Welcome bags aren’t just used by hotels to win over guests with useful essentials. Welcome bags have become a thoughtful favour idea, particularly for couples hosting their wedding out of town or a little further afield.
Popular in the USA, welcome bags are now featured in more UK weddings than ever before and we can understand why. This personalised tote of love offers a great way to show guests your appreciation for their attendance.
With this mind, they’re becoming the ultimate wedding favour, a more useful and meaningful alternative when compared to traditional favours that end up left behind, gathering dust – or in the bin!
With so many little trinkets to choose from however, picking the perfect wedding welcome item combination isn’t easy. Here are just a few gift ideas to help you create a truly awesome welcome gift for your wedding guests.
Practical essentials
Whatever season you’re getting married in, the elements always give you something to contend with. Those marrying in winter for example may experience issues associated with bad weather, whilst those tying the knot in summer will have their own sun-related problems. The Knot explains how your wedding welcome bag could help you deal with the season’s big and little dramas:
“Take a cue from the season and stock up on items that’ll help your guests brave the elements. Sunglasses, bug spray and fans will beat the heat, while pashminas, tea bags and hand-warmers are perfect for a fall or winter wedding. Ponchos and umbrellas are other must-haves if rain is in the forecast.”
Party fuel
Keeping guests going all through the day and night is one thing many couples tying the knot struggle with. Weddings are after all long days, but with a carefully selected item you can keep them well fuelled.
Sweet and savoury snacks using local ingredients provide a nod to the area in which you’re marrying in and give your guests the energy to party all night. Don’t worry if your guests don’t eat your treats at your wedding. They’ll make a great late night snack post-reception.
Your favourite things
Your guests have come to your wedding to celebrate all that’s great about you and your partner. Give you guests the opportunity to find out something they perhaps didn’t know about you by including a few of your favourite things in your wedding welcome bag.
Think about how you can capture your personality, tastes or interests in one item. It could be as simple as including your favourite tea and biscuit combo or a homemade candle sporting your favourite scent.
A thank you note
As well as using the gifts in your welcome bag to say thank you, put it in writing. A note will help you thank them for sharing your special day with you. Personalising each thank you note is a great touch that will certainly be appreciated by your guests. Read this guide to writing thoughtful thank yous before putting pen to paper.
Don’t forget the bag!
The welcome bag itself can adopt a quirky design to make your gift extra special. Totes personalised with your initials and wedding date, wicker baskets, and boxes tied up with ribbon are all beautiful options that will do your wedding welcome bag justice.
