treat your wedding guests to an iconic kansas city weekend

Anyone who hails from Kansas City will be able to rattle off their personal shortlist of the things our beloved “cowtown to crowntown” is most known for, but translating Kansas City’s best features into a wedding weekend your guests will love and remember forever is an entirely different matter. Don’t make the mistake of reserving a hotel block of rooms and leaving your guests to their own devices! Instead, think about which Kansas City experiences you adore and provide them with plenty of opportunities to experience all the City of Fountains has to offer. Here’s our advice on how to treat your wedding guests to an iconic Kansas City weekend:

Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests in the heart of the city.

Kansas City has no shortage of stellar hotels, but there is something to be said about staying in the heart of a city with so much heart. When you are choosing your recommended hotel, think about location to local attractions, as well as distance to your ceremony and reception location. Is parking provided? Are there restaurants, shopping and bars within walking distance? Are there transportation options nearby for guests who will rely on taxis or Uber?

A few local favorites include:

  • Hilton President 
    • 1920’s charm in the heart of downtown KC
    • Walking distance to restaurants, bars, and the Power and Light District
  • Crowne Plaza Kansas City
    • Upscale hotel by IHG, located in the heart of Kansas City
    • Easy access to Crown Center, Union Station, the Sprint Center, Power & Light District, and more
  • Intercontinental Kansas City on the Plaza
    • Landmark hotel by located on the Country Club Plaza
    • Easy walking access to the Plaza restaurants, shopping, and bars
  • Hotel Phillips Kansas City
    • Boutique hotel by Hilton’s Curio Collection, located in the heart of Kansas City
    • Easy access to Sprint Center, Power & Light District, shopping, restaurants and more
    • Complimentary local area shuttle (see hotel for details)

Give them a Kansas City “Welcome” basket.

Once you have chosen the perfect hotel for your guests, show them your appreciation by having a personalized welcome basket delivered to their room prior to their arrival. Include a personal note and schedule for your wedding weekend, detailing any special events as well as ceremony and reception details, along with dates, times and locations. Tuck in a few iconic Kansas City local favorites and a gift card to your favorite local coffee shop for a well-rounded welcome they’ll remember for years to come. 

Consider including:

Schedule one group event/activity per day to keep everyone engaged.

Kansas City is rife with fun activities, restaurants, attractions and more. One way to ensure your guests have a fantastic Kansas City weekend is to provide a personalized “schedule” or “guide” for your guests. Be sure to include a couple of opportunities for everyone to connect, like a group cocktail hour the night before the wedding, or a brunch the morning after.

An Activity Schedule to Rave About:

FRIDAY

KANSAS CITY BBQ

You may be otherwise engaged with your rehearsal dinner, but as your guests arrive into town and check in to their hotel, dinner will be one of the first things on their minds. Sure, the hotel restaurant is an option, but if you want to serve up a Kansas City weekend to remember, give them the lowdown on local BBQ favorites! Don’t forget to include:

Monarch Bar Kansas City

KANSAS CITY NIGHTLIFE

Kansas City may not be the city that never sleeps, but our weekend game is strong. Invite your guests to join you for cocktails and a night on the town at Power & Light District, the Crossroads District, or Westport. A few noteworthy mentions:

SATURDAY

You will likely be getting ready for the wedding, but your own of town guests will have the day to spend in the city, so give them some ideas of what they can do leading up to your “I Do”s. 

KANSAS CITY COFFEE CULTURE 

KC has a truly amazing range of coffee shops and roasters. Give your guests a gift card for your favorite, or simply include a short guide to a few local options. Make sure to include addresses for your guests!

KANSAS CITY SHOPPING

Local artisans and makers abound in Kansas City, but your wedding guests are likely unfamiliar with shopping options. Steer them toward local favorites, such as:

SUNDAY

KANSAS CITY BRUNCH

Schedule a brunch for your guests at a local favorite spot, for the morning after the wedding! Choose a brunch spot with easy access to transportation or with shopping options within walking distance. Local favorites include:

Follow these simple tips to treat your guests to a Kansas City wedding weekend they will never forget!

Picture of MERRY OHLER

MERRY OHLER

MERRY OHLER PHOTOGRAPHY

Merry Ohler is a storytelling wedding photographer, wedding planner and writer. She resides in Kansas City with her husband, three small children, and entirely too many Legos.

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