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

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to show your guests you're excited to see them and make them feel at home. They are usually given to out-of-town guests but can be gifted to anyone travelling for the occasion. Welcome bags can be filled with a mix of practical and personal items, such as snacks, drinks, toiletries, and a welcome note. The bag itself can be a simple paper bag, a box, or a tote bag – it's entirely up to your preference and budget.

Choosing the bag: paper, canvas, tote, beach bucket, or basket

When choosing the bag for your wedding dilly bag, you have a variety of options, each with its own unique advantages. Here are some popular choices:

Paper Bags

Paper bags offer a cost-effective and lightweight option for your wedding dilly bag. They can be easily customised with prints, colours, and designs of your choice. Paper bags are ideal for holding lightweight items such as welcome notes, small gifts, or even fresh flowers. They are also recyclable and biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Canvas Bags

Canvas bags provide a sturdy and durable option, often made from cotton or polyester. These bags are long-lasting and can be reused by your guests long after the wedding. Canvas bags can be easily screen-printed or embroidered with the couple's names, wedding date, or any other desired designs. They are perfect for holding heavier items and can double as a gift bag for your guests.

Tote Bags

Tote bags are a popular choice for weddings due to their versatility and convenience. They often feature long handles, making them comfortable to carry, and can be made from a variety of materials such as canvas, cotton, or jute. Tote bags provide ample space for wedding favours, programs, and even a change of shoes for the reception. They can be personalised with decorative ribbons, monograms, or custom prints to match your wedding theme.

Beach Buckets

If you're having a beach wedding, consider using beach buckets as your dilly bag. These can be filled with items like sunscreen, sunglasses, and personalised beach towels. Beach buckets are a unique and playful option, especially if you want to incorporate a beach theme into your wedding favours. They can be made from materials like plastic or metal and can be customised with colours or decorations that match your wedding colour palette.

Baskets

Baskets offer a natural and rustic charm to your wedding dilly bag. They can be made from materials such as wicker, straw, or bamboo, and can be lined with fabric for a more refined look. Baskets are perfect for holding delicate items such as wedding favours, fresh flowers, or even baked goods. They can be embellished with ribbons, flowers, or personalised tags to add a touch of elegance to your wedding favours.

Remember, when choosing the bag for your wedding dilly bag, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as the items you plan to include in the bag. By selecting the right type of bag, you can create a memorable keepsake for your guests that captures the essence of your special day.

Practical items: water, mints, painkillers, tissues, and stain remover

When it comes to the practical items to include in your wedding dilly bag, it's a good idea to think about the needs of your guests. These items will be especially appreciated by those who have been travelling, as they may not have had a chance to stock up on essentials.

Firstly, water is a must. You could add a custom label to the bottle with a cute message or your wedding hashtag. Mints are another great addition to a dilly bag, helping your guests feel fresh throughout the day and leaving them ready to mingle and chat. Mints are also handy for disguising the taste of garlic or fish from any canapes or meals!

Painkillers are a thoughtful touch, especially if you're planning on a few drinks or a big party. A hangover kit is a fun idea, and you could include painkillers, eye masks, vitamins, and breath mints. This is sure to be a hit with your guests, who will thank you for thinking ahead! Tissues are another useful item to include, and these can be used for happy tears or any spills.

Lastly, a stain remover is a clever, practical item to add to your dilly bag. Stains are always an inconvenience, and even more so when attending a wedding. Including a small, portable stain remover will help your guests feel confident and prepared for any little accidents. These practical items will ensure your guests have a comfortable and enjoyable time celebrating your special day.

Personal items: thank-you notes, local attractions, fun facts about the couple, and photos

Wedding dilly bags, also known as welcome bags, are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for being part of your celebration. They can be packaged in a reusable tote or cardboard box.

Thank-you notes

A short, printed letter is a great way to thank your guests for coming to your wedding, especially if they have travelled to be there. You can also add a personalised message to each attendee. For instance, you could include a fun fact about you and that guest, or a shared memory.

Local attractions

If your wedding is in a meaningful location, your welcome bag is a great opportunity to introduce guests to the area. Include a map, and perhaps some tips or brochures on the best things to do and see. You could also secure some local discounts that your guests can take advantage of while they're in town.

Fun facts about the couple

You can include a small trinket adorned with your wedding date, or candy that's unique to the locale. If you or your partner are artistic, you could add a custom illustration to the exterior of the bag, showcasing the ceremony's setting.

Photos

You could include a photo of you and your partner, or commission an illustration of the two of you to adorn the bag. If you're including your pet in the festivities, you could add custom cookies or other treats featuring your furry friend.

Local treats: introduce guests to the area with local snacks, drinks, and treats

A dilly bag is a type of drawstring bag, often used as a gift or favour bag. They can be made from various materials, such as leather, canvas, or fabric, and can be decorated with patterns, embroidery, or other embellishments.

Local Snacks

Depending on your location, you could include local snacks such as:

• Local varieties of nuts, such as Marcona almonds
• Dried fruits, like dates or figs, which pair well with aged cheese
• Local crackers or bread, such as baguettes or crostini
• Local cheeses, perhaps a hunk of good cheddar or gouda
• Local dips or spreads, like hummus or tzatziki, with pita chips or fresh vegetables for dipping

Local Drinks

You could also treat your guests to some local drinks:

• Local wine or beer is always a good option, offering a taste of the region
• Include a small bottle of local liquor, such as gin or bourbon, for a stronger taste of the area
• For non-alcoholic options, consider local sodas or juices, or even just provide recipe cards for a fun, local cocktail that guests can make themselves

Other Local Treats

In addition to snacks and drinks, you might want to include some other local treats:

• Local chocolates or sweets, offering a delicious taste of the area
• Small jars of local honey or jam, perhaps with a mini spoon attached, for a sweet treat
• Local coffee beans or tea, providing an aromatic experience of the region
• For something savoury, consider packets of spices or spice blends unique to the area

Pampering: bath salts, face masks, lip balm, and essential oils

Creating a pampering dilly bag for a wedding is a thoughtful way to help someone relax and rejuvenate. Here are some ideas for bath salts, face masks, lip balm, and essential oils to include:

Bath Salts

Creating a custom bath salt blend is a wonderful way to enhance a hot bath and provide a relaxing experience. Combine 6 parts coarse sea salt, 3 parts Epsom salts, and 1 part baking soda in a large bowl. Epsom salts help soothe tired muscles and reduce inflammation, while baking soda softens the water and alleviates skin irritation. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils to scent the blend. You can also add food colouring to create a soothing colour. Be sure to store the bath salts in a stoppered and labelled container to keep out moisture and extend their shelf life.

Face Masks

Face masks are an essential part of any skincare routine, offering nourishment, hydration, and targeted treatments for various skin concerns. Here are some DIY face mask recipes that are perfect for pampering:

• Exfoliating Face Mask: Combine 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon cocoa powder, and 2 tablespoons honey. Cinnamon and nutmeg gently exfoliate the skin, while cocoa powder acts as a powerful antioxidant. Honey promotes hydration and smooths the skin.
• Reducing Redness: Instant oatmeal is a simple way to create a calming face mask. Cook a serving of oatmeal and let it cool. Gently apply it to your face and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Oatmeal is rich in antioxidants and helps relieve redness and itchy, irritated skin.
• Tired Under Eyes: Mix ½ tablespoon of coffee grounds with 1 teaspoon of raw honey. Coffee contains caffeine, which can constrict blood vessels and temporarily reduce puffiness under the eyes. Honey provides additional nourishing benefits.
• Hydrating Face Mask: Combine 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder. Honey and milk provide a hydrating base, while cocoa powder adds gentle exfoliation and antioxidants.

Lip Balm

Making your own lip balm is easier than you think and ensures you know exactly what's in the product. A simple recipe includes:

• Yellow beeswax beads
• Essential oils (e.g., peppermint, lemon)
• Coconut oil

Melt the beeswax and coconut oil in a small glass bowl in the microwave. Add your desired essential oils and mix well. Use a syringe or dropper to fill empty lip balm tubes, and let the mixture solidify. You can also create cute labels to decorate the tubes.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are a wonderful way to enhance the pampering experience. Here are some popular choices:

• Lavender: Versatile oil that can be used for freshening, cleansing, and unwinding. Great for yoga or diffusion during relaxation.
• Peppermint: Energising and soothing at the same time, helping to ease stress and improve memory.
• Lemon: Mood-boosting oil that can also be used as an antiseptic and acne treatment.
• Rose: Brings balance and calm to stressed-out minds.

Frequently asked questions