If your wedding is in your own town/city, you are not generally considered responsible for hotel accommodations, rental cars, etc. Most etiquette holds that out of town guests are responsible for these things.

If you have *many* out of town guests coming, then common sense would also say that you probably cannot and should not be expected to foot the bills for accommodations and transportation-- unless your parents or someone can "put them up" in their home(s), and guests are willing to accept those accommodations. (And this sort of arrangement should be carefully considered before it's offered, because it *can* be stressful, awkward and expensive, depending on the people involved, the size and set-up of the house, etc.)

Transportation is the same issue.  Yes, if it's convenient to help guests get into town from the airport, etc., that's very gracious and especially nice for older guests, close family, etc.  But in many cases, especially if you will have a number of guests arriving at different times, it just isn't practical.  By deciding to attend a wedding in another city, guests do take on some responsibility for getting there, etc.  If your airport has a rent-a-car agency, you should probably get
some information on rates and availability, but I don't see any reason you would be responsible for *obtaining* rentals for any of the guests.

You can make transportation, accommodations, and entertainment more convenient (and sometimes cheaper) for your guests, however, with some planning and consideration.  Many couples send a separate mailing to out-of-town guests, containing information on local hotels and restaurants (copies of their menus are really a nice touch), detailed maps to/from the airport or major highway to the church and other places they may need or want to go, suggestions about climate/dress, contact numbers and addresses for transportation and other services they may need,  information on local entertainment and attractions they might want to see if they stay in the area for more than just a night or two, etc.

Some couples also look into the possibility of getting a "block" rate for rooms at a local hotel.  That way, guests can call, mention your wedding, and receive a discount rate.  You can also sometimes get coupons or gift certificates for local dining, to make that cheaper and
easier for guests.

As for entertaining out- of-towners, your responsibilities really depend on the circumstances.  Most guests should realize that the last day or two before the wedding will be busy for you.  Also, most guests will arrive fairly close to the wedding, and probably leave soon after.

If they arrive on Friday, for instance, and are not wedding party members, neither you or your family will likely have much time to visit with them, feed them, etc. (unless you choose to include them in the rehearsal and dinner).  However, if you've given them some information
about the city and its activities, they can probably find enough to entertain themselves for one evening.  And if they are very close or dear to you or your family, there's often an opportunity to have a short visit either before or after the rehearsal festivities, if you plan ahead.

Bridal party members, however, in my opinion, DO deserve a lot more consideration from the bride and groom and their families.  If you *can* put them up in a private home, or help pay even a portion of their lodging, I think that's gracious and fair.  Their entertainment, too, is more your responsibility.  After all, you have asked them to travel from
their own home cities to share this celebration with them.

They will be involved, of course, in the rehearsal and dinner, and working closely with you on the day of the wedding, which takes up most of the time most bridal party members can devote to coming to an out-of-town wedding, anyway.  But do keep their needs and comfort in mind as you plan the day or two before your wedding.

Very best wishes to you for a wonderful wedding and long and happy marriage--

Foreverwed.com Expert-- Sara L. Ambarian
author/creative consultant/custom bridal designer
ambarian@frazmtn.com
More wedding information at:
http://www.frazmtn.com/~ambarian