The Ultimate Guide to Destination Wedding Welcome Bags
Destination weddings are all about creating unforgettable experiences for not only the couple but for their cherished guests. You’ll typically host a “Welcome Party” or dinner of some sort to kick off the celebration and what better way to greet them than with a thoughtful welcome bag? They’re a huge surprise for the guests, offering them a warm welcome, a token of appreciation for their travels, and setting the tone for the festivities ahead. Welcome bags are a must-have addition to your wedding planning checklist.
You’re probably wondering what items should I include? We’ve got you!
Let’s start off with.. Why Welcome Bags?
Guests don’t expect welcome bags, but they truly appreciate the gesture. It’s a small touch that goes a long way in making them feel valued and appreciated for making the journey to celebrate your special day. Some couples choose to have their welcome bags serve as a thoughtful alternative to traditional wedding favors or complement them for an extra touch. As a past destination wedding bride myself, I can attest to the joy my guests had when they received their welcome bags, as they were a highlight of my own destination wedding experience.
Here are our top recommendations for items to include inside of your welcome bags!
Bags: Choose from tote bags, small jute bags, clear bags, or gift bags to hold all the goodies.
Welcome/Thank You Letter/Itinerary: Include a personalized note welcoming guests to the celebration and providing them with essential information about the wedding events and activities.
Door Hangers: Help guests personalize their accommodations with fun door hangers featuring witty messages or cute designs.
Key Card Holders: Keep guests organized with key card holders to store their room keys securely.
Tumblers: Provide guests with branded tumblers featuring your wedding hashtag, perfect for staying hydrated (wink wink) throughout their stay.
"Couples Favorites" in Travel Sizes: Treat guests to mini versions of your favorite snacks, beverages, or pampering products.
Hangover Kit: Prepare guests for a night of celebration with essential hangover remedies like Advil, Tylenol, Liquid IV, Alka-Seltzer, and more.
Cell Phone Waterproof Bags: Protect guests' devices from water damage with handy waterproof bags, ideal for beach or poolside adventures.
Glasses: Offer fun sunglasses to use by the pool.
Chapstick: Keep lips moisturized and protected.
Sunblock: Ensure guests stay sun-safe with travel-sized bottles of sunscreen. You won’t believe how many guests forget sunblock!
Aloe Vera: Provide relief for sunburns or skin irritation with soothing aloe vera gel or lotion.
Wet Wipes: Keep guests feeling fresh and clean on the go with individually packaged wet wipes.
Insect Repellent Wipes or Bracelets: Ward off pesky bugs and mosquitoes with convenient insect repellent wipes or stylish bracelets.
Welcome bags are a thoughtful gesture that add an extra touch to your guests’ destination wedding experience. By including these essential items, you’ll ensure that your guests feel prepared, pampered, and appreciated throughout their stay. So gather your supplies, get creative, and start assembling the perfect welcome bags for your special day! Your guests will thank you for the thoughtful gesture, and you’ll set the state for a wedding celebration they will never forget.