Creative Goodie Bag Ideas For Your Wedding

Wedding goodie bags are a great way to welcome your guests and make them feel appreciated. They are usually given to out-of-town guests but can also be handed out to all guests as a thoughtful gesture. These goodie bags often contain treats, snacks, drinks, and other essentials to make the guests' stay comfortable and memorable. They can also include information about the wedding and the local area.

When creating wedding goodie bags, it is important to consider the guests' needs and preferences. Practical items such as snacks, water bottles, local maps, and hangover kits are always a good idea. Personal touches, such as handwritten notes, the couple's favourite snacks, and items that reflect their personalities, can also be included. The bags themselves can be customised with the couple's names, wedding date, or a theme that matches the wedding decor.

Overall, wedding goodie bags are a wonderful way to show gratitude and excitement for the guests' presence at the wedding. They can be as simple or creative as desired, but the most important thing is to make sure the contents are useful and enjoyable for the guests.

Local treats

Food and Drink

• Local snacks, pantry goodies, and treats: Think exclusive treats from the area, such as Tayto in Ireland, shortbread biscuits in Scotland, or a stick of rock by the seaside.
• Local produce: Include fresh fruit that is easily packable, such as apples, oranges, and bananas. You could also add other produce, like locally-grown oranges for a Florida wedding or maple syrup for nuptials in Vermont.
• Local beverages: Depending on your wedding location, you could add mini bottles of local alcohol, cans of locally brewed craft beer, or a bottle of local wine. For a tropical destination wedding, consider including coconut water, and for a vineyard wedding, mini bottles of wine.

Other Local Treats

• Local souvenirs: Include a postcard, fridge magnet, or other small souvenirs that represent your wedding location.
• Local discounts: Arrange discounts for your guests at local businesses, such as a coffee shop.
• Local guides: Create a custom guidebook or map of the area, including your favourite hotspots. Alternatively, include a local magazine that highlights city attractions.

Practical items

Local Eats and Treats

Introduce your guests to the local cuisine and culture by including some local snacks, treats, and drinks in their goodie bags. For example, if you're getting married in Florida, include some locally-grown oranges or if you're in San Francisco, offer some Ghirardelli Chocolate. You could also include some local beverages, such as coconut water for a tropical destination wedding or mini bottles of wine for a vineyard wedding.

Pampering Toiletries

While hotels usually provide basic toiletries, you can add a touch of luxury by including some extra pampering items in the goodie bags. Think mini hand lotions, artisanal soaps, bath salts, or sweet-smelling essential oils. These items will help your guests feel relaxed and refreshed during their stay.

Health and Safety Supplies

Show your guests you care by including some health and safety essentials, such as hand sanitizer, sunscreen, or even earplugs for the dance floor. You could also create a special hangover kit with items like Gatorade, Advil, Vitamin C, and breath mints to help them recover from the festivities.

Weatherproof Essentials

Consider the season and location of your wedding when choosing items for the goodie bags. For a tropical destination wedding, include items like sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. Conversely, for a fall or winter wedding, provide pashminas, cozy socks, hand warmers, or small blankets.

A Personalized Note

Include a thoughtful, handwritten note in each goodie bag to welcome your guests and express your happiness at sharing your special day with them. This adds a personal touch and makes your guests feel extra special. Don't forget to sign each note and include your wedding hashtag if you have one!

Personalised items

Tote Bags

Tote bags are a great option for goodie bags as they are reusable and can be customised with your wedding date, monogram, or a custom design. You can also add a custom illustration to the exterior of the tote bag, showcasing your ceremony's setting or your wedding's colour palette.

Handwritten Notes

Add a personalised touch with a handwritten note, expressing your gratitude and welcoming your guests to your special day. Include a meaningful message and your wedding hashtag. If time is a concern, you can also print your notes and sign them with ink.

Local Treats

Curate a selection of local treats that represent your wedding destination. This could include locally made snacks, pantry goodies, or regional specialties. For example, if you're tying the knot in California, include local wine or gourmet almonds. Or, if you're in New Orleans, add some beignets or chicory coffee to your goodie bags.

Monogrammed Items

Monogrammed items such as travel beauty bags, candles, or koozies make great personalised gifts for your guests. These items add a unique touch and give your guests a memorable keepsake from your wedding.

Local Discounts and Guides

Include some local discounts or vouchers that your guests can utilise during their stay. This could be for a local coffee shop or a popular tourist attraction. Additionally, provide a small guide to the area, including maps, restaurant recommendations, and must-see attractions. This will help your guests make the most of their time and explore the locale.

Practical Items

In addition to the personalised touches, don't forget to include some practical items. This could be snacks, water bottles, mints, or even a small hangover kit with pain relievers and electrolytes. Include items that are functional and will be useful for your guests throughout the wedding festivities and their travels.

Destination-specific items

If you're getting married in a tropical location, consider adding a palm tree motif between your initials on the welcome bag. You could also include destination-specific items like sunscreen, sunglasses, hand fans, and beach towels. Conversely, if you're having a winter wedding, you might want to include pashminas or flannel blankets, cosy socks, and hand warmers.

Other ideas for destination-specific items include:

• Local beer or wine
• Local snacks and treats
• Local discount vouchers for cafes or restaurants
• Local souvenirs, such as a postcard, fridge magnet, or keychain
• A guidebook or map of the area, including your favourite local hotspots

Health and safety essentials

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a great item to include in your wedding welcome bags, especially if it's small enough for guests to carry in their pockets or clutches. This will help your loved ones stay germ-free and reduce the spread of any illnesses.

Sunscreen

If you're having an outdoor ceremony or reception, providing sunscreen in your goodie bags is a thoughtful touch. Help your guests protect their skin from the sun's harmful rays and ensure they have a comfortable and enjoyable time at your outdoor celebration.

Bug Spray

For outdoor weddings, especially in areas with a lot of bugs, including bug spray in your goodie bags can be a lifesaver for your guests. This will help prevent itchy bug bites and allow everyone to focus on celebrating without the nuisance of insects.

Hangover Kit

Don't let your guests regret that last drink! Create a special hangover kit to help them combat any morning-after ailments. Include items like a bottle of Gatorade, Advil, Vitamin C, and breath mints. These items are easily available in bulk and will be a welcome addition to your wedding hotel welcome bags.

Earplugs

Dancing the night away? Consider including earplugs in your goodie bags, especially if you have a lively dance floor planned. This will allow guests to enjoy the music and festivities without worrying about damaging their hearing.

Face Masks

While hotels usually provide basic toiletries, including a face mask in your goodie bag can be a nice touch. This can be a relaxing addition to help your guests unwind after a long day of celebrations and prepare for the next day's events.

Remember, when putting together your wedding goodie bags, it's important to keep your guests' health and safety in mind. These essentials will show your loved ones that you care and ensure they have a pleasant and memorable experience at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions