Welcome Bags 101
Welcome bags are a great way to greet your guests as they arrive to your designated hotel for your wedding. They come in all shapes and sizes and are a very special touch for those traveling a great distance. They really set the scene for your wedding and what’s to come and can cost between $15 to $50 per bag.
Here are some great things to consider when building a welcome bag.
Add a unique element based on your location
People who have traveled to your location will want to feel connected. For example, if you are doing a Vermont wedding you may want to add mini bottles of maple syrup. If your wedding is in Charleston you may want to add some southern ice tea. If you are getting married in Rhode Island you may want to add a Delis lemonade. These are just a few examples, you can go as broad or specific to your location as you see fit.
Fun Snacks
People who have traveled from afar are likely going to be starving by the time they arrive. It’s important to include some type of small snack in your bag. Could be as simple as a bag of chips or as unique as his/her favorites of the bride & groom. Keep it lite and simple and remember that you are feeding two people so include two of everything. If your local element isn’t a drink then make sure to include some mini water bottles - you can even get custom labels based on your wedding design.
Hotel Emergency Kit
Think of all the things you forget when you travel and make a small kit. This could include mini make up wipes, deodorant, gum, band aids, advil, sunscreen etc. Your guest will be so happy to see something that they were stressed about suddenly land in their laps. You don’t need to go overboard. 3-4 items that you find important will go far.
Wedding info / details
You made the website and have spelled it all out on invites but guests need to be told / shown a hundred times where they need to be and when. Making a small pamphlet or a tag guest can hold onto throughout your event will help ensure your guest will know where to be at all times. They should include time, date, location, address, time it takes to get to each spot and some fun activities or sites within the area. Local favorite spots to eat, play and relax. Some guest may be planning to stay longer in order to enjoy the area.
Say Thank You
You can include this in your Wedding Info but make sure to say thank you to your guest. Weddings are a wonderful and joyous occasion, but it takes a lot of energy and time to be part of them. Guests appreciate it when this does not go unnoticed. You may even want to include a trinket of some sort to display your gratitude. This could be similar to a favor such as a candle or a free drink ticket to your hotel bar.
