So much of wedding planning is focused on the bride, the groom, and the details of the ceremony and reception that, often times, little focus is actually placed on the wedding guests.
True, your wedding is a celebration you, but you're asking your family and friends to set aside their time to attend, not only your wedding, but engagement parties and showers; to spend time and money shopping for shower and wedding gifts; to arrange for travel, babysitting, etc...
so that they may attend your events.
Your guests are an integral part of your wedding day and deserve your time and consideration when planning your event.
Treating your guests like royalty is easy when you incorporate them into the planning process from the beginning, rather than throwing a few favors their way as an afterthought.
When creating a wedding budget, one of the first things you'll need to assess is the number of guests.
The cost of your reception, invitations, cake, and so many other items will depend on this number.
But don't forget to budget in a little expense solely for them.
Here are some very simple ways to make your guests feel as special and important as they really are and to include them in your celebration.

• Prior to mailing your wedding invitations, be sure to reserve a block of rooms, both smoking and non-smoking, at one or two hotels near your wedding reception facility for your out-of-town guests.
  As a way of thanking your out-of-town guests for making the trip, leave a small gift box of truffles or candies in their room with a handwritten, personalized thank you note.
  
• If you're interested in an "adult only" wedding reception, rather than excluding children from your event altogether, you might consider providing a child care alternative in a nearby room or facility.
  Services that specialize in special event/wedding child care offer both fun options for children, including craft workshops and tea parties, as well as peace of mind for parents.
  Even if children will be welcome at your reception, you might consider this option, or perhaps a "nanny" who can direct child-oriented crafts or activities on the sidelines at your event.
  
• Your guests' favors are a direct reflection of the care and consideration you put into including them in your wedding preparations, so put some care and consideration into choosing them! A plastic shoe filled with dinner mints just doesn't say we're so thankful for you.
  At the same time, going above and beyond doesn't necessarily mean you need to spend a fortune on favors.
  Giving something unique, beautiful, creative, handmade, etc...
  is the key.
  There are any multitude of online wedding favor vendors and do-it-yourself websites just clammoring to help you find that perfect something.
  Here are a few that we found fun and unique:
  • Wedding Guest Book Puzzles by MGC Puzzle
  • Live Tree Seedlings [http://www.
    bridesandblossoms.
    com/tree_seedlings_e.
    phtml] from Brides and Blossoms
  • Plantable Seed Wedding Favors from Botanical PaperWorks, Inc.
    
  • Chocolate Treasure Chests or Vanilla Bean Wedding Cookies by Chicago's own Sarah's Pastries & Candies
  • From heart-shaped truffle to chocolate bars, your edible picture printed in chocolate by Images on Confections
  And don't forget your littlest guests...
  how about coloring books and crayons, or Matchbox Cars for boys and play makeup or jewelry for girls?
• How many times have you attended a special event and have later remarked, "I was designated driver, so I got stuck drinking soda all night.
  " Let's face it...
  food and drink are the staples of a wedding reception, but not all of your guests will want, or be able, to drink alcohol during the reception.
  Instead of leaving those guests sipping on soda, why not feature at least one non-alcoholic beer and one or two fun virgin cocktail choices, like the Pina Colada or a tasty Melon Daiquiri (or other flavoring suited for wedding theme), so that all guests may imbibe in the fun
• Be sure to personally talk with each of your guests.
  Greeting your guests in a reception line is nice, but not quite personal enough to make a lasting impression.
  During the dessert course, the bride and groom should visit each table to personally thank each guest for attending.
  A few minutes spent with your guests at that point will go that extra mile toward making your guests feel welcomed and will free you up later for dancing and more casual socializing with friends and family.
  
• Because it is generally considered in poor taste for guests to take pictures during the ceremony, most of your guests will go away from your event without so much as a single picture to remember it by.
  Think back...
  how many weddings have you attended and how many photographs from those weddings do you have, let alone have you even seen? As a final touch, let your guests know how much they're appreciated by including a photograph or two from your wedding ceremony with each thank you note.
  

These are but a few suggestions.
Depending on your own wedding budget and theme, there are likely a whole host of ways in which to honor your guests, but one of the easiest and most personal ways is a warm embrace and a heartfelt "thank you, we're so honored that you could come.
"