Lyla Dejesus
A wedding is a special occasion, and for many, it is important that their guests feel welcome and prepared for the events to come. One way to do this is by including a map with your invitations. This can be a cute way to visually show guests wedding-related locations and help them familiarise themselves with the area, especially if it is a destination wedding or your venue is hard to find. You can create a simple map with directions to your venue or a detailed one with every wedding-related spot and local attractions. You can also add personal touches, such as marking your favourite landmarks or places that are important to you. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own DIY map using Google Maps and PowerPoint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Map Type | Digital or physical insert in the invitation |
| Map Details | Venue, reception location, hotels, accommodations, airports, local attractions, restaurants, bars, transport services, landmarks, and special places |
| Map Design | Drawings or paintings of the locations, matching the invitation suite's style or a specific style, and including callouts |
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What You'll Learn
Local landmarks and attractions
When creating a map for your wedding invitations, it's a nice idea to include some local landmarks and attractions. This is especially helpful for guests who are travelling from out of town and will be unfamiliar with the area.
You could mark out some of your favourite places, such as your favourite café, pub, or a spot that holds a special memory, like where you had your first date. If there are any famous monuments, beautiful parks, or charming local businesses, such as a local bakery, these could also be included. You might also want to point out local accommodation and recommend places for your guests to stay.
If your wedding is abroad, it's a good idea to include the local airport and transport routes, as well as some local activities and attractions for guests who are staying on for a few extra days. You could also include other venues involved in your wedding, such as the location of the welcome party or the ceremony, if different from the reception.
You can create a simple map by using Google Maps and adding pins for the locations, then saving and printing the image. You can also edit maps in Photoshop or PowerPoint, allowing you to add in new landmarks and personalise the map with illustrations.
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Transport routes
If your wedding has multiple locations, such as separate ceremony and reception venues, it is helpful to include the best travel route between the two. You can use Google Maps to trace the major roads and interstates to provide an accurate representation of the area. This will ensure your guests don't get lost, especially if they take a wrong turn.
For weddings abroad or in another city, it is useful to include transport routes from the airport or main travel hubs to the wedding venue. You can also mark local airports and transport routes for guests who are unfamiliar with the area and plan to stay a few extra days before or after the wedding.
When designing your map, you can choose to remove the background roadwork and rivers by filling the map with a white background. You can then add your own roadways and transport routes using drawing tools and curve tools for smoother lines. You can also add transport routes by including clipart or using custom labels and map backgrounds if you create your map in Google Drive.
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Accommodation
When it comes to wedding accommodation, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is essential to prioritise the needs of your guests, especially if you are hosting a destination wedding or have guests travelling from out of town. Make their stay as convenient and comfortable as possible.
If your wedding is taking place at a resort, all your guests can stay onsite with you, removing the need for travel to and from the venue. Alternatively, you can book a block of rooms at a hotel. Most hotels have a cap on how many rooms you can book in a block, so if you need more, you'll have to book at multiple locations. Call at least three hotels to check their room block rates and what is included in the price.
If you are unable to cover the cost of accommodation for your guests, it is generally understood that they will be responsible for covering their accommodation expenses. However, you can provide them with a list of recommendations, including direct links and contact information, to make the process seamless. Be sure to provide options at different price points and consider any special needs, such as guests travelling with children or those requiring wheelchair accessibility.
To encourage early accommodation bookings, you can include a gentle request on your save-the-date cards. This is especially useful for destination weddings, as it makes practical sense and spares your guests the potential stress of securing accommodation at the last minute. You can also create a wedding website with accommodation suggestions and FAQs, as well as tracking RSVPs.
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Reception layout
The layout of the reception area is crucial to the flow of your wedding and can make a big difference to your guests' experience. Here are some tips to consider when planning the layout:
Space and Mobility
It is important to ensure there is enough space for guests to move about freely and for tables to be easily accessible for both guests and servers. Avoid a crowded layout that may feel like a maze, especially with guests carrying drinks. If the reception is in a rectangular room, a popular option is to centre the dance floor lengthwise, with the stage for the band or DJ on one of the long walls. Alternatively, place the dance floor in the centre of one end of the room, backed against one of the short walls.
Visibility
The layout should allow all guests a clear view of the main attractions, such as the newlywed and bridal party entrances and the first dance. Consider using elevated seating if necessary.
Bars
As a rule of thumb, have one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests. For example, for 150 guests, have two bars with at least three bartenders. Place one bar near the dance floor and the other a little removed from it. Keep the bars away from the entrance so that guests walk into the reception before looking for a drink.
Tables
Before deciding on the floor plan, choose the shape and size of the tables. Will you and your partner be at a sweetheart table, or will you join your wedding party at a longer head table?
Personal Touches
Consider adding personal touches to your reception layout, such as marking your favourite landmarks or places that are special to you on any maps or signage. This could include where you had your first date, your favourite café, or a hike you enjoy.
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Personal touches
Adding personal touches to your wedding map is a great way to make your invite unique and special. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Local landmarks and favourite spots
Mark your favourite spots around the area, such as your favourite café, pub, hiking trail, or the location of your first date. This adds a personal touch and gives guests an insight into your lives. It also encourages guests to explore and creates a whimsical and romantic feel.
Local accommodation
If you have recommended accommodation for your guests, mark these on the map. This is especially helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the area and need help finding a place to stay. You could also include information on transportation services to and from the accommodation to the wedding venue.
Local attractions and activities
Include some of the local attractions and activities on your map, such as parks, museums, galleries, or other tourist locations. This is a great way to keep your guests entertained during any downtime and helps them become familiar with the city. You could also recommend some restaurants and bars for guests to visit.
Special places
Mark the locations of any special places, such as where you first met or where the proposal happened. This adds a sentimental touch to your map and includes your guests in your love story.
Guest locations
Include your guests' locations by having them pin where they are from on the map. This makes your guests feel included and valued, and it showcases how your wedding is a celebration of your loved ones coming together.
Remember, you can design your map to match your wedding suite or request a specific style. You can also ask for a digital version to add to your wedding website, and you can even frame the map as a keepsake after the wedding.
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Frequently asked questions
Including a map in your wedding invitation is a great way to help your guests feel welcome and prepare them for the events to come. It can also be a way to point out important meeting locations, such as shuttles to and from the reception.
You should include the reception location, local accommodation, and transport routes. You can also add a personal touch by marking your favourite landmarks, or places that are important to you.
You can use Google Maps to get a view of the area where the ceremony and reception will be. Copy the image and paste it into your work area, then resize it to fit. You can then trace over major roads and interstate roads with a drawing tool.
You can use PowerPoint to create shapes and callouts to go around the map. You can also use Photoshop to edit the image and make it look more professional.
No, you can include a digital version of your map on your wedding website or as part of a digital invitation.
