George Boyle
Wedding welcome bags or baskets are a great way to greet your guests and make them feel appreciated. They are especially thoughtful for destination weddings or when many guests are travelling to be a part of your big day. Welcome bags can be filled with treats, snacks, drinks, and other essentials to make your guests' experiences as comfortable and memorable as possible. While they are not necessary, they are a good opportunity to thank your guests and get them excited for the festivities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To delight, thank, and warmly greet guests, particularly those from out of town or abroad |
| Contents | Snacks, drinks, essentials, gifts, and comforts. Items can be locally sourced or themed, and can include a personal touch such as a handwritten note. |
| Container | Bags, boxes, baskets, or totes. Containers can be customised with stickers, tags, or monograms. |
| Logistics | Welcome bags can be delivered to guests' hotel rooms or distributed at check-in. |
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What You'll Learn
Welcome gifts for out-of-town guests
Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your out-of-town guests for joining you on your special day and to give them a taste of the local culture. They are also a fantastic way to introduce your guests to your wedding destination. These welcome gifts can be especially useful for guests who have spent a lot of money travelling to your wedding and using up their precious vacation days.
Welcome bags can be filled with a variety of gifts, from snacks and beverages to souvenirs and practical items. Here are some ideas to consider for your welcome gifts:
- Local treats and snacks: Include locally made snacks and treats that are unique to your wedding destination. This could be anything from fresh produce to special snacks from a local shop. For example, if you're getting married in San Francisco, you could include Ghirardelli Chocolate in the welcome bags.
- Practical items: Consider including items that will help your guests brave the elements, such as sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels for a tropical destination wedding, or pashminas, flannel blankets, cosy socks, and hand warmers for a winter wedding. Other practical items could include sunscreen, bug-repelling bracelets, and a small first aid kit with items like Band-Aids and ibuprofen.
- Personal touches: Add a handwritten note or card to each bag, thanking your guests for their attendance. You can also include a printed itinerary for the wedding weekend and a guide to the local area. If you have a wedding hashtag, be sure to include it!
- Beverages: You can add alcoholic drinks to the welcome bags to set a celebratory tone, such as a small bottle of liquor or a local craft beer. Alternatively, you could include bottles of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
- Themed items: Choose a theme for your welcome bags that ties into your wedding destination or your interests. For example, if you're having a Greek-inspired wedding, you could include a bottle of olive oil, a Greek walnut loaf, and some olive branches in the bags.
- Recovery kit: Include a small recovery kit in the welcome bags, with items like eye masks, pain relievers, and hangover cures. This will be much appreciated by your guests the day after the wedding!
Remember, you can purchase plain or pre-designed bags and boxes from sites like Amazon, or you can source them locally. You can also upgrade the bags to something nicer, like linen totes or chic boxes, so your guests can reuse them later.
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What to include in welcome bags
Wedding welcome bags are a great way to delight your guests, especially those who have travelled a long way to be with you on your big day. They are also a fantastic opportunity to introduce guests to the local area, ensure they are prepared for the wedding, and thank them for their support. Here are some ideas for what to include in your wedding welcome bags:
Practical Items
Think about the climate and choose items that will help your guests brave the elements. For a tropical destination wedding, consider sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. Conversely, for a winter wedding, pashminas, flannel blankets, cosy socks, and hand warmers are perfect. Health and safety essentials like hand sanitiser, bug spray, sunscreen, and painkillers are also a good idea. If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, you might want to include items like umbrellas, ponchos, and chapstick.
Food and Drink
Snacks are a top priority when assembling your wedding welcome bags. Include a mix of sweet and savoury treats, such as cookies, candy, chips, nuts, and dried fruit. You can also add local specialities or destination-specific items, such as a bottle of local wine or craft beer, or regional snacks and treats. If you're hosting an intimate wedding, you might choose to include luxury items like champagne or Prosecco. Don't forget to include some water bottles, too!
Personal Touches
A handwritten thank-you note or a special message from the happy couple is a lovely way to make your guests feel appreciated. You could also include a guide to the local area, with your favourite hotspots, or an itinerary for the wedding weekend. Small souvenirs or keepsakes, such as ornaments, luggage tags, or custom glassware, will give your guests a lasting memento of your special day.
Remember, it's a good idea to consider each individual guest when packing your wedding welcome bags. For example, alcohol might not be appropriate for all guests, and some items might not be suitable for travelling guests to take home.
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Choosing the right bag or basket
Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests, especially those who have travelled long distances to be with you on your special day. They are a delightful way to make your guests feel appreciated and show them how thrilled you are to have them.
When it comes to choosing the right bag or basket, there are a few things to consider:
Size
It is important to choose a bag that is the right size. If the bag is too big, you will need to buy more items to fill it, which can be expensive. On the other hand, a bag that is too small will look messy and overstuffed. Choose a bag that is a middle ground, so you have enough space for all your goodies without looking sparse or overflowing.
Material
The material of the bag can vary depending on your preference and budget. Paper or cardboard bags are cost-effective and easy to assemble and recycle, making them ideal for guests travelling light. Burlap bags are another option, providing a rustic and natural look. For a more premium feel, linen totes or chic boxes can be a great choice, and your guests may be more likely to reuse them.
Customisation
Customising your bags with a personal touch can make them extra special. You can add stickers, tags, or ribbons featuring your names, initials, or wedding date. However, consider a more general design that your guests are more likely to reuse. A colourful motif or a print of the local language can be a great way to brand your bags without making them too personalised.
Practicality
Consider the practicality of the bag, especially if you are having a destination wedding. Baskets may not be the most practical option for guests who are flying, as they can be bulky. Totes, boxes, or bags are often more convenient and can be easily transported. If you have your heart set on baskets, they can be a great choice for guests within driving distance.
Reusability
Choosing bags that your guests can reuse is a thoughtful idea. Look for bags made from durable materials with sturdy handles. Reusable jute bags or linen totes are great options that your guests can continue to use long after your wedding.
Budget
Your budget will also play a factor in choosing the right bag. Simple paper bags or kraft paper bags can be a cost-effective option, especially if you have many guests. If you want to splurge, you can opt for more luxurious materials or custom-printed designs.
Remember, the bag or basket is just the beginning. The most important part is what you put inside! Choose treats and essentials that your guests will appreciate and that reflect your personality and the theme of your wedding.
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Personalising the welcome bag
Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for joining you on your special day and can be personalised in many ways. They are especially thoughtful for out-of-town guests, who will appreciate a token of your appreciation for their extra effort in travelling to your wedding.
Firstly, you can personalise the bag itself. Choose a bag that reflects your wedding aesthetic, or one that guests will want to reuse. Linen totes, baskets, farmers' market totes, and chic boxes are all good options. You can also adorn the bags with a motif or colour scheme that complements your wedding stationery. If you're getting married in another country, printing a welcoming message in the local language on the bag is a fun idea.
Gifts with a Personal Touch
Including a handwritten note or a thank-you card is a lovely way to add a personal touch. If you have the time, you could even write a personalised message for each guest. Name tags are another way to make guests feel special, and a calligraphed tag with each guest's name is an elegant option.
Local Treats
Curating a selection of local treats is a great way to personalise your welcome bag. This could include locally made snacks, drinks, and other goodies. For example, consider local chocolates, wine, or craft beers. You could also include a guide to the area, with recommendations for local hotspots. This will help your guests feel immersed in your wedding destination and give them a memorable experience of the location.
Practical Gifts
Practical gifts that are tailored to the climate or setting of your wedding are always a good idea. For a tropical destination wedding, include items like sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. Conversely, for a winter wedding, think about adding pashminas, cosy socks, and hand warmers. If you're getting married near the sea, sunscreen is a thoughtful touch, while mountain weddings might call for warm blankets.
Themed Gifts
You can also personalise your welcome bag by choosing a theme and curating gifts around it. For example, a French-inspired wedding might include baskets with baguettes, rose-petal confit, lavender, and chocolates. Alternatively, you could choose gifts that fit within your wedding colour palette for a cohesive look.
Unique Extras
Finally, don't be afraid to add unique extras that reflect your personality and relationship. This could be your favourite snacks, a custom-embroidered item related to a shared hobby, or even a small bottle of liquor with a recipe card.
Remember, the key to personalising your wedding welcome bag is to add thoughtful touches that will make your guests feel special and excited to celebrate your big day with you.
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When to give out welcome bags
Wedding welcome bags are a delightful way to greet your guests, especially those who have travelled to your wedding. They are a great way to show your guests that you appreciate them and are a perfect opportunity to thank them for their support.
Welcome bags can be given out at the welcome dinner or arranged with the hotel concierge to be waiting in the guests' rooms on check-in or at the front desk upon arrival. If guests are coming from out of town at various times, it is best to have their welcome bag ready as soon as they arrive.
Welcome bags can also be handed out by the bridal party or family members at the venue or hotel. Some couples opt to have the bags delivered to guests' rooms before their arrival or provided at check-in.
For destination weddings, it is a good idea to include items that will help your guests brave the elements. For example, if you're hosting a tropical wedding, include items such as sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. Conversely, for a fall or winter wedding, consider pashminas, flannel blankets, cosy socks, and hand warmers.
It is also essential to consider items that are suitable for travelling guests to take home. Small food, drink, and cosmetic items are likely to be used during the trip. You can also include items related to the local area, such as local snacks, treats, and drinks.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding welcome baskets are not necessary, but they are a thoughtful way to greet guests, especially those who have travelled to be a part of your special day. They are a great way to show your guests that you appreciate them and are delighted to have them celebrate with you.
Wedding welcome baskets can include a variety of items such as snacks, drinks, and other treats. You can also add practical items like stain removers, tissues, and pain relievers. Including a handwritten note or a welcome card is also a nice touch. If you're having a destination wedding, consider adding items that will help your guests brave the elements, such as sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels for a tropical wedding, or pashminas, flannel blankets, and hand warmers for a winter wedding.
You can buy wedding welcome baskets, bags, or boxes from various online retailers such as Amazon, or in-person at local shops. When choosing your wedding welcome baskets, consider the size and how many items you will need to fill them. You may also want to choose something that is reusable and eco-friendly, such as a tote bag or a box that can be easily assembled and recycled.
