Do We Need To Give Our Out-of-Town Guests Welcome Bags?
What do you give out-of-town guests at a wedding? Welcome bags for out-of-town guests are not necessary. But it is a heartwarming tradition and a wonderful way to appreciate their presence in your big celebration.
Welcome bags convey a sense of gratitude and hospitality, making your guests feel welcomed and valued. They can also set a positive tone throughout their stay.
What to Put In a Welcome Bag for Out-of-Town Guests
While your out-of-town guests will appreciate anything you prepare inside the wedding welcome bags, we give you some exciting ideas of what you can include.
Practical Information
Welcome bags conveniently provide guests with essential information about the event and the surrounding areas. You can include detailed itineraries, maps, travel guides, and other relevant details they might need.
Local Recommendations
Give your out-of-town guests welcome bags to introduce the local attractions, activities, and restaurants. You can put discount coupons, brochures, and a curated list of recommendations inside the bags. Every city or state has locally made snacks, which are excellent additions.
Necessities and Comfort
Consider practical items that your guests can use during their stay. Bottled water, snacks, toiletries, and small comforts like hand sanitizers and tissue can make their stay more comfortable and enjoyable.
Something Personalized
Tailor the welcome bags to individual guests or groups for a personalized touch. You can include customized notes, small keepsakes, or items that reflect their preferences and interests. This shows you have put thought into their experience.
On-Theme Items
Small souvenirs like candles, luggage tags, playing cards, or wine stoppers are perfect for destination wedding welcome bags. These items can be on-theme to your wedding location, aesthetic, or season. For example, purple, green, and gold beads if you plan a wedding in New Orleans or differently shaped bottle stoppers for winter weddings.
Who Is Responsible for Wedding Welcome Bags?
There’s no specific rule regarding who must cover the wedding welcome bag costs. If you and your partner pay for your wedding, you will pay for the wedding gift bags for guests. But if your parents help cover your wedding costs, they may also offer to pay for these bags.
How Do You Distribute Welcome Bags?
After filling your welcome bags, you can deliver them to your guests.
Upon Check-In
Some hotel charge a fee, while others can deliver the guests’ welcome bags for free. The staff can give these bags out during check-ins or put them in each room before guests arrive.
In-Person
If most of your out-of-town guests will arrive at the same time on a specific day, you can wait for them at the hotel lobby. Then, give them their welcome bags and welcome them personally.
At the Ceremony Venue
If most guests will not stay at your hotel, distribute the wedding welcome bags before the ceremony starts. You can assign someone to do this task.
While wedding welcome bags are not mandatory, it’s up to you if you want to add a personal touch to your out-of-town guests’ stay. If you give them these gifts, ensure they can contribute to your guests’ overall wedding experience.
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