Wedding welcome bags can come in all shapes and sizes. You may be opting for a sweet gift for your out of town guests, or you are hoping to add an extra special touch for those traveling a distance for your destination wedding. You may have even chosen to put together a welcome bag for everyone attending your wedding.
But it is important to remember that welcome bags are not just there for show. They provide a glimpse of the festivities to come – allowing you are your partner to effectively welcome your guests and highlight the most important part of the weekend. Plus, they provide a thoughtful, personalised package of goodies.
While a typical welcome bag consist of basic wedding-day essentials like water bottles and mints, couples are finding ways to incorporate their personality into the details. Highlighting locale’s unique food and beverages, adding in helpful maps and guides, or pampering your guests with a few thoughtful touches can go such a long way.
Bride tipConsider adding a personalised note or customised gift, such as an embroidered handkerchief, to each bag to truly make each recipient feel welcome.
Welcome bags allow you to get creative and mix and match complementary items like olive oil and bread or even whiskey and chocolate. Plus they provide the perfect opportunity to tuck a sweet note inside letting your guests know just how thrilled you are to have them with you. And while there are so many options to put together a unique welcome bag, it all boils down to finding items that both you are your partner are excited to share with your guests.
1. Add a personal touch
Having an intimate wedding means you can really splurge on the smaller guest list. Personalising gift bags and favours with each guest’s name will have everyone in attendance feeling extra special.
2. Be travel friendly
Factor in guests who may be traveling to the wedding location when curating welcome bags – they will need to take everything home, after all.
3. Serve up your favourite snacks
Make sure all those snacks you are incorporating are meaningful. I love the idea of serving up a huge array of you and your partner’s absolute favourites for your guests to enjoy.
4. Keep it small
Keeping it small and simple does not mean it is any less special. I love the idea of using miniature bags with just a few sentimental items tucked inside.
5. Get beach ready
Do not miss the beach essentials! Packing sunscreen, a fan, and sunglasses into a nautical-themed bag can go such a long way for guests. This is the perfect option for those hosting a beach side destination wedding.
6. Provide city guides
If you have guests coming in from out of the area, pop a guide to the city in each welcome bag. Of course, adding in a few snacks and essentials will make it that much better.
7. Commission an illustration
Why not add a little bit of art to the mix. If you or your partner love to draw or paint, adding an illustration could be the perfect touch. Or commission a custom piece to showcase your ceremony’s setting.
8. Stick with your colour scheme
Consider keeping your wedding colour palette going, even with your welcome bags. Opt for meaningful items that are packaged in similar colours for a cohesive look.
9. Include a hangover kit
If you are anticipating some heavy drinking over the weekend, provide your guests with a quick cure. A hangover kit with eye drops, aspirin and other thoughtful necessities will go a long way.
10. Opt for simple paper bags
Do not judge a welcome bag by its size. Opt for custom stamped paper bags filled with a personal note and a fan for a smaller, intimate ceremony.
11. Create a display
While some choose to leave welcome bags tucked into guest’s hotel rooms or place them atop their chairs.
12. Make it sweet
If you and your partner are always drawn to the sweet stuff, there is no shame in celebrating it. Add in treats like saltwater taffy and kettle corn to gift your guests a scrumptious surprise.
13. Embrace fresh fruits
It does not all have to snacks and sweets. Add your state’s most recognisable fruits like oranges to provide a fresh taste.
14. Celebrate with tea time
What is cuter than tea for two? For a smaller ceremony you can really go all out on your welcome bags or boxes. Embrace a love for specialty teas with two cute mugs packaged in a beautiful box.
15. Incorporate local beer
If you and your partner are craft beet lovers, share your passion with guests. Incorporate a few favourite brews along with a bottle opener as a special thank you.
16. Stick with simple and fresh
Embrace a farmers market vibe with a simple grocery bag. Add a custom note and a few pieces of fresh fruit for guests to enjoy all weekend long.
17. Include a fan
Beachside nuptials or destination weddings locale certainly call for this welcome-bag addition. Stash the essentials in your bags, such as a useful fan, and add in a few bottles of water.
18. Embrace local fare
Destination weddings come so many unique ways to celebrate the local area you are visiting. Bring together a little gift package for your guests, such as olive oil for an Italian wedding.
19. Make it indulgent
Go all out with your favourite indulgent sweets. I love the idea of incorporating cookies and chocolate for guests to treat themselves.
20. Include your itinerary.
Of course, wedding welcome bags or boxes can serve a purpose as well. It is not just all about the treats. Be sure to include a beautiful printout of your itinerary so your guests do not miss a beat.
21. Do not forget the welcome note
Adding a welcome note for your nearest and dearest will make any wedding bag all the more special. Pen or print a note from you and your partner, thanking guests for their attendance.
Here are some questions that you maybe asking yourself about welcome bags, hope this clears any queries and questions you may have.
FAQWhat should you put in your wedding welcome bags?
You can fill your welcome bags with everything from wedding-day essentials to customized gifts as a way of thanking guests for their attendance. You can also include snacks, beverages, and souvenirs that are relevant to the wedding local area—this is especially useful for out-of-town guests.
Who pays for the wedding welcome bags?
If you and your partner are footing the bill for your wedding, then it is assumed that you will also be responsible for covering the cost of the welcome bags. Alternatively, if you are splitting the wedding costs with your parents, then be sure to ask ahead to see if they would be willing to cover the additional expense.
For destination weddings, what else should be included in welcome bags?
Show your guests that you appreciate them by including everything from practical items like sunscreen and sunglasses (if it is a tropical destination) to local maps and guides, and even a keepsake canvas tote that can double as a memento of your day.
If you enjoyed getting ideas about welcome bags but would like to know more about what a welcome bag is all about check out this blog here
Hope you enjoyed the read
Emma Louise x