Creating The Perfect Wedding Welcome Bag For Guests

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to show your guests that you're excited they're celebrating your special day with you. They are usually given to out-of-town guests to thank them for travelling and to make them feel at home in their hotel room. Welcome bags can also be a fun way to introduce guests to the local area, especially if it's a destination wedding. While there are no hard and fast rules about what to include, a mix of practical and personal items is a good place to start. From luxe bath products to local treats, here are some ideas to help you create the perfect wedding welcome bag.

Local treats and snacks

Local Specialties

If the region is known for specific treats, include these in your welcome bags. For example, if you're getting married in Vermont, you could put Cabot cheddar and crackers in the bags, or locally-grown oranges for a Florida wedding. You could also include local craft beer, artisanal honey, or even fresh produce like apples.

Local Businesses

Support local businesses by sourcing treats from nearby stores and bakeries. For instance, if you're tying the knot in Chicago, you could include Garrett's Popcorn Shop popcorn, or Ghirardelli Chocolate for a San Francisco wedding.

Destination-Specific Items

If your wedding has a specific theme, you can tailor the snacks to match. For a beach wedding, consider adding saltwater taffy and kettle corn. For a wedding in the mountains, include snacks like pashminas, or a French-themed wedding could offer guests a fresh baguette, mini jars of jam, and a little bubbly.

Personal Favorites

Including your and your partner's favorite snacks is a fun way to introduce your guests to your favorite treats. You could include a mix of sweet and salty options, such as sea-salt dark chocolate caramels, or even your favorite brand of potato chips.

Local Discounts

Your guests will likely want to explore the area, so including local discounts is a thoughtful touch. See if you can source vouchers for local coffee shops or other attractions, so your guests can get out and about and save some money at the same time.

Practical Options

While it's fun to include indulgent treats, it's also a good idea to think about practical snacks that your guests might need. For example, protein bars and dried fruit can double as a quick breakfast, and fresh fruit is a healthy option after a few days of wedding celebrations.

Including local treats and snacks in your wedding welcome bags is a great way to give your guests a taste of the area and share your favorite things with them. With a mix of indulgent and practical options, your guests are sure to feel welcomed and excited for the festivities to come.

Practical items

Health and Self-Care Essentials

These can include lip balm, mints, pain relievers, and stain removers. You can also add sunscreen, aloe vera, and hand sanitiser. For guests who may have forgotten some of their own essentials, a small sewing kit, band-aids, and insect repellent wipes can be a lifesaver. For guests who enjoy a drink, Liquid IV packets can be a thoughtful addition to help prevent hangovers.

Food and Drink

Bottled water is always a good idea, especially if the hotel charges a premium for water. You could also include some snacks, such as granola bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and your favourite sweet and salty treats. If your wedding is in a specific location, you could include local treats, such as cookies, popcorn, local craft beer, or artisanal honey.

Weather-Related Items

If your wedding is taking place in a warm location, consider adding sunglasses, hand fans, and a lightweight scarf or pashmina to the bag. For colder climates, hand warmers, small blankets, and umbrellas can be a thoughtful addition.

Information Packets

A personalised map of the local area, including your favourite spots and recommendations, will be a hit with guests who want to explore. You could also include a schedule of events and a map of the wedding location.

A personalised bag

Choose a Unique Design

Select a design that reflects your wedding theme or your personal style. You can opt for a simple monogram with your initials or a more intricate illustration that showcases your ceremony setting. You can also choose a design that ties into your wedding colour palette to create a cohesive look.

Select the Right Bag Type

The type of bag you choose will depend on your wedding theme and your budget. Tote bags are a popular choice, as they are reusable and can be filled with goodies. Burlap bags are also a stylish option and can add a rustic touch to your welcome bags. If you want something more unique, you can opt for baskets instead of traditional bags.

Include a Personalised Message

Adding a personalised message or note to your bags is a lovely way to welcome your guests. Thank them for attending your wedding and express your gratitude for their presence. You can also include a special message or memory that is unique to you and your partner.

Consider Functionality

While you want your bags to look attractive, it's also important to ensure they are functional. Choose a bag that is the right size for all the items you plan to include. If your wedding has a specific theme or is in a particular location, you can select a bag type that speaks to that, such as a beach tote for a beach wedding.

Add Customised Details

To make your bags even more unique, consider adding customised details such as your wedding date, your names, or a special message. You can also opt for custom colours or patterns that match your wedding theme. These extra touches will make your bags truly one-of-a-kind.

Don't Forget the Essentials

While the bag itself is important, don't forget to fill it with essential items that your guests will appreciate. This can include wedding essentials like mints, sewing kits, pain relievers, and water. You can also add personalised items like a map of the area, a wedding itinerary, and local treats to introduce your guests to the wedding location.

By following these tips, you can create a personalised bag that is both functional and memorable. It will be a wonderful way to welcome your guests and make them feel appreciated.

A handwritten note

Greeting and Expression of Gratitude

Begin your note by addressing your guests and welcoming them warmly. Express your delight and gratitude for their presence at your wedding. You can say something like, "Welcome to our wedding celebration! We are so grateful to have you here, and we hope you feel the love and excitement that your presence brings." This sets a friendly and heartfelt tone for the rest of the note.

Personalisation

To make your note extra special, consider personalising it for each guest or couple. You can include inside jokes, special memories, or a heartfelt message about how much their attendance means to you. For example, "It's been a while since we caught up, and we are thrilled to have you here to celebrate this special day with us. We can't wait to make new memories together." This adds a unique and thoughtful touch to each welcome bag.

Use the note as an opportunity to introduce your guests to the upcoming festivities. You can provide a brief overview of the wedding itinerary, including key events and their respective timings. This will help your guests know what to expect and ensure they don't miss out on any important moments. For instance, "We have a fun-filled weekend planned, with a rehearsal dinner tomorrow evening, followed by the ceremony and reception on Saturday. We can't wait to celebrate with you!"

Local Recommendations

If your wedding is taking place in a unique location, consider including some local recommendations in your note. This could be your favourite restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, or hidden gems that your guests might enjoy exploring. For example, "If you have some downtime, we highly recommend checking out the botanical gardens nearby. It's a peaceful spot for a relaxing walk, and don't forget to try the famous local ice cream shop just around the corner!"

Well-Wishes

Conclude your note with warm well-wishes for your guests' enjoyment and comfort during their stay. You can also express your excitement for the upcoming celebrations and the memories you will create together. For instance, "We hope you feel right at home during your time here, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories with you. Let's make this weekend one to remember!"

A map of the area

A map of the local area is a great addition to your wedding welcome bag, especially if you have a lot of out-of-town guests. It can help your guests to get to know the area and feel more comfortable navigating the locale. You can include a simple paper map, or get creative and design a personalised map with your partner. This could include your favourite local spots, meaningful locations, and tourist attractions. You can even embed the map into your invitation suite, or create a custom QR code that links to a digital map.

If you're looking for a more low-key option, you could include a simple welcome letter and timeline, or a modern timeline template with a minimalist order of events. This can be printed out or delivered digitally to your guests. Another idea is to include a custom illustration or commission a custom piece of art that showcases your wedding ceremony setting. This can be added to the exterior of your tote bag or included as a print inside.

If you want to provide a more detailed guide to the area, consider creating a destination guide or local area guide. This can include recommendations for restaurants, cafes, bars, and tourist attractions. You could also secure some local discounts for your guests to use during their stay, such as discounted cups of coffee from a local coffee house. This will not only help your guests feel more familiar with the area but also allow them to explore and enjoy their time outside of the wedding festivities.

Including a map or area guide in your wedding welcome bag is a thoughtful way to make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated. It can also be a fun way to showcase your creativity and personal touches.

Frequently asked questions