Creating Personalized Welcome Bags For Wedding Guests: A Guide

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests and make them feel appreciated and cared for, especially those who have travelled long distances to be with you on your special day. They are not required, but they are a thoughtful gesture that can also help introduce your guests to the area, ensure they're prepared for the party, and thank them for their support. Welcome bags can be given to guests before the wedding, either by placing them in hotel rooms or at the hotel front desk, or at a welcome party. They typically include a mix of practical and personal items, such as water, snacks, local treats, toiletries, hangover kits, and a handwritten thank-you note.

Local treats and drinks

Local Treats

• Local snacks: Think about what your region is known for. This could be cookies, salt water taffy, maple syrup, chocolate, or popcorn. Scope out local stores and bakeries for treats that will give your guests a taste of local flavours.
• Local produce: Depending on the season and where you are getting married, you could include some fresh, local produce. For example, apples, oranges, or bananas.
• Local pantry items: Include some locally made pantry items such as jams, honey, or crackers.
• Local delicacies: If you are getting married in New Orleans, for example, you could include some Mardi Gras beads or king cake.
• Local favourites: Include some treats that are unique to you and your partner. This could be your favourite snacks, sweets, or even healthy treats like protein bars and dried fruit.

Local Drinks

• Local alcohol: Include some miniature bottles of local alcohol. For example, if you are having a vineyard wedding, you could include some mini bottles of wine. Or, if you are getting married at a brewery, you could include some cans of locally brewed craft beer.
• Local soft drinks: You could also include some non-alcoholic drinks such as coconut water for a tropical wedding or soda that is unique to your region.
• Hangover kit: Include a fun hangover kit with drinks and painkillers to help your guests recover the morning after.

Remember to keep in mind what your guests might actually use and what will be easy for them to travel home with. You could also include a custom label on the drinks with a message that speaks to the local scene or your wedding theme.

Pampering toiletries

• Luxe bath products: Include some indulgent bath products such as artisanal bar soap, mini hand lotions, or sweet-smelling essential oils. These extra touches will make your guests feel pampered.
• Relaxing bath salts: After a long day of travelling and celebrating, your guests will appreciate a relaxing soak in the tub. Include some bath salts to help them unwind.
• Face masks: Face masks are a fun way for your guests to treat their skin and have a little spa moment. You can find a variety of face masks to suit different skin types and concerns.
• Lip balm: Lip balm is a handy item to have, especially if your wedding is taking place in a dry climate or during the winter months. Include a moisturising lip balm to keep your guests' lips soft and smooth.
• Extra shower products: While hotels usually provide basic toiletries, you can include some extra shower products such as shampoo, conditioner, or body wash. Look for travel-sized options that are easy to pack.

Remember to choose items that are travel-friendly and compliant with TSA regulations if your guests are flying. You want to ensure that your guests can easily transport the pampering toiletries in their luggage.

On-theme keepsakes

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for attending your wedding and can be used to introduce them to the local area, especially if it's a destination wedding. These bags can include a mix of practical and personal items, such as:

• On-theme keepsakes like wine stoppers, playing cards, luggage tags, candles, or other small souvenirs.
• Items reflecting the wedding location, such as a deck of cards, a candle, or a sachet of tea.
• Personalised items featuring the couple's names, the wedding date, or the location, such as custom tote bags, koozies, or sunglasses.
• Weatherproof essentials like sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels for tropical destinations, or pashminas, flannel blankets, and hand warmers for colder climates.
• Local treats and snacks, such as popcorn, cookies, crisps, or fresh fruit.
• Miniature bottles of local alcohol or cans of locally brewed craft beer.
• A mini hangover or wellness kit with painkillers, eye masks, vitamins, and bandaids.
• Practical items like water, custom-labelled if desired, and travel-sized toiletries.

Remember to keep the welcome bags simple and functional, considering what your guests will actually use and be able to easily transport.

Health and safety supplies

Hand Sanitizer

Custom-branded 2-ounce bottles of hand sanitizer with the wedding logo or date are a great way to combine health and sanitation with a memorable keepsake. Individual sanitizing wipes are also a good option.

Face Masks

Even if mask mandates are no longer in place, providing extra face masks is a thoughtful gesture. You could opt for plain disposable masks or go for something more fun and themed, reflecting the couple's personalities or the wedding location.

First Aid Kit

A small first aid kit is always a good idea, especially for outdoor weddings or active guests. Include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Hangover Kit

Don't let your guests regret that last glass of champagne! A special hangover kit can be a fun and practical addition. Include items like a bottle of Gatorade or electrolyte drink, pain relievers, vitamin C, and breath mints.

Sun Protection

If your wedding is taking place outdoors or in a sunny location, sun protection is a must. Provide mini bottles of sunscreen, sun hats, or stylish sunglasses that double as a fashion accessory.

Other Ideas

• Hand fans for a tropical wedding
• Insect repellent for outdoor weddings
• Earplugs for guests who want to protect their hearing on the dance floor

Something personalised

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for being a part of your celebration. They are also a fantastic opportunity to add a personal touch to your wedding. Here are some ideas for including something personalised in your wedding welcome bags:

Custom Tote Bags

Custom tote bags are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding welcome bags. You can choose a design that reflects your and your partner's personalities or interests. They can also be customised with your names, the date of your wedding, or a special message for your guests. Custom tote bags are not only practical for your guests to use during the wedding, but they can also be reused after the big day, serving as a memorable keepsake.

Personalised Tags and Notes

Adding personalised tags or notes to your wedding welcome bags is a thoughtful touch. You can include a handwritten welcome note or a message thanking your guests for their attendance. You could also add name tags to each bag, making your guests feel extra special. These personalised touches will surely be appreciated by your guests and make them feel valued.

Custom Illustrations

If you or your partner are creatively inclined, consider adding a custom illustration to your wedding welcome bags. This could be a drawing or painting of the wedding venue, a scenic spot nearby, or even a portrait of the happy couple. A custom illustration adds a unique and artistic element to your welcome bags, making them truly one-of-a-kind.

Themed Favours

Incorporate personalised favours into your wedding welcome bags that reflect your personalities or hobbies. For example, if you love tea, include a sachet of your favourite blend. Or, if you're a fan of games, add a deck of cards with a personalised message or your wedding logo. These themed favours add a playful and individualised touch to your welcome bags.

Monogrammed Gifts

Monogrammed gifts are a classic way to add a personal touch to your wedding welcome bags. You can design a custom monogram that includes your initials, the wedding date, or a symbol that represents your wedding destination. Monogrammed gifts can range from stationery, such as personalised notebooks or pens, to more practical items like handkerchiefs or compact mirrors.

Signature Items

Include signature items in your wedding welcome bags that embody your and your partner's favourite things. For example, you could add your favourite snacks, treats, or beverages. Alternatively, if you're passionate about self-care, include pampering essentials like luxury soaps or scented candles. These signature items offer a glimpse into your personalities and preferences, making your guests feel closer to you.

Frequently asked questions