Guest Experience
Look after your guests: How to make your destination wedding memorable for everyone who comes
Your guests spend time, vacation days, and money to come to where you are. Here are the best steps to take care of them.
An increasing number of Norwegian couples are opting out of large celebrations in favor of a small, intimate ceremony abroad — just the two of them, perhaps a few close relatives, and a location they truly dream of. But does a smaller wedding also mean easier planning? Not necessarily. Here, we look at what a mini-wedding abroad actually entails, and when it’s worth bringing in help.
01
Inform early, and inform clearly
Give your guests as much notice as possible — a save-the-date sent 9–12 months in advance is not excessively early when people need to book holidays and find good flight prices. Create a simple wedding website to consolidate all practical information: date, venue, flight routes, accommodation in various price ranges, and the weekend's itinerary.
Don't assume guests will figure things out on their own. Distances, climate, and transportation are often precisely what guests wonder about but never ask.
02
The benefits of a small outdoor wedding
A smaller wedding offers more flexibility in almost every way. You can choose venues that simply don't have the capacity for a hundred guests. The budget often stretches further per person.
Because there are fewer people to coordinate, the timeline leading up to the wedding day is usually shorter than for a large event.
03
Provide a realistic range of accommodation options
Not all guests have the same budget. List at least three options in different price ranges, and consider pre-negotiating a group rate or blocking rooms so that guests don't have to compete for space during peak season.
Be clear about distances — "10 minutes away" by car can be an hour's walk, and guests should know that before booking.
04
The advantages of a small outdoor wedding
A smaller wedding offers more flexibility in almost every aspect. You can choose venues that simply don't have the capacity for a hundred guests. The budget often stretches further per person.
Because there are fewer people to coordinate, the timeline leading up to the wedding day is usually shorter than with a large celebration.
05
Fill the days surrounding the wedding — but don't over-plan
An informal welcome dinner the night before is a great way to bring everyone together before the big day, especially if the guests don't know each other yet.
Feel free to suggest optional activities, but make it clear that nothing is obligatory – many people appreciate free time as much as a packed schedule.
06
Consider the practical needs of all your guests
Enquire about food allergies and special needs well in advance, and inform the venue and caterer. Check how accessible both the ceremony location and accommodation actually are for guests with reduced mobility.
If you have guests with children, provide information about local childcare options — it will save parents a lot of uncertainty.
""Your guests have prioritized you with time and money they could have spent elsewhere — that deserves to be recognized.""