Ideas For Wedding Welcome Gifts

what to include in wedding welcome bag

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests, especially those who have travelled from out of town. They can be used to introduce your loved ones to the area, thank them for their support, and ensure they are prepared for the wedding celebrations. When deciding what to include in your wedding welcome bags, it's a good idea to include a mix of practical and personal items. From snacks and drinks to destination guides and hangover kits, there are endless options to choose from.

Characteristics Values
Welcome note A simple, meaningful, and personalized message
Itinerary A wedding weekend schedule
Food and drinks Favorite snacks, drinks, and gourmet treats
Local treats Local spices, seasonings, or snacks
Memento Something reflective of the couple's relationship
Sentimental touch Personalized souvenirs, monogrammed items, or keepsakes
Practical items First-aid kit, lip balm, sunscreen, stain remover wipes, sewing kits, etc.
Hangover kit Advil, mints, eye masks, hydrating drinks, etc.
Map or city guide A guide to the area with maps, restaurant recommendations, and attractions
Contact information Local emergency numbers and a contact person
Finishing touches Ribbons, bows, or tissue paper matching the wedding color palette

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Food and drink: snacks, drinks, and local treats

Food and drink are an essential part of your wedding welcome bags. This is an opportunity to showcase your favourite snacks, drinks, and local treats.

Firstly, it is a good idea to include a mix of sweet and savoury snacks. You could opt for go-to snacks like granola bars, nuts, pretzels, or candy. You could also include local treats, such as homemade caramel squares, fresh shortbread cookies from a popular bakery, or local snacks that reflect the region, like soft pretzels for a Philly-centric wedding. If you are known for baking, you could include your famous chocolate chip cookies. You could also include local specialties, such as macarons and lavender sachets for a French wedding, jerk seasoning from Jamaica, or herbes de Provence from a French countryside wedding.

Secondly, drinks are a great addition to your welcome bag. You could include a cute mini bottle of champagne, a can of a local craft beer, or a sparkling rosé. You could also add a small mixer, like a nip of gin with a can of flavoured tonic, or a bottle of water. If you are having a beach wedding, you could include a drink that matches the destination, like rum in Jamaica or Don Q in Puerto Rico.

Finally, you could include a "post-party recovery kit" with drinks like coconut water, iced coffee, or a hydrating drink with electrolytes to help your guests feel their best after a night of celebrating.

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Information: a welcome note, itinerary, and local area guide

A welcome bag is a great way to make your guests feel special and appreciated. It is also a chance to showcase your wedding destination and personality as a couple. Here are some ideas for the "Information: a welcome note, itinerary, and local area guide" section of your wedding welcome bags:

Welcome Note

A welcome note is a must-have in your wedding welcome bags. It is a heartfelt message to your guests, expressing your gratitude for their presence and sharing your excitement for the festivities ahead. This note doesn't have to be long—a simple, meaningful message is enough. You can add a personal touch with a handwritten note or, at the very least, sign your names in ink. Include your wedding hashtag or any other social media callouts at the bottom of the note.

Itinerary

Including an itinerary in your welcome bags is a great way to keep your guests informed about the important times and locations of your wedding events. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the area. Note down any transportation details and the schedule for the week's or weekend's events, so your guests know what to expect and where to be.

Local Area Guide

Providing a small guide to the local area will help your guests navigate and explore the surroundings. Include a map of the area, highlighting points of interest and popular tourist spots. Suggest some things to do, such as your favourite restaurants, must-see attractions, or local experiences that reflect the theme of your wedding. For example, if you're having a beach wedding, you could include a beach towel in the welcome bag.

You can also add a list of emergency contacts or a main point of contact for your guests to reach out to with any questions. This way, you won't have to handle any issues on your wedding day!

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Useful items: a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and bug spray

When it comes to wedding welcome bags, it's important to include items that will be useful to your guests and help them create memorable experiences. Here are some suggestions for useful items to include in your wedding welcome bags, focusing on the essentials: a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and bug spray.

First-Aid Kit:

A first-aid kit is always a good idea, especially if your wedding will be held outdoors or in a remote location. You can create a simple kit with items like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, insect sting relief pads, and any other essentials your guests may need in case of minor injuries or accidents. This will give your guests peace of mind and ensure they can fully enjoy the celebration.

Sunscreen:

Sunscreen is a must-have, especially for outdoor weddings or those held in sunny destinations. Consider including travel-sized bottles of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You could even provide a variety of options, such as regular lotion, spray, or even sunscreen sticks for the face, ensuring that your guests can choose the option that suits them best.

Bug Spray:

Bug spray is another essential item, especially if your wedding will be held in an area with a lot of insects or during a season when bugs are more prevalent. You can provide standard bug spray or opt for natural, plant-based insect repellents. Including a cute, themed bug repellent balm or wipes can be a fun and practical addition to your welcome bags.

You can also include a short note with these items, explaining their importance and wishing your guests an enjoyable time. These useful items will ensure your guests feel prepared and comfortable throughout your wedding festivities, allowing them to create lasting memories.

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Sentimental value: a memento of the couple, and personalised souvenirs

Wedding welcome bags are a great way to thank your guests for their attendance and show them how much you appreciate them. They can also be used to introduce your loved ones to the area, especially if it's a destination wedding.

When it comes to adding sentimental value and personalised souvenirs, here are some ideas to consider:

A Welcome Letter or Note: Include a handwritten welcome letter or note expressing your gratitude for your guests' presence. This adds a personal touch and makes your guests feel valued. You can also mention the significance of each item in the bag, sharing anecdotes and reflecting on your relationship with the guests.

Mementos and Favourite Treats: Include items that are reflective of your relationship and your favourite treats. For example, if you love tea, gift your guests a bag of your favourite blend. If your partner has a sweet tooth, add their favourite chocolate bar. You can also include homemade treats, such as jam, with a personalised label or note explaining its significance.

Personalised Items: Monogrammed tote bags, candles with your wedding logo, or custom koozies can be great souvenirs for your guests. These items add a unique touch and serve as a reminder of your special day.

Customised Hand Fans: For destination or warm-climate weddings, consider adding hand fans with your names, wedding date, or a welcome note. These can be both practical and sentimental, providing relief from the heat while also commemorating the joyous occasion.

Reusable Tote Bags: Opt for linen totes or farmers market totes as the main bag itself. These can be personalised with your wedding logo or a simple thank-you message. Guests can reuse these bags long after the wedding, serving as a lasting memento.

By including these thoughtful and personalised items, you can create a unique and memorable experience for your guests, leaving them with souvenirs that will remind them of your special day.

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Fun extras: a mini bottle of alcohol, and a hangover kit

A wedding welcome bag is a great way to delight your guests and set the tone for an unforgettable wedding experience. While the welcome bag should include essentials such as a welcome note, itinerary, and snacks, you can also add fun extras like a mini bottle of alcohol and a hangover kit to surprise and delight your guests.

A mini bottle of alcohol is a great way to get the party started and add a festive touch to your welcome bags. You can choose a drink that matches your wedding destination, such as rum in Jamaica or Don Q in Puerto Rico. Alternatively, you can opt for a local craft beer or a mini bottle of champagne. If you want to get creative, you can even include a small mixer to pair with the alcohol, such as a can of flavored tonic or a brand of seltzer that your partner loves.

The hangover kit is a practical and fun addition, especially if you're having an open bar at your wedding. This kit can include items like Advil or ibuprofen, mints, an eye mask, and a hydrating drink or electrolyte powder to help your guests feel their best after a night of celebrating. You can also add items like Emergen-C, bandaids, and stain remover wipes to your hangover kit, ensuring your guests have everything they need to recover from the festivities.

To make your welcome bags even more special, consider adding personalized touches to the fun extras. For example, you can include a custom label on the mini alcohol bottle with your wedding date or a fun message. Similarly, you can customize the hangover kit with a cute bag or box that matches your wedding theme or colors. These thoughtful details will surely be appreciated by your guests and make your welcome bags truly memorable.

By including fun extras like a mini bottle of alcohol and a hangover kit, you can add a touch of excitement and thoughtfulness to your wedding welcome bags. These unexpected surprises will surely delight your guests and enhance their overall wedding experience. So get creative and have fun curating these special treats for your loved ones!

Frequently asked questions

A wedding welcome bag is a small bag, basket, box or bag with treats hand-picked by the couple to make guests feel special. It is a way to welcome guests to the wedding and express gratitude for their presence.

You can include a welcome note, a small gift or memento, snacks, drinks, and information about the wedding and the local area. You can also add a few personal touches, such as a favourite snack or drink, or something reflective of the wedding theme or location.

You can include monogrammed or personalised items, such as tote bags, candles, or koozies. You could also include a favourite snack, such as chocolate, or a local treat, like homemade jam.

You can include a wedding itinerary, transportation details, and suggestions for local attractions and restaurants. It is also a good idea to include emergency contacts and local emergency numbers.

You can include a hangover kit with items like painkillers, mints, an eye mask, and an electrolyte drink. You could also include season-specific items, such as sunscreen and bug spray for summer weddings, or a small blanket and hand warmers for winter weddings.

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