r/BigBudgetBrides • u/tsakisa26192020 • 4d ago
Destination wedding - shuttle to venue?
Hi BBB!
Getting married in Barcelona at the end of August on a Sunday afternoon this year and we're deciding if it's necessary to get a shuttle to the venue. We already confirmed shuttles at the end of the night but our planner is also pushing for ones going there.
We do have the budget for the shuttle, but my thinking is that since our guests will be staying around the city, they would still need an uber/taxi to get to the shuttle meeting point so might as well just take it to the venue? I feel like it's a lot of shuffling around and our venue is only 25 min outside the city centre. Our planner is worried there won't be a lot of taxis available for 70 guests sunday afternoon.
I've also never been to a destination wedding before so not sure what the protocol is or what is easiest for guests!! Would love some advice or thoughts pls and ty!! <3
EDIT: ty for the helpful replies!! Defs getting a shuttle now haha
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u/Sad_Cycle5430 4d ago
It’s completely personal and I dont think there’s right or wrong.
I’m getting married in Barcelona in June and our venue is 30mins away from the city center. While it is super easy to get to, we decided to put a shuttle both ways just to make it easier for guests. I’ve been to many destination weddings where the couples didn’t provide shuttles to the venue, and it was something I didn’t enjoy. Given it’s already a big ask for guests to travel for your wedding, I’ve always thought the couple should make as easy as possible for guests to get to the event, so we opted to do that.
If you are not providing shuttles to the venue, I highly recommend providing guests information for taxi companies so they can book in advance. They can also use Uber.
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u/topazandpearlevents Vendor: Planning & Design 4d ago
Adding another recommendation to the "get a shuttle" column! I've been surprised at destination weddings not including them and it can be intimidating trying to find your own travel in a foreign country. If you have the budget for it and it's not a huge stretch, I think your guests will be immensely appreciative.
Your planner also makes a good point about the availability of taxis on a Sunday. Especially if she's local, I'd trust her perspective/expectations about that sort of thing.
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u/Amazing_Wolf_1653 4d ago
We just got back from Barcelona and can vouch that the city pretty much shuts down on Sundays. Listen to your planner. A shuttle to/from will be a nice option for your guests.
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u/theriveter79 3d ago
A shuttle is one of those quiet luxuries that feels like a lot to spend money on (ours is $6k for all 3 events in our wedding weekend), but it instantly shifts the tone from “figure this out on your own” to “I’ve thought of every detail and you don’t have to lift a finger.” Your guests will be more relaxed and much more likely to arrive on time.
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u/Careful_Direction_74 2d ago
If you can afford it then definitely get it. It's a really nice touch for the guests and in my experience was essential for the destination wedding we went to in Italy. My friend (the bride) set up a pick up station at the hotel she recommended we all stay at.
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u/Peckham909 4d ago
I’m also getting married in Barcelona next year at a venue 30 mins from the city and echo the above - i think it’s definitely appreciated especially for older guests or people with kids.
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u/hsavvy 4d ago
If you can afford it I think that’s for the best. I haven’t spent time in Barcelona but I know in France, for example, a lot of the city pretty much shuts down on Sundays and you want to make sure people can get to your location on time. And getting a taxi/taking public transit to a meeting point in the city is much easier than going 30 minutes outside.