1. A Pretty & Reusable Container
First things first, choose what kind of container and wrapping you want to present your welcome bags in. It can be a small wooden box, wicker basket, personalized tote bag or pretty gift bag, the options are endless, as long as you have enough space to fill it with all your lovely goodies. My TIP, choose a container that guests can bring back home and reuse. Yes, it’s eco-friendly but also a lovely reminder of your wedding day for years to come!
via Jose Villa | Samm Blake
2. Share All The Important Wedding Details & Itinerary
The most important thing you can do for you guests is to provide them with a detailed list of details for the weekend/day, including parking details, transportation arrangements, dress code notes and a detailed itinerary of planned events and the wedding day. It’s a good idea to include an extra wedding invitation too. Make sure to include special notes or requests for your wedding like your unplugged ceremony.
Now that you’ve gotten the important information out of the way, make guests feel apart of your wedding location’s. If you’re having a destination wedding, what a perfect opportunity to make this a mini vacation and share memories/experiences with loved ones. The same goes for overnight weddings, and out of town guests! If planned wedding related events aren’t going on, Play Tour Guide!
Make a recommendation list for where to eat and drink, favorite sites and local spots. Get creative and personal by having a designer create an illustrated map of the area you were married in. Another small but pretty and memorable detail!
via Inspired By This | Martha Stewart Weddings | Jolly Edition
3. Small Nibbles Go a Long Way!
Snacks are nonnegotiable! A welcome bag without them just isn’t a way to greet guests. They may be getting in from long travels, need a quick hunger boost or something to hold them over before an outing. You wouldn’t want to be on the verge of “hangry” and neither will your guests. Put them in the best kind of mood with a mixture of savory and sweet nibbles they can enjoy, and bonus points if you keeps things locally made! A great way to introduce them to the area!
via Jose Villa | Style Me Pretty
4. Cheers!!
Add in WATER, sparkling water, mini champagne bottles or a bottle of wine for guests to toast the weekend with! Plus, your guests will certainly love having something to pair with their snacks and not having to spend on the mini bar. Again, include something local if you can, like a local vineyard or family wine, maybe apple cider from where you became engaged or even the mini makings of your favorite cocktail! Every detail in these welcome can be simple yet very personal and unique!
via Sugar and Charm | Abby Jiu
5. Help Their Post-Wedding Recovery
If you’ve been to a wedding, you’ll probably be able to translate this pretty quickly. Whether is spending the night on the dance floor with your favorite tunes, had a bit too much fun at the open bar or chocolate station, help guests feel better more quickly the next morning. Include pain relievers, stomach relief tablets and tea, water bottles and band-aids.
And make sure guests are prepared for the unexpected too by providing them with a few things to help with last minute blunders, like stain removers, sunscreen or mints.
6. Make it Personal & Fun!
It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple spring wedding, weekend at the lake or destination to an island…SUNGLASSES are almost always a necessity! I particularly think this is such a perfect wedding gift for guests attending destination weddings! High quality sunglasses offer a great gift that your loved ones will want to use long after your wedding day is over. Your friends and family will be constantly reaching for these cute sunglasses that were handpicked by you, to match their style perfectly. It’s easy to to bulk ordering for really nice frames now, so it’s cheaper for you and great gift for guest! Whether it’s during a cloudless ceremony or the bright sun is setting over your reception, your guests will be able to grab their new frames to shield their eyes in style.
If you’re doing a few welcome bags then this is a great way to include items that you know that specific person will enjoy! Choose something special to them and your relationship, or maybe you want to honor a family tradition, whatever detail you choose remember the most meaningful gifts make the most impact long after the day.
Lastly, DO NOT forget to include a personal note in each welcome bag. These little gesture will make guests feel appreciated for coming to your wedding, and serve as a reminder just how thankful you are for them.
via Lissa Ryan Photography | Joel Serrato | Blanche Paperie
A few final tips…
To help cut costs, buy in bulk whenever possible! And plan ahead about who will pass out or setup your welcome bags. If you have a wedding planner she can designate the right person to do this. If you’re leaving it up to the hotel, make sure any costs required as some places offer this as a complimentary service while others charge a fee.
Regardless what you create with your wedding welcome bag, it will be lovely, thoughtful and amazing! I know your guests will be more than excited to celebrate the special moment with you. No matter where you get married, a personal gesture that makes your loved ones feel like a special part of your life, is one of those cherished and loving moments about getting married.
top images via Elizabeth Anne Designs + Sylvie Gil Photography | bottom image via A Signature Welcome
Leave a Reply