By Paula Ramirez

That’s right – today’s weddings aren’t just about an evening but about the whole weekend! In most cases, couples invite friends and family from all over the world to join in the celebration and, for that reason, it’s important to take into account the time that out-of-town guests will spend in the city beyond the wedding day itself.

With that in mind, here are some of our top tips for planning a wedding weekend to remember.

Be a tourist for the day. It’s easy to look past some of the gems in your city, so take a day (or a whole weekend!) to look at your hometown with fresh eyes. Visit the popular museums, take a walk by the water, or try out some new restaurants. Get a feel for what your guests will see when they visit your city for the first time – this is your chance to show them what you love about it!

Plan a group gathering. With everyone in town to celebrate you and your partner, there is no better time to take advantage of the company and schedule a group activity. Whether it’s a special brunch or a trip to your favorite art gallery, think of something that will interest your guests while also speaking to your relationship with your partner. The logistics of this get-together will vary depending on the time and day of your wedding, but keep this gathering as a come-one, come-all affair – everyone is welcome to join in on the festivities!

Map hand drawn by Chloe with English Tea Paperie.


Create a city guide. Even if you plan a group activity, chances are you won’t be able to entertain your guests for every moment of the whole weekend. Plus, some travelers may prefer to see the city on their own and go exploring. That’s what is so fun about weddings! With that in mind, help your visitors by creating a guide to the city. A simple paper or brochure that shares your favorite attractions, cafes, restaurants, and bars is enough to keep anyone entertained as they prepare for your big day.

A wedding weekend is fun for everyone involved and can be a great way to get everyone excited for the actual wedding. After a few days hanging out, people will be ready for the real party to finally start! So, now is the time to take pride in your city and show off what you really love about it!


Paula and Martin Ramirez are the proprietors of Historic Mankin Mansion, a wedding resort and bed & breakfast. They have lovingly restored this national landmark to its original grandeur and are honored to share the treasured estate with couples and their families. For more information, please visit www.historicmankinmansion.com.


Thank you to Chloe with English Tea Paperie for the beautiful watercolor map you made for our magazine!