How far is too far?

Bluefire

We've just reached the stage where we're starting to make appointments to view venues. We're looking for something along the lines of a barn conversion/simple surroundings such as a farm. This however has meant looking up to and including about an hours drive away from home.

Would you consider this too far to go for a wedding? We don't plan on having many evening guests so the majority will be there for the whole day (the ceremony will be taking place there as well) and I'm considering putting on a mini bus for our friends to use from the town we live in.

I just wanted to get some other opinions really, it seems a bit daft to me that when it comes to going shopping or a day out more than an hour is fine but suddenly when it comes to our wedding it's too far to travel!

MissPixie

I don't think thats too far. I was looking at places that took like 3 hours to get to :P

shellsuit

If guests wanted to drink and stop over, that would cost them.

If some wanted to go home, they wouldn't be able to drink.

Then there's petrol/travel costs.

That's without a gift for you, clothing, money for drinks etc...


That's what you've got to think about.

I chose a venue that was close to all my guests bar a few, as I didn't want them to have to spend a shedload to come to our wedding.

If all your guests are loaded, then go for it, but if not, I'd have a rethink.

I know it's 'your' day, but please don't forget your guests.

talulahbeige_2

We're getting married 90 mins from home.

However only 1/3 of our guests live where we live so travel is inevitable for most.
We made sure that our venue had a wide range of accommodation near by (Scarborough!) so people can stay in a B&B for a few £ or a nice posh hotel for many £'s.

Putting transport on is a nice gesture if lots of your guests live in your area. Mini bus hire is cheap enough.

lindaatno9

We had about 3/4 hour drive, but had only 16 guests and no family (our day our way) They didn't seem bothered about the drive at all, mainly because the female guests wern't that bothered about drinking and we all came back to ours for an after party so they could drink then and get taxis home.
I know you have to consider guests but it kind of takes the planning your day your way to another level. It becomes your day but considering everyone else and end up compromising on things you dont really want simply to be accomodating.

Sammy85_2

I dont think its too far, but i would say its a necessity to put on a bus of some sort for your guests.
Either that or it means guests cant drink as they have to drive, or have to pay for hotel or an expensive taxi.

mimosaurus

I can see what people are saying, yes it is important to be accomodating to your guests, but at the end of hte day they don't have to come. As long as you are providing them with details early enough so that they can organise to get hotels (like someone else said, with a range of prices), taxis, public transport or whatever is most appropriate then i don't see the problem.

Nearly all of our guests are travelling, so i have tried to be accomodating in other areas - the hotel rooms are discounted and i have paid for some for people i desperately want there but who would struggle to pay for thei rooms, and we are having the reception in a pub so that the drink prices aren't too steep.

there's only so much you can do, so consider them but if the places a long way away are more appropriate for what you want then perhaps that's the way to go!
xx

BeckyArch

It depends on the guest.

I drove from Wakefield to London to go to one of my best friends wedding, and back again the same night becase i had to go somewhere early the next day.

I think if people want to see you get married enough they will go anywhere and travel any distance!

We're getting married about 45 mins from where we live and no one has said they can't come because its too far. Just make sure the place you do decide on has a local hotel or b&b where people can stay over if they want to...

bookgirl_2

We are just under an hour from home, and were surprised by how many guests decided to stay in local hotels. If most people will need to travel/stay then I'd look for somewhere with accommodation or put on a minbus/arrange shared taxis.

nozzy6

I think an hour is fine, but as others suggested I'd put a list of hotels and b&bs nearby in with the invites. All of our guests had to travel for ours as everyone is all over the country anyway, we pretty much took over the town! It was great, the day before we all had a drink on the seafront and every other face that walked past was a guest! Made a weekend out of it rather than just the day.

missknixon

We are about half an hour from our home but none of the family live close by - they are all having to travel anyway! Our friends have not said it is too far away - I have sourced some local hotels as the hotel where we are marrying only has 11 rooms. No one has had a problem with it, that they have voiced anyway!