Welcome Bags: When To Prepare For Your Wedding

Wedding welcome bags are a fun way to greet your guests and make them feel appreciated. They are usually given to guests who have travelled to the wedding, but can also be given to all guests. These bags often contain essentials like mints, sewing kits, pain relievers, water, a note from the couple, and an itinerary of events. They can also include destination guides, pampering essentials, local treats, and souvenirs. The cost of the bag and its contents typically range from $15 to $100 per bag. It is recommended to start brainstorming and researching early, and to purchase and assemble the gifts in the eight to ten weeks leading up to the wedding.

Local treats and drinks

Local Treats:

• Local snacks, such as popcorn, apples, and maple syrup.
• Local goodies, such as candy, cookies, and chips.
• Local specialties, such as oranges for Florida or saltwater taffy for a beach wedding.
• Local pantry items, such as jams, honey, or olive oil.
• Local delicacies, such as Ghirardelli Chocolate for San Francisco or Garrett's Popcorn Shop for Chicago.

Local Drinks:

• Local beer or wine.
• Local spirits, such as gin for an England destination wedding.
• Local non-alcoholic drinks, such as coconut water for a tropical destination.
• Custom-labelled water bottles with a design that reflects the wedding location or theme.

Remember, you can get creative and tailor the treats and drinks to your wedding location and theme. Your guests will surely appreciate the thoughtful and personalized gesture!

Practical items like water bottles, sewing kits, and painkillers

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests and thank them for their attendance, especially if they've travelled for the occasion. They are also a fun way to showcase your personality as a couple and give guests a taste of what's to come.

When it comes to practical items like water bottles, sewing kits, and painkillers, here are some ideas for how to include them in your welcome bags:

Water Bottles

• You can opt for plastic water bottles, but a more sustainable option is to provide reusable bottles or tumblers. Choose a colour that matches your wedding colour palette or add a personalised logo or message.
• If your wedding has a tropical or beach theme, consider including a small tube of sunscreen, a fan, and sunglasses, along with a rope bag to carry these items.
• For a destination wedding, include a bottle of local wine, coconut water, or mini bottles of craft beer. You can also add a custom label to water bottles that speaks to the local scene or your wedding theme.

Sewing Kits

• Sewing kits are a thoughtful addition to your welcome bags, especially for guests who may need last-minute repairs. They can be easily purchased from craft stores or online.
• If you're crafty, you can create your own mini sewing kits with needles, threads, and a small pair of scissors. Package them in a personalised pouch or box for a special touch.
• For a destination wedding, include a small sewing kit in the shape of a local landmark or with a design that reflects the wedding location.

Painkillers

• Including painkillers in your welcome bags is a considerate way to help guests with potential headaches or other minor ailments.
• Create a special hangover kit with painkillers, electrolyte packets, breath mints, and a bottle of water or Gatorade. This is perfect for guests who may indulge in a few drinks during the celebration.
• Add a fun label or sticker to the painkiller packet that ties in with your wedding theme or colour scheme.

When assembling your welcome bags, remember to keep it simple and practical. Consider the needs of your guests and what they might have forgotten to pack. By including these practical items, you'll ensure your guests have a more comfortable and enjoyable experience during your special day.

Personalised, branded favours

Welcome bags are a fun way to greet your guests and thank them for sharing your special day. They can be used to showcase your personality, give guests a taste of what's to come, and provide helpful items to enhance their stay.

• Personalised tote bags – These can be used as the actual welcome bag, with other gifts inside, or as a gift within the bag itself. You could include a custom illustration or a monogram that speaks to the destination, such as a palm tree for a tropical wedding.
• Customised stickers – Add a unique touch to your welcome bags with stickers featuring your wedding theme, colours, or a personalised message. These can be used to seal envelopes, decorate favour boxes, or add a special touch to any other item.
• Branded treats – Personalise your welcome bags with edible treats that feature your names, the wedding date, or a cute message. This could be anything from cookies to chocolate bars or even tea bags.
• Monogrammed gifts – Put your own spin on useful gifts such as wine stoppers, playing cards, luggage tags, candles, or hand fans. These can be personalised with your initials, wedding date, or a fun message.
• Customised hangover kits – Prepare your guests for the morning after with personalised hangover kits. Include items such as pain relievers, electrolyte packets, breath mints, and a fun message to help them recover from the festivities.
• Destination-themed favours – If you're having a destination wedding, incorporate local treats, snacks, or drinks into your welcome bags. This could be anything from local beer or wine to famous regional snacks or sweets.
• Personalised notes – Add a heartfelt touch to your welcome bags with handwritten notes to each guest, thanking them for their attendance and sharing your joy.

Local guides and recommendations

Local Attractions and Must-Visits

Include a custom pamphlet or a local magazine that highlights city hotspots, such as top sites, must-visit restaurants, and fun activities. If it's the city where you and your partner fell in love, add a sweet anecdote about a place, like your first date spot, for an extra personal touch. You can also include locale-specific postcards, especially if your guests have travelled to the wedding without their children and want to commemorate the trip.

Local Food and Treats

Introduce your guests to the local food scene by including snacks and treats that are exclusive to the area. For example, think Tayto in Ireland, shortbread biscuits in Scotland, or locally-grown oranges in Florida. You can also add drinks that are specific to the region, such as mini bottles of local alcohol or cans of locally brewed craft beer. Don't forget to include some sweet treats like cookies or candy, and perhaps a fresh piece of fruit like an apple or banana for a healthy option.

Practical Information

Provide your guests with practical information about the local area, such as transportation details and suggestions for local attractions. Include an itinerary for your wedding weekend, with the time and location of all the important events, and don't forget to add your wedding hashtag if you have one! You can also secure some local discounts that your guests can take advantage of during their stay, such as discounted cups of coffee from a local coffee house.

Local-Themed Gifts

Choose gifts that reflect the wedding locale, such as a destination-inspired tote bag, a baseball cap, or a customised monogram with a palm tree or a lighthouse, depending on whether it's a tropical or beach wedding. You can also add weather essentials like mini bottles of sunscreen, fans, and sunglasses for a tropical destination, or pashminas and hand warmers for a winter wedding. These practical gifts will be much appreciated by your guests and will help them make the most of their stay.

Hangover kits

Wedding welcome bags are a fun way to greet your guests and thank them for travelling to your wedding. They can be especially useful for out-of-town guests, but it's important to remember that if one guest gets a welcome bag, it's best to give them to everyone.

• Painkillers, such as Advil
• Stomach upset medication, like Pepto Bismol chewables
• Emergen-C or another vitamin supplement
• Water or coconut water
• Lip balm
• Hand sanitiser
• Earplugs
• Eye mask
• Sunglasses
• Facial cleansing wipes
• Plush socks
• A drawstring bag to hold it all

You can also add some personal touches, such as your favourite snacks or drinks, or items that align with your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, include sunscreen, a fan, and sunglasses.

It's a good idea to order your supplies early and double-check your orders when they arrive. You can also ask friends to help you assemble the bags and plan your transportation to the hotel or venue.

Frequently asked questions