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Chances are if your family and friends from
afar go to the expense of traveling to Juneau for your wedding ceremony,
they're going to be here for at least a few days. So in addition
to wedding related activities, be sure to provide some direction
for their free time, and also schedule some special times together.
Do your utmost to have most of your wedding preparations out of
the way before your guests arrive. Prepare an itinerary for you
that lists all must-do appointments. Then fill in just a few of
the blanks to spend time with your friends. Plan some sight-seeing
activities, as well as some social events. But don't cram too much
into a day. It's better to have a gap between activities than to
get stressed. Remember this is meant to be an enjoyable time, so
avoid pre-wedding frenzy.
Now prepare a schedule for your out-of-town guests. Let them know
which events require their presence, and what activities are optional.
Be sure to leave them some free time, so they can plan their own
adventures or make appointments. In addition to an itinerary, give
your guests a well-marked map so they can easily find their way
around. Finally, be sure to provide them with necessary information
so they can experience Juneau on their own. This is easy. Just give
guests a current copy of the free Juneau Guide available all over
town or at the Juneau Empire building. That way they can learn about
the town and highlight attractions they don't want to miss during
their visit.
Consider keeping planned social events informal. They'll be far
less stressful, and a relaxed atmosphere will make it easier for
you, your out-of-town guests and even hometown friends to mix and
mingle. Get-togethers can consist of casual cookouts on the beach,
backyard barbecues, potluck parties, a hike along Mendenhall Glacier,
a whale-watching cruise, a Sunday brunch or one of the many other
activities Juneau has to offer.
Whatever you decide to do, plan ahead and get most of the work out
of the way before company arrives. Secure any necessary reservations
and scour cookbooks for make-ahead menu ideas—and make them!
Perhaps a cooking fest with a few close friends? Look for opportunities
to turn the processes of your wedding preparation into simple celebrations.
And then just have fun.
By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire
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