The Ultimate Savannah Wedding Guest Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before You Go
Whether you’re traveling to Savannah for a destination wedding or celebrating with friends and family close to home, there’s something special about spending a wedding weekend here. From oak-lined streets and historic squares to incredible restaurants and waterfront views, Savannah is the perfect place to turn a wedding into a memorable getaway.
This guide covers everything wedding guests need to know, from what to pack and where to stay to what to do during your free time, so you can enjoy every moment without the stress.
Table of Contents
- Before You Travel
- Where to Stay
- What to Wear
- What to Pack
- Getting Around Savannah
- Things to Do Between Wedding Events
- Where to Eat & Drink
- Wedding Weekend Etiquette.
Before You Travel
- Check the wedding website.Couples normally have hotels and wedding guest specific recommendations.
- Book your hotel early, especially during peak wedding seasons (Spring and Fall). Wedding blocks DO fill up, so make sure you do this sooner rather than later.
- Look at the weather forecast. Rain midday is normal and should be expected.
- Wear comfortable shoes if you’ll be walking downtown. There’s nothing like trying to walk on cobblestone in heels… not fun, take it from me.
Where to Stay In Savannah
As mentioned earlier, the couples wedding website may have a list of hotels they have special discounted wedding rates with. It’s always a helpful place to start looking. A common misconception is that because weddings have room blocks, there will always be rooms. Room blocks DO fill up and sometimes there won’t be the ability to add more. It’s important to not leave housing to the last minute, especially during busier times.
I’d also suggest looking into Airbnb’s, Savannah has plenty of options for families or couples looking for a little more space than hotels offer.
The places you can stay can be broken down into 3 areas.
Historic District
- Perfect if you want to walk everywhere. A ton of restaurants, bars, shops and everything you could need without renting a car.
- Great option for people looking to explore the city and make the most out of your time in Savannah.
Midtown
- Usually more affordable and about a 10–15 minute drive to downtown.
- Easy to get a Lyft/Uber from these locations, more chain restaurants and shops in this area, but not walkable
Near Tybee Island
- Great if you’re turning the wedding into a beach vacation. But I wouldn’t rely on Lyfts/Ubers to get you back and forth to downtown, rental cars would be my suggestion.
What To Wear In Savannah Based On The Seasons!
Always check the couples wedding website for wedding specific attire. Many times there is a dress code or suggestions. I’d also always suggest checking a few weather apps, temperatures can vary day by day.
Spring
- Light midi/maxi dresses
- Flowy, patterns, colors
- Linen shirts and pants
- A light jacket for evenings
- Bring an umbrella or poncho!
Summer
- Breathable and light fabrics
- Bright colors
- Comfortable shoes
- Prepare for heat, humidity and an afternoon thunderstorm!!
Fall
- Still warm during the day
- Layers work great for when it gets colder at night
Winter
- Mild compared to many places, but evenings can be cool.
- Check the weather! Temps can range from 30 degrees to 70 degrees with no rhyme or reason
Savannah Wedding Guest Packing Checklist
Let me tell you what not to leave behind, and let me tell you why.
First, is your Comfortable Walking Shoes. I know, maybe I’ve said it one too many times, but the streets are no joke and you’re going to want some foot support for your adventures.
Another must have, especially from May-October, is a Portable Handheld Fan. Believe me, this will be your best friend when walking through the streets and sitting on an air condition-less trolley on the way to the venue. Heck, I even plug mine up next to me when I sleep in hotels, I need a fan when I sleep.
This may go without saying but Sunscreen and Bug Spray. Savannah is home to tiny insects called “no see-ums”. You may not notice them until it’s too late so it’s good to be prepared!
Is there really anything worse than your phone dying and having to find somewhere to plug it in? I bring my Portable Phone Charger with me everywhere I go, but especially to events.
The south and their thunderstorms. You truly never know when the sunniest day can turn into a 5 minute torrential downpour that you don’t want to get stuck in, and if ya know, ya know. This Small Umbrella fits in all of my bags and is super convenient to carry around, even has a case with it so it doesn’t get everything inside your bag all wet!
With all the walking, dancing, and sweating you’ll be doing- I would never pack without bringing a handful of Blister Bandages. Your feet will thank you!!
More wedding specific but this is my favorite Garment Bag to travel with. It’s super lightweight and easy to foldinto your suitcase on the way back home!
An essential wherever I go is a Stain Remover Pen, you never know what you could spill on yourself and this comes in handy more times than not.
Getting Around Savannah
- Walking!
- Prepare to get your steps in!
- Downtown Savannah is very walkable, however, many the streets are cobblestone and older. Good walking shoes are important!
- Uber/Lyft
- There’s never a shortage of rideshare options available, from the airport and around town.
- Parking
- Parking is occasionally hard to find, but easy to keep up with. Savannah has plenty of parking garages and street parking.
- Download the ParkSav app before you go and you can pay for parking right from the app (and add time from your phone which is extra helpful!)
- Trolleys/Busses
- Trolley tours are a great way to see the city! You can do a hop on hop off tour, learning about the history while also getting dropped off at Savannah’s most popular locations.
- Savannah offers free public transit throughout downtown, you can check schedules on connectonthedot.com
- Downtowner
- A free rideshare app offered through the city!
- This car only covers Forsyth Park to River Street and takes some time to come, it’s not as quick as Uber/Lyft but a reliable option if you have time to wait!
Things to Do Between Wedding Events in Savannah
If I was attending a wedding in Savannah, these would be the ways I fill in my free time.
- Walk Forsyth Park
- Food Tour!
- Explore the historic squares
- Take a port tour
- Grab coffee
- Browse local shops
- Tour Savannah Bee Garden
- Visit Tybee if you have extra time
Where to Eat in Savannah
My go-to’s!
- Best Brunch: B. Matthews
- Date Night: Cha Bella
- Quick Breakfast: Funky Brunch
- Dessert: Auspicious Bakery
- Rooftop Drinks: Bar Julian
Section 8: Wedding Weekend Etiquette
- RSVP on time
- Arrive early
- Stay hydrated during outdoor ceremonies
- Be respectful of historic venues
Whether you’re visiting Savannah for one day or making a full wedding weekend out of your trip, I hope this guide helps you feel prepared before you arrive.
Savannah is one of those cities that’s easy to fall in love with, and with a little planning, you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying everything it has to offer.
Have an amazing trip and happy celebrating!