Local Guides
Hotel Blocks in the KC Metro (Kansas Side)
Ensuring your family and friends have a wonderful experience is a key part of hosting a successful celebration. If you are coordinating the hotel block for wedding, you want to ensure your out-of-town guests have simple lodging, convenient transport, and a list of local activities. Wichita, Lawrence, and the KC metro offer friendly bases for traveling guests. Providing clear details prevents travel stress.
In this guide, we cover hotel blocks, guest welcome bags, shuttle logistics, and weekend activity guides to make your guests’ stay comfortable and enjoyable. We provide tips on transport options, hosting kids at receptions, and plus-one etiquette.
Providing local recommendations helps guests plan their trip. Let’s look at the top local attractions and travel tips for each region.
Setting Up Hotel Blocks
- Book Early: Secure blocks 8 to 10 months in advance, especially during university graduation weekends.
- Choose Courtesy Blocks: Look for courtesy hotel blocks where you are not financially responsible for unbooked rooms.
- Compare Locations: Choose 2-3 hotels at different price points near your reception venue.
- Provide Shuttles: If your venue is outside the main metro area, arranging a guest shuttle is highly recommended.
Guest Activities & Attractions
| Region | Recommended Attraction | Guest Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita | Botanica Gardens, Old Town | Shopping, botanical walks, local dining |
| KC Metro | The Legends, Prairie Fire | Shopping, entertainment, dining districts |
| Lawrence | Massachusetts Street (Mass St) | Historic walks, local boutiques, local cafes |
Guest Activity Guides
Exploring Wichita
Wichita is Kansas’s largest city and offers excellent shopping, museums, and dining. Tell guests to visit Old Town for brick streets and local dining, or check out Botanica, The Wichita Gardens for beautiful walks. Families will love the Sedgwick County Zoo, which is highly rated nationally.
Exploring the KC Metro (Kansas Side)
The Kansas side of KC features excellent shopping and dining. The Legends Outlets in Kansas City, KS offers outdoor shopping and entertainment near the speedway, while Overland Park features the Prairie Fire district, filled with restaurants and the Museum of Prairiefire.
Exploring Lawrence
Lawrence is a historic college town centered around Massachusetts Street (Mass St). Guests can browse local boutiques, visit historic coffee shops, and explore the beautiful University of Kansas campus. The town is highly walkable and has a vibrant local arts scene.
Navigating Courtesy Hotel Blocks for Guests
Courtesy hotel blocks allow you to reserve a set of rooms (usually 10 to 20 rooms) at a discounted rate for your guests without financial liability for unbooked rooms. Set up blocks at 2 distinct hotels at different price points near your venue. Ensure you provide guests with booking deadlines, as unbooked rooms are released to the public 30 to 45 days before the event, which is critical during busy travel seasons.
Planning the Perfect Welcome Bag Treats
Welcome bags are a thoughtful touch for out-of-town guests staying at blocked hotels. Include bottles of water, local snacks (such as Kansas-made wheat crackers or sunflower seeds), a custom weekend schedule, maps of the local area, and a list of your favorite local coffee shops and restaurants. Add a handwritten note thanking them for traveling to celebrate with you.
Coordinating Guest Shuttles and Transport Safety
If your venue is in a rural area or outside the main city center, providing a guest shuttle is highly recommended. Hire a local transport service to run shuttles between the blocked hotels and the venue. This keeps your guests safe, eliminates the need for rideshares in areas with poor coverage, and ensures everyone arrives on time for your ceremony.
Exploring the Kansas City Legends District Attractions
If your guests are staying in the Kansas City, KS area, the Legends Outlets and Village West offer numerous activities. Guests can browse outlet stores, dine at local restaurants, or attend sporting events at the nearby speedway. The area is walkable and features hotels at multiple price points, making it a highly convenient base for out-of-town family and friends.
Kids at Weddings: Options, Rules, and Etiquette
If you plan to host an adults-only reception, state this clearly on your invitations and wedding website. If kids are invited, set up a dedicated kids’ table with coloring books, simple games, and kid-friendly snacks. Hiring a professional babysitter to watch children in an on-site room is an excellent way to keep both kids and parents happy during the reception.
Providing Local Dining Recommendations
Help your out-of-town guests plan their meals by providing a list of your favorite local restaurants. Include options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, highlighting local specialty foods like Kansas City BBQ, classic diners, or local craft breweries. This helps guests enjoy the local culinary culture during their stay.
Managing the Rehearsal Dinner Guest List
While the rehearsal dinner is traditionally for the wedding party and immediate family, many couples invite out-of-town guests to join them as a welcome party. This allows you to spend more time with guests who traveled far. Choose a casual local restaurant or brewery to keep costs low and atmospheres relaxed.
Guest Transportation Options: Rideshares and Cabs
Include information about local transport options on your website. Detail the availability of rideshares (like Uber and Lyft) in your venue’s city, and provide phone numbers for local cab services. If rideshares are limited in your area, note this so guests can schedule rides or arrange designated drivers.
Planning a Day-After Farewell Brunch
Hosting a casual day-after brunch is a great way to say goodbye to guests before they travel home. Choose a buffet-style brunch at a local hotel or park pavilion, keeping the atmosphere relaxed. This allows you to review wedding photos, share stories, and thank everyone once more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we put in a guest welcome bag?
Include local treats like custom cookies, bags of Kansas wheat snacks, mini honey jars, bottled water, and a weekend itinerary with maps and transport contact details.
Who gets a plus-one on the guest list?
Typically, plus-ones are given to married, engaged, or long-term couples. You do not need to give a plus-one to single guests, but you should apply your rules consistently to avoid drama.
Should we pay for guest shuttle services?
Providing transportation is a nice gesture, especially if your ceremony and reception are in different locations or if your venue is in a rural area with limited rideshare coverage.
How can we keep kids entertained at the reception?
Consider setting up a dedicated kids’ table with coloring books, simple games, and kid-friendly snacks. Hiring a professional babysitter to watch children in an on-site room is an excellent way to keep both kids and parents happy during the reception.
Planning guest lodging? Browse Kansas hotels and lodging options in our directory, or search by city to find local transport services.