Destination weddings are becoming more popular. A great way to greet your guests traveling is with a welcome bag. Welcome bags are not a MUST HAVE item for your guests, especially if you are on a tight budget. Favors for your wedding day may be a better idea then having both favors and welcome bags. Usually, when guests check in to their hotel rooms you can leave welcome bags with the front desk. As your guests check in the staff will give them to your guests. Another idea, is to personally deliver welcome bags to your guests as you may not see them prior to your wedding day. It’s a great way to thank them for coming to your wedding. Here are some fun and popular ideas and items to include in your welcome bag for guests.
The Actual Bag:
Starting with a fun personal/customized bag sets the tone of your theme for your wedding, and it’s fun to be creative with it! If it’s in your budget, get custom tote bags done for your guests. They can reuse the bag during their trip or even for groceries and it’s a nice memorable item for them to keep. Include your monogram, or names and date you are getting married. Maybe even include the location.
A Welcome Note:
A welcome note really can be anything you want it to be. A simple tag attached to the bag may be all you need. If it is a smaller group of guests, include a schedule of events for the weekend. If some of your guests haven’t been to this location before, include brochures or fun maps of the area. A simple, handwritten thank you for coming note is greatly appreciated from your guests.
Hangover Cure Items:
As much as your guests will be receiving their welcome bag when they arrive, they might use the items after the wedding. It is a common idea that guests may like to party more than usual on your wedding day. Simple items like bottled water, travel packs of advil or tylenol, and midnight snacks may be a good addition.
Destination Necessities:
Swanky is located in Sarasota, Florida. Most of our weddings are destination, and it’s common for both ceremonies and receptions to be outside. Including sun screen, aloe, bug spray, even sunglasses or personal fans are helpful items to make sure your guests are comfortable.
Snacks and Beverages:
The one item that is a great addition to any welcome bag, are snacks. Featuring “his and her” snacks, or a food item you both like very much and are happy to share. Sweet, salty, or fresh produce from the area your getting married at. Every one loves a good snack and every celebration usually includes food and drink.
Welcome bags again are not a MUST HAVE item. However, it is customary to treat your traveling guests with love and appreciation as they share your big day with you. There is no right or wrong when making a welcome bag. You might only decide to add three to four items, rather than a whole “kit” of items. If you decide to do welcome bags, Swanky Soiree is happy to help make custom stationary and tags to add that special bit.
