Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Welcome Bags

What are Wedding Welcome Bags?

Welcome bags are little goodie bags that are very popular for destination weddings that require travel for guests. Guests typically receive their bags  upon checking in at their hotel or they are sometimes displayed for collection at a welcome party or rehearsal dinner event that kicks off the wedding weekend festivities. Welcome bags differ from a single wedding favor (favors are often provided at the wedding either at each guest's seat or given as guests depart the event). 

What is typically included in a welcome bag?

There are many options to choose from when selecting items for welcome bags. Bags are typically filled with items intended for guest usage throughout the wedding weekend (think consumables like lotion, sunscreen, bug spray, edible items, bottled water, etc). The intention isn’t to provide guests with additional items that will require transportation home and add weight to luggage. While welcome bags are not required, they are a fun way to get creative and include some custom items that are significant to the couple or the destination! 

Consider sticking to a theme based on the destination, or filling bags with “hangover kit” essentials that guests will benefit from after a weekend of partying on the dance floor! Below is a list of popular welcome bag items for consideration: 

Hangover Kit

• Advil / Ibuprofen

• Chapstick

• Water

• Energy Bar

• Liquid IV

• Makeup removing wipe

• Gum / Mints

• Tums

• Band-Aids

• Under Eye collagen patches

• Mouthwash

Mountain Theme

• Trail Mix / Granola Bars

• Nail File

• Hand Lotion

• Bug Spray

• Sunscreen

• Chapstick

• Water

• Hand Sanitizer

Summer/Outdoor Theme

• Sunglasses

• Flip Flops

• Sunscreen

• After sun lotion

• Chapstick

• Water

• Drink Cooler/Coozie

Edible Items for Welcome Bags

• Chips

• Popcorn

• Trail Mix

• Gum

• Snack Bars

• Candy

• Cookies

Think about which of these items are customizable and consider applying personalization to various items that include branding details from the event. Many of the items listed above can be ordered with a special sticker/label or packaging that display names, dates and locations related to the celebration.

What NOT to Include

Steer clear from anything that will melt or not hold up if the bags are left at the front desk of a hotel or in a car while being transported for guest delivery. Do not include anything that guests will not be able to easily travel with. Many guests will be catching a flight back home shortly after the wedding, so if it can not be used/consumed or taken with them on an airplane, leave it out or it will get left behind. 

Make it Special

Impress guests and answer their questions before they have a chance to ask by including any of the following paper items adding a special, personalized touch:

• Welcome note thanking guests for traveling to celebrate.

• A customized map of the area for guests to reference while they’re in town.

• A gift tag that matches the theme of your wedding.

• The wedding weekend itinerary with transportation details.

• And don’t forget that you can make the bag itself a special take home item as well!

*Important note: Make sure all bags are the same and refrain from customizing bags for individuals/couples. Most hotels refuse to distribute personalized bags and require each bag to be the same making it easy for the front desk staff to hand it to guests upon check in. Refraining from customized bags also makes it easier for guests to pick up a bag if they are displayed at an event such as the welcome party.

How to Incorporate the Destination?

• Always consider the destination and support the local vendors in that area. There are likely many local shops that carry small items like mini candles, chapsticks, snacks, etc.

• Identify what the state or city is known for. For example, Utah is known as the beehive state so MLE recommends providing a small bottle of honey from one of our local vendors.

• Consider items that demonstrate your love for the area and what makes it special to you as a couple. Maybe it’s a hat that guests can wear while hiking the mountains, or a map of your favorite biking trails. Perhaps a cute beach bag or personal towel if you’ve selected a coastal destination.

How Many Bags Should You Create?

Assembling welcome bags can be daunting and time consuming and too many customized items can add undesired expenses to the overall budget. As such, MLE suggests providing one welcome bag PER COUPLE instead of per person. This will help keep both cost and quantities at a minimum and also cuts down on time needed for assembly. Many planners offer welcome bag assembly and delivery services for an additional fee that may be worth considering.

How Are Welcome Bags Distributed?

There are two common ways bags can be distributed to guests:

1. At the hotel: As guests check in for their weekend stay, a bag will be handed to them by the front desk attendant. Most hotels will not charge extra for this service, however some hotels will charge a fee so check ahead of time and be prepared. Additionally, all hotels will charge a fee if you’d like the bags delivered to guest rooms prior to guest check in. Fees range from $3-$5 per bag.

2. At the welcome party/rehearsal dinner: When guests are staying in a wide variety of hotels or Airbnb, it’s better to distribute the bags at the welcome party (there’s no way to guarantee guests will receive bags delivered to airbnb or vrbo properties). Bags can be displayed on a table near the exit to ensure that each couple leaves with one at the end of the event.

Keep in mind, welcome bags may be as simple or as extravagant as desired! Have fun with it, and remember, it’s just an added touch for guests to enjoy but it’s not a must have for wedding success. Creating welcome bags should not become an added stress leading up to the wedding (and if they do, either eliminate them entirely or engage your available resources such as family/wedding party or your planner for additional assistance).