Clever Ideas For Wedding Welcome Bags

Whether you're planning a destination wedding, expecting guests from out of town, or simply want to share with your guest how much the place you're getting married in means to you, there is no better way to thrill guests than with a welcome bag full of surprises that excite them about your location, speak to your style, and cover a few weekend necessities. Lydia recently attended a wedding in Santa Barbara where the couple welcomed guests with all the right treats. Take a cue from this couple, but adapt the ideas to fit your specific wedding. Here are some clever ideas to get you started:

1. Start with a Box or Bag

This is what guests see first. Paper bags are fine, but don't blow your budget on this — remember, most containers get left behind in the hotel trash. Instead, think about things they can use over and over again. If your budget will allow you to splurge on a custom-printed tote bag, go for it! They'll think of you and your wedding day every time they use it.

• Kraft boxes/containers for an all-natural wedding (above)

• Kraft or white paper bags stamped with bride & groom's monogram or wedding date

• Baggu reusable shopping bags in bright colors tied up in a bow for a chef's or eco-girl's wedding (that's what Sarah did for her wedding)

• A white tote printed with lyrics from your first dance song (below)

• Plastic beach pail

• Woven basket

Adding relevant information about the area where you're getting married will ensure that guests are well-equipped to adventure out on their own during the day and hit up all the right places.

• Vintage postcard welcoming guests by name (our bride made B&W copies of a cute Santa Barbara postcard, above)

• List of great local eats and sites of interest

• Map of the area

• A local magazine (e.g. LA Magazine, Chicago Magazine, New York Magazine)

3. Don't Forget Drinks or Snacks

Again, go local whenever possible to give your guests a taste of the region. Aim for little sweets or savories to satisfy late-night cravings or something to be enjoyed the morning after. And water. Just remember, no one wants to carry anything home. Here are a few cute ideas:

• Santa Barbara pistachios (left)

• Tootsie Rolls or Vosges chocolates for a Chicago wedding

• Ghiradelli chocolates or fresh fortune cookies for a San Francisco wedding

• Two fresh black & white cookies for a New York City wedding

• A duo of Sprinkles cupcakes for a LA wedding

• Coors Light and ChapStick for a Colorado mountain wedding

• Saltwater taffy for a beach wedding

• A split of wine (or a can of Sofia) for a vineyard wedding

• Two old-fashioned glass bottle Coca-Colas for a Southern wedding

• Have'a Corn Chips for a Southern California wedding

4. Add Something Homemade

A homemade item always adds a warm and personal touch. If you can enlist help from a family member, have them make something that represents your heritage.  

• Your aunt's famous banana bread

• Your mother-in-law's sugar & spice pecans

• Your mom's signature toffee

• A family recipe printed on a pretty card

The bride featured here did a first aid kit with Advil, Band-Aids and Emergen-C and a wet wipe. Brilliant! But it can be as simple as two water bottles and a pack of gum or a tin of Altoids. We're also fans of a $5 Starbucks card for the morning after. 

Sarah and Lydia have been helping clients with entertaining needs both big and small, turning inspirational ideas into real experiences that friends and family will always treasure. For more tips and entertaining ideas, visit their site at Apples & Onions.