Maybe you’ve been planning your dream wedding for a decade, or maybe you just started. You might be most excited about finding the perfect dress (or jumpsuit , for the on-trend bride), or fantasizing about a jaw-dropping venue. But something you should add to your list of Wedding To-Dos is “consider guest accommodations.” Whether guests will be staying with you, your family, or in a hotel, we’ve done most of the thinking for you… after all, wedding planning should be stress-free. Plus, it’s a great chance to impress the future in-laws.
Hosting at home?
If you’re considering the more intimate and affordable option of hosting your out-of-town guests in your home, you’ll want to ensure they’re going to be comfortable and relaxed. Sure, your house or apartment isn’t a hotel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t provide thoughtful and stylish accommodations that would put Martha Stewart to shame.
1. Give them their own space: What’s nicer than being able to close a door behind you when you’re ready for a little solo time? If you don’t have a guest room, try a stylish room divide r to give visitors a private space they’ll love.3. Identify nearby things to do: You’re going to be busy. If guests need to kill time for a couple of hours before the big event, provide a list or map of nearby restaurants, cafes, or farmers markets they can explore. They’ll probably fall in love with the area so much, they’ll ask to stay longer (It’s okay to politely decline).
4. Make sure everything is clean clean: This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get used to a slightly weird smell in your downstairs bathroom or wine stain on the countertop. If cleaning is just *not* your strong suit, bribe your type-A friends with a 6-pack or, best case scenario, hire a housekeeper for a day.
5. Make breakfast an event: Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of bacon? Get your guests excited and ready for the day with a fun (and maybe boozy) breakfast. Today is the day!
6. Take time to appreciate them: This weekend is all about you, but your guests have probably done a lot to get there, including taking a day off from work. Take a moment to tell them how much you appreciate them celebrating this special day with you.
7. Make the guest room the best room in your house: If you’re blessed with a spare room, spend a night in it before guests arrive to get the overall feel. Does the sun shine too bright in the morning? Lay out some eye masks. Too dry? Get a humidifier or leave a bowl of water under the bed.
Considering hotels?
Not everyone has the space (or the energy) to welcome out-of-town guests into their home during a busy wedding weekend. Sure, this day might be all about you, but that doesn’t mean your guests can’t feel like this is a little vacation for them, too. So we’ve also included our favorite nearby hotels that we guarantee will accommodate everyone, even your Aunt who wanted you to marry the lawyer.
8. Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh/Southpointe : Celebrate together all night long at this nearby hotel that takes guest experience seriously. With brand new Serta Mattresses, a loaded bar and stylish lounge, and Jackson’s Restaurant located adjacent to the building, your guests will be literally surrounded by comfort, food, and drinks. Plus, if your guests are night-owls, they can head over to the Pavilion Pantry for some ready-to-cook meals, perfect for their hotel room. The Hilton Garden Inn also offers a shuttle option, which is complimentary with 16 or more guest rooms booked on the night of the wedding, so you don’t have to worry about tipsy guests getting behind the wheel.
9. Homewood Suites Southpoint e: Let the party continue! This hotel includes a fully-equipped living suite, where your guests can relax with their own kitchen, living space, and sleeping area. Outside, they’ll have access to a large picnic space and firepit, and there’s even an indoor basketball court. Your more athletically inclined guests will be talking about this weekend for years to come. Plus, the corner pantry gives guests round-the-clock access to snacks, meals, even beer or wine.
10. Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Pittsburgh/Southpoint e: Situated in the heart of the Southpointe Business Park, this hotel’s spacious rooms will be exactly what your guests need after an amazing night of dancing and celebrating. The blackout curtains won’t hurt the cause, either. Plus, there’s a shuttle service, so you won’t have to worry about your Aunt Barb having a panic attack while your cousin texts and drives.
Now that guest arrangements are covered, you can relax! With Bella Sera, your wedding will be effortless and unique, and exactly what you want.
Book your special event and let the authentic Italian flavors of Bella Sera make your special occasion one to remember.
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