If you’re planning a wedding or event and expecting out-of-town guests, you may be asking yourself:
What are welcome bags? Do I need them? What goes in them?
Sound familiar? You’ve come to the right place!
1. What are welcome bags?
Simply put, welcome bags are a way to help your guests who have traveled near and far feel… well… welcome! But their true purpose is to avoid your guests having to purchase items from the overpriced hotel mini bar or lobby market.
2. Do I need them?
They’re not required, but they are a great way to acknowledge and thank your guests for traveling to your event.
3. What do I include?
Your welcome bags should include three essential items:
1. Water
2. A snack (we recommend one sweet and one savory)
3. A welcome note
The welcome note can also double as a 1) thank you card, 2) recommendations to popular or favorite activities, attractions, and restaurants, and 3) an itinerary to remind guests of the timing and location of events, if transportation is provided and when, etc.
WANT TO TAKE YOUR BAGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL?
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS:
- Recovery kit: Tylenol/Advil, antacid, Band-Aids, mints/gum, Liquid IV, stain remover, etc.
- Alcohol: Split of wine or spirits, beer, etc.
- Make your own cocktail kit
- Bottle opener
- Travel candle (with a custom match box)
- Custom water bottle labels
- Branded cookies
- Branded DND door sign
- Branded disposable cup or koozie
- Branded sunglasses or hat
When in doubt – make it personal!
How will guests get their welcome bag?
There are a few options – the most common being the hotel staff delivering the bags to your guests’ room either before or after check in. Hotels usually charge a delivery fee, which averages $3-10 per room.
Some hotels can provide your welcome bag to guests as they check in. However, this is not as common.
The third option is to display them at rehearsal dinner, welcome reception/party, or post-toast for guests to take as they depart.
Tips & Tricks
1. Be mindful that guests will have flown in for your event. Fresh items like flowers and liquids over 3.4 ounces will be left behind.
2. You’ll likely need something to fill your boxes or bags, like paper shred or crinkle paper.
3. There are different bag and box options to choose from. Gable boxes are the most popular. But there’s also paper or laminate gift bags, magnetic gift boxes, paper mod totes, or canvas bags.
4. Incorporate your event colors with a ribbon and/or custom sticker on the outside.
Where do I order boxes/bags from?
Uline, Nashville Wraps, and Amazon are all great resources based on the quantity needed. Your stationer can also help!
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