How to Create a Wedding Map

One of the most important things you can give your guests is a map to your wedding. This is included in the invitation and takes the hassle and guesswork out of trying to find the location for your guests so they are happy, relaxed and arrive on time. Making a wedding map is simple enough, you just have to use a little common sense and take the time to create a nice looking map that will be easily understood by even those with no sense of direction.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer Internet Wedding location addresses Word processing program Printer Paper Paper cutter Card stock Glue stick

1. Go on the Internet and choose your favorite map site. Some of the popular choices include Google Maps, Yahoo Maps and Mapquest. Type in the address of the ceremony to get an overview of the location. Minimize or maximize until you find one that shows the cross streets but still shows somewhat of the surrounding area. Save this picture and copy it to a blank word document.

2. Pull the map screen back so you can see all available freeway or highway exits that guests might use to access your location. Write down specific instructions on how to get there from each freeway, or use general locations as starting points such as a city in the north and one in the south (or east/west or both). Type these in as your starting point and the ceremony address as your destination. The site will give you directions.

3. Type these directions onto your word document below the map you copied and pasted. Make clear headings such as "From Los Angeles" and "From San Diego" so guests can choose the location most relevant to where they are coming from. If it is a destination wedding and most guests will be traveling a good distance, include directions from the nearest airport or train station.

4. Arrange your map and directions on the word document in an eye pleasing fashion. Be sure the actual location's address is listed. Print it out on a piece of paper. Cut the paper to a smaller size so only the map and directions are included (no excess white edges or bottom of the sheet). Paste with a glue stick to piece of card stock and cut around the edges, leaving 1/2 - inch of card stock exposed so it is mounted.

5. Save time and go to www.weddingmapper.com, the link is below in the References section. This site creates a wedding map for you that includes little notes you can write your guests regarding parking, times or other things you need to mention. Create your map as you see fit, preview it then print it out and include in each invitation.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide directions from multiple areas or cities/freeways so guest can choose the one closest to them.
• Don't make the map too small or your guests will have difficulty reading it.