Crafting A Wedding Bag: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to make your guests feel special and appreciated. They are usually given to out-of-town guests but can be gifted to everyone invited to the wedding. These bags are often filled with a mix of practical and personal items, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. While it is not mandatory to give out welcome bags, it is a thoughtful gesture that can showcase the wedding's theme, colour scheme, and location. Welcome bags can be as simple or creative as you like and can be made and delivered in various ways.

Choosing the bag material and design

Choosing the right material and design for your wedding bag is crucial. The bag's design and material should reflect the theme and style of your wedding, while also being practical and useful for your guests. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the material and design:

• Theme and Colour Scheme: To create a cohesive look for your wedding, choose a bag that complements your wedding theme and colour scheme. For instance, if you're having a beach wedding, opt for a nautical-themed bag with blue and white colours. Alternatively, you can choose a bag with a custom illustration or your monogram.
• Reusability: Select a bag that your guests can reuse after the wedding. Sturdy tote bags, canvas bags, or baskets are great options that your guests can use for shopping, beach days, or as home decor items.
• Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the bag based on the number of items you plan to include. If you have a long list of essentials and treats, opt for a larger bag or basket. On the other hand, if you have a small selection of items, a smaller bag or pouch might be more suitable.
• Material: The material of the bag should be chosen based on its durability and aesthetic appeal. Some popular options include canvas, burlap, cardboard, and various types of fabric. If you want to add a luxurious touch, consider using a more expensive fabric or adding custom details such as embroidery or lace.
• Customisation: Personalise your bags with custom printing or embroidery. You can include the couple's names, wedding date, or a special message for your guests. Customisation adds a unique and memorable touch to your wedding bags.
• Budget: Finally, consider your budget when choosing the material and design of your wedding bags. Simple paper bags or cardboard boxes can be more affordable options, while customised tote bags or baskets might be more expensive. Compare prices from different suppliers and consider the cost of any additional customisation or printing.

Remember, the bag you choose should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional and reflective of your wedding's theme and your guests' needs.

Selecting the contents

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to show your guests how excited you are that they're celebrating with you. They are also a perfect opportunity to introduce your guests to the area, ensure they're prepared for the party, and thank them for their support. Here are some ideas for selecting the contents of your wedding welcome bags:

Practical Items

Think about including some practical items that your guests might need during their stay. This could include items such as:

• Water bottles or sports drinks
• Instant coffee and tea
• Pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin
• Mints or gum for fresh breath
• Hand sanitiser
• Sunscreen or bug spray, depending on the location of your wedding
• Sewing kits
• Bandages
• Lip balm
• Tissues

Personalised Items

Add a personal touch to your welcome bags with items that reflect your personality and relationship. This could include:

• A handwritten thank-you note
• Your favourite snacks or drinks
• Customised items with your names, the wedding date, or a meaningful message
• Local treats or products unique to the area
• Small souvenirs or keepsakes that reflect the theme or location of your wedding, such as wine stoppers, playing cards, or candles

Informational Items

Help your guests navigate the wedding festivities and the local area with some informational items. This could include:

• An itinerary or schedule of events
• Maps or guides to local attractions, restaurants, and must-see destinations
• Contact information for a designated person who can answer any questions
• Postcards or locale-specific discounts

Comfort Items

Make your guests feel at home with some comfort items. This could include:

• Luxe bath products or pampering essentials
• Cozy socks, pashminas, or blankets
• Eye masks or earplugs for a good night's sleep
• Hangover kits with items like Gatorade, pain relievers, and breath mints

Remember, the contents of your wedding welcome bags should be a mix of practical and personal items that your guests will appreciate and find useful during their stay.

Adding a personal touch

• Choose a meaningful container: Opt for a reusable tote bag, a cardboard box, or a basket that aligns with your wedding theme and colour scheme. You could also personalize the container with your names, the wedding date, or a custom illustration.
• Include a welcome note: Write a heartfelt message to your guests, thanking them for their attendance and welcoming them to your wedding celebration. Handwrite the notes for an extra special touch, or print them if your handwriting is hard to read.
• Add a personal monogram: Create a custom monogram or crest that represents you and your partner. This can be included on the welcome note, as well as other items in the bag, such as stickers or gift tags.
• Incorporate your favourite snacks: Pack the bags with your favourite treats, such as gummy candies, chocolate, or protein bars. You could also include local delicacies or snacks that are relevant to the wedding destination, like popcorn, apples, and maple syrup for a wedding in Vermont.
• Provide practical essentials: Think about the essential items your guests might need during their stay, especially if they are travelling from out of town. This could include water, mints, sewing kits, pain relievers, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, or even a small hangover kit.
• Offer pampering toiletries: While hotels usually provide basic toiletries, you can include some extra special touches such as luxe shower products, artisanal soap, mini lotions, or relaxing bath salts.
• Create a destination guide: If your wedding is in a unique location, put together a guide to the area, including maps, local attractions, recommended eateries, and must-visit sites. This will help your guests feel immersed in the locale and give them ideas for exploring during their downtime.
• Customise with your furry friend in mind: If you have a pet, especially a dog, you can incorporate them into the welcome bags. Include treats for your guests to take home to their own furry friends, or design the bags and items with illustrations or photos of your beloved pet.
• Remember the little details: Think about other small details that can make your wedding bags unique. This could include a custom stamp or hashtag for your wedding, personalised seating cards, or even custom drink labels.

Packing and presenting the bag

Packing the Bag:

• Include a mix of practical and personal items: Think about adding items such as mints, sewing kits, bandages, pain relievers, water bottles, snacks, and other essentials that your guests might need during their stay.
• Add a personal touch: Include a handwritten welcome or thank-you note from you and your partner. This adds a special touch and makes your guests feel appreciated. You can also include fun facts about the couple, bios or photos of the bridal party, and contact information for any questions.
• Provide an itinerary and travel guide: Create a printed copy of the wedding itinerary, including important event timings and locations. You can also include a map of the area, recommendations for local attractions, eateries, and must-dos. This will help your guests feel informed and prepared for the festivities.
• Incorporate destination-specific items: If your wedding is in a particular location, consider adding items that are relevant to the area. For example, if you're getting married on a beach, include sunscreen, fans, and sunglasses. If it's a mountain wedding, think about adding pashminas or blankets. Local treats, snacks, and beverages can also be a nice touch.
• Mix and match items: Include a variety of sweet, savory, and healthy options in your bags to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. You can also add items that are your and your partner's favourites, making it more personal.
• Add an emergency kit: Pack a small emergency kit with items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and electrolyte packets. This will come in handy for any unexpected cuts or post-wedding hangovers.
• Keep it functional: While it's tempting to add a lot of extras, focus on including items that your guests will actually use and appreciate. Edible treats, practical products, and destination-specific must-haves are often more useful than decorative items.

Presenting the Bag:

• Choose a suitable container: Select a bag, box, or basket that is sturdy and reusable. Consider the size and quantity of items you plan to include, and whether you want individual bags per person or larger bags for families. You can decorate plain bags or boxes with craft projects, ribbons, or stickers to match your wedding theme and colour scheme.
• Delivery options: There are a few options for delivering the bags to your guests. You can ask the hotel staff to distribute the bags at check-in or place them in guests' rooms prior to their arrival, although some hotels may charge a small fee for this service. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of your wedding party or family members to hand out the bags upon guests' arrival or at a welcome party.
• Timing: Aim to have the bags ready and delivered to your guests before the wedding festivities begin. This way, they can utilise the items during their stay and feel prepared for the events.

Budgeting for the supplies

Budgeting for wedding bag supplies can be a daunting task, but with careful planning, it is definitely achievable. Here are some tips to help you stay within your budget:

Determine Your Overall Budget:

Start by figuring out how much you can realistically spend on the wedding bags. This will depend on factors such as the number of guests, the location of the wedding, and your own financial situation. It's important to be honest about your expectations and set a budget that you can stick to.

Prioritize Essentials:

When it comes to the contents of the wedding bags, focus on practical and essential items that your guests will actually use. This could include items like mints, sewing kits, pain relievers, water bottles, snacks, and a welcome note from the couple. While it's tempting to add extras, consider what your guests truly need.

Shop Around for Deals:

Keep an eye out for sales and discounts when purchasing supplies in bulk. Look for items on sale or buy in bulk from wholesale stores to save money. You can also compare prices online and take advantage of coupons or promotions. Shopping locally is another great option, as you can find unique items that showcase the area and support local businesses.

Choose Affordable Containers:

The container for your wedding bag doesn't have to be expensive. Opt for affordable options such as paper gift bags, paper boxes, or canvas bags. You can often find these in bulk at dollar stores or online. If you're crafty, you can also decorate plain bags with ribbons or cute craft projects to match your wedding theme.

DIY and Personalize:

Adding a personal touch to your wedding bags can be done affordably through DIY projects. Consider designing and printing your own thank-you notes, itineraries, and local guides. You can also include personalized items such as custom stickers or monogrammed items, which can be purchased at a low cost from sites like Etsy.

Ask for Help:

Don't be afraid to ask for contributions from family and friends. They may be willing to help with the cost or even pitch in with their own DIY creations. If you have a small guest list, you can also consider spending a little extra on each bag to make them more luxurious.

Plan Ahead:

Start planning and budgeting for your wedding bags early on. This will give you more time to compare prices, take advantage of sales, and avoid last-minute rush purchases. It's also a good idea to track your spending along the way to ensure you stay within your allocated budget.

Remember, wedding bags are a thoughtful way to thank your guests, and they don't have to break the bank. With careful budgeting and creative solutions, you can create beautiful and functional wedding bags that your guests will appreciate.

Frequently asked questions