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

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet guests and make them feel appreciated for attending your special day. They are usually given to out-of-town guests but can be gifted to anyone. These bags often include a mix of practical and personal items such as snacks, drinks, toiletries, and a welcome note. They can be as simple or creative as you like and can be tailored to your wedding's theme or location.

Choosing the bag

There are many options for the type of bag you use for your wedding favours. The bag you choose should depend on your budget, the number of guests, and the type of wedding you are having. Here are some ideas:

• Paper gift bags: These are an affordable option as they are disposable and can be bought in bulk from the dollar store. You can buy plain bags and decorate them yourself, or buy pre-printed bags with sayings such as "welcome" or "celebrate".
• Boxes: Paper boxes are another affordable and practical option, as they can be purchased flat and then popped into shape. Rectangular or house-shaped boxes are a good choice if you want to include taller items like beverages.
• Canvas bags: Printed canvas bags are cute and reusable, but they will cost a little more. You can include the couple's names or a generic message such as "Welcome to our wedding weekend".
• Tote bags: Sturdier and higher-quality bags that your guests can reuse as purses or beach bags. This is a more expensive option but may be worth it if you want to give your guests a nice gift.
• Beach buckets: A fun option for a summer beach wedding, especially if there will be children attending.
• Baskets: Mini wicker baskets are a cute and reusable option, but they can be a bit more expensive. If you're getting married in the spring, you may be able to find affordable options due to the Easter holiday.

When choosing your bags, consider the size and number of guests. Will you be doing smaller, individual bags per person, or larger bags that can hold enough treats for a family? Also, think about staying on theme and colour scheme with your bags to create a cohesive wedding weekend aesthetic.

What to include

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests and make them feel appreciated. They are especially useful for out-of-town guests, but they can also be given to local guests, especially if they are staying overnight at a hotel or attending a full weekend of events. Here is a list of what to include in your wedding welcome bags:

The Bag Itself

You can use a variety of containers for your wedding welcome bags, such as paper bags, boxes, canvas bags, tote bags, beach buckets, or baskets. Consider your budget, the number of guests, and whether you want the bags to be reusable or disposable. You can decorate plain bags or boxes with ribbons, stickers, or custom printing.

Drinks

Include water bottles, sports drinks, or mini bottles of alcohol such as champagne, wine, or liquor. You can also add coffee, tea, or fresh juice. Custom labels or stickers with your wedding details are a nice touch.

Snacks

Offer a mix of sweet and savoury snacks, such as cookies, popcorn, chips, pretzels, nuts, trail mix, granola bars, fruit, or candy. You can also include local treats or specialties to introduce your guests to the area, such as saltwater taffy, local chocolates, or fresh produce.

Practical Items

Think of practical items your guests might need during their stay, such as pain relievers, eye masks, vitamins, bandaids, hand sanitiser, sunscreen, bug spray, fans, ponchos, hand warmers, or umbrellas. For destination weddings, include items like Uber vouchers, taxi discount cards, or local maps and guides.

Personal Touches

Add a personal touch to your welcome bags with a handwritten welcome note, a do-not-disturb door hanger, or a small gift that reflects your personality or hobbies, such as a sachet of tea, a deck of cards, or a candle. You can also include a small toy or activity book for children.

Hangover Kit

If your wedding is likely to involve a lot of celebrating, include a hangover kit with items like pain relievers, mints, eye masks, and hydrating drinks or electrolytes.

Other Ideas

• Tissues
• Stain remover pen/wipes
• Sewing kit
• Toothpaste
• Lip balm
• Mini soap or shampoo
• Local souvenirs
• Postcards
• Local discount vouchers

How to deliver them

How to deliver your wedding bags

You've sourced your bags and filled them with treats, now it's time to get them to your guests. Here are some ideas for how to deliver your wedding bags:

• Ask your hotel or resort if they can help. Some hotels will keep the bags at the front desk and hand them out as guests check in, or they might hand-deliver them to rooms before check-in. There might be a small fee for this service, so be sure to ask.
• Greet each guest at their room and deliver the bags personally. This option might be a little time-consuming, but it's a nice personal touch.
• If you're hosting a welcome party, have a table with the bags on display for guests to pick up.
• If you're having a destination wedding, consider shipping the bags to the hotel in advance and assembling them there. Alternatively, you can pre-assemble and send them via priority mail about a week before the wedding.
• For a local wedding, deliver the bags to the hotel during the week leading up to the wedding. Make sure to coordinate with the hotel staff beforehand.
• If you have a small guest list, you can choose bags that speak to each guest's personal aesthetic and deliver them to their rooms.

Budgeting

Determine Your Overall Wedding Budget:

Firstly, you need to establish your overall wedding budget. This includes figuring out who is contributing financially and how much they are offering. Be sure to clarify if those contributing have any specific expectations for how their money is spent. It is also essential to be realistic about what you and your partner can afford, taking into account daily expenses, debts, and future costs.

Prioritize and Allocate Funds Accordingly:

Not all aspects of a wedding are equally important to every couple. Discuss and decide on your top three priorities and allocate a little extra money to those areas. Conversely, pick the three things that are the lowest on your priority list and budget less for those. This might include skipping wedding favours or a DJ, and instead, creating your own wedding playlist.

Choose Affordable Containers:

The type of container you use for your wedding bags can make a big difference in cost. Paper gift bags are an affordable and disposable option, often available at dollar stores. You can decorate plain bags with a simple craft project, or buy pre-printed bags with sayings like "welcome" or "celebrate." Another affordable option is paper boxes, which can be purchased flat and then popped into shape.

Buy in Bulk and Look for Sales:

Purchasing items in bulk is usually more cost-effective than buying from a regular grocery store. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts at stores like Costco, and stock up on items when they are on offer. This strategy can help you save a significant amount, as one couple shared that they "budgeted $10 per bag and in the end only spent about $6 per bag, and they were jam-packed with goodies!"

Get Creative with Contents:

When it comes to the contents of your wedding bags, there are numerous options that won't break the bank. Here are some ideas:

• Water: Include two full-sized water bottles per bag to ensure guests stay hydrated. You can design your own custom labels or purchase printable templates from websites like Etsy or Zazzle.
• Snacks: Opt for carb-loaded snacks like pretzels, chips, and popcorn, which are usually affordable and pleasing to most people. Also, consider individually wrapped granola bars or trail mix for health-conscious guests.
• Local Treats: Incorporate local souvenirs, seasonal treats, or snacks that hold a special meaning for you and your partner. For example, if you met in Rome, include some chocolate from a favourite local coffee shop.
• Maps: Create custom maps of your wedding location and the surrounding area, including recommendations for local eateries, bars, boutiques, and attractions. This adds a personal touch and is especially useful for out-of-town guests.
• Welcome Notes and Itineraries: Include a warm welcome note and a schedule of events. You can design and print these yourself or order printable versions from Etsy.
• Hangover Kits: Put together simple hangover kits with water bottles and individually wrapped headache medications like Advil or Tylenol.
• Gifts and Souvenirs: If your budget allows, include small gifts or souvenirs as a token of appreciation. This could be anything from a MetroCard for a wedding in New York to maple syrup for a wedding in Vermont.

Be Mindful of Hidden Costs:

Remember to factor in potential hidden costs, such as delivery fees charged by the hotel for distributing the bags to guest rooms. These fees can range from $1-$3 per bag, so it's important to discuss this with the hotel coordinator beforehand.

Compare Prices and Be Flexible:

Shop around for the best prices on containers and contents. Compare prices at different stores and online, and don't be afraid to substitute items if you find more affordable alternatives.

DIY and Personalize:

If you're crafty, consider making some of the items yourself to save money and add a personal touch. For example, you could design and print your own welcome notes, maps, or even create your own snacks or favours if you enjoy baking.

Ask for Help:

Don't be afraid to ask for assistance from family and friends. They may have useful items you can borrow, or they might be willing to help with the assembly or delivery of the bags.

Stay Organised:

Create a spreadsheet or use a budget app to track your expenses. Be diligent about recording every payment, and consider using a joint savings or checking account specifically for wedding expenses. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't exceed your budget.

Remember, wedding bags are meant to be a thoughtful gesture, and they can be tailored to fit any budget. With careful planning and creativity, you can create wonderful wedding bags that your guests will appreciate.

Making it personal

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for coming to your wedding and to make them feel special. They are also a wonderful opportunity to introduce your guests to the wedding location and to give them a glimpse of the festivities to come. Here are some ideas on how to make your wedding welcome bags personal:

• Include a welcome note: A handwritten note is a lovely way to welcome your guests and make them feel appreciated. You can also include a schedule of events and a map of the local area.
• Incorporate local treats: Include snacks, drinks, and souvenirs that are relevant to the wedding location. For example, if you're getting married in Vermont, you could include maple syrup or if you're tying the knot in Florida, add an orange to give guests a taste of the destination.
• Share your favourite snacks: Include an array of you and your partner's favourite snacks for guests to enjoy throughout the wedding weekend.
• Add a personal touch: If you or your partner are crafty, consider adding a custom illustration or your monogram to the exterior of the bags. You can also choose a vessel that speaks to your wedding locale, such as a tote bag for a beach wedding or a basket for a spring wedding.
• Make it functional: Include items that your guests will actually use, such as a fan and water bottles for a beachside ceremony or a hangover kit for a late-night dance party.
• Pay homage to key locations: If you're having a destination wedding, include items from your hometown, your fiancé's hometown, and the wedding location. For example, sea salt from the wedding location, custom wine from your fiancé's hometown, and something sweet like toffee from your hometown.
• Incorporate your personalities: Share each of your favourite snacks or add stickers with clear bags to make it easy for your guests to identify your choices.

Frequently asked questions