Wedding welcome bags have become increasingly popular in recent years, and while they are in no way required, they are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for being part of your celebration. Typically packaged in a reusable tote or cardboard box, welcome bags often contain wedding essentials like mints, sewing kits, bandages, and pain relievers to fight those post-nuptial headaches, as well as water, a note from the couple, and an itinerary of events. From there, you can get as creative or keep things as simple as you’d like. Destination guides, pampering essentials, and local treats are great ways to prioritize your loved ones and introduce them to the wedding locale should you have the extra budget available to spend.
The most important thing to remember is that welcome bags shouldn’t just be for show. It’s best if your offering gives everyone a glimpse of the festivities to come while also providing loved ones with thoughtful essentials they’ll actually use. Snacks, drinks, and destination-specific must-haves (think: sunscreen at the beach, pashminas in the mountains) are always winners. While it’s easy to get carried away and add tons of extras, it’s best to consider what guests will need. Edible treats and practical products that loved ones might have forgotten to pack will almost always be more appreciated than a candle or a bottle of locally-made wine. But if you want to include those add-ons (and you comfortably have the budget to do so), you can rest assured your guests will be entirely blown away by your generosity and thought.
Whether you’re looking to build modest, functional wedding welcome bags or over-the-top packages that help your loved ones become immersed in your destination, we’re sharing 32 creative ideas guaranteed to inspire your own offerings.