent with invitations to out-of-town guests. Guests can call to make reservations or reply with the postcard.

Here are some questions that you should ask the main reservation office:

• Are there special discounts, amenities or extras included?
• Do you have a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpools, restaurants, bars, exercise rooms and visitor packages?
• Does your hotel cater to a range of people?
• Is it child friendly? Is it convenient for seniors?
• Is it accessible to events and reasonably priced?

Remember, hotel accommodations are a unique service you can provide your guests. While allowing your guests the privacy of their own room, hotels also enable your out-of-town guests to spend time together and to easily synchronize transportation to your wedding and parties. In addition, the hotel concierge can arrange for tours of Austin and the surrounding area, shopping, or almost anything else your guests would enjoy. This service lets your guests continue to enjoy their stay after you and your new husband leave on your honeymoon.

In addition to the standard entertainment, today’s couples also are looking for fun and creative ways to show their guests a good time. Planning fun things to do is a job that could be delegated to the best man, maid of honor or other trusted friend or relative. You could also check the Chamber of Commerce or tourism bureau for any special events taking place during the time your guests will be in the area.

Ask these following questions when arranging group outings:

• Is the area a popular tourist destination, and when is the peak season?
• Are tickets available and are lines longer at certain times?
• Do the attractions take groups and what is the smallest group they book.
• What transportation arrangements can be made? Will guests be picked up and dropped off? This is especially pertinent for those who don’t know their way around town.
• What is the cancellation policy? Is a deposit required?

After checking the special section in this magazine on guest accommodations and on line at www.austinweddingday.com to find reasonable bargains on behalf of your out-of-town guests, relax. You have given them an opportunity for lodging, and you need not feel responsible for managing all of their travel plans. Remember, your guests are coming to celebrate your wedding with you. Guaranteeing their comfort is a grateful gesture that will long be remembered.