Throwing a fun wedding weekend for your family and friends? There’s an art to creating well-curated welcome bags that set the tone for the entire celebration. Whether the bag is waiting in guests’ hotel rooms when they arrive or handed out at your welcome party, a beautifully assembled bag filled with thoughtful touches is one way to say: We’re so glad you’re here.
We asked expert event planner Kristin Alexander of Esoteric Events to give us the details on arranging wedding welcome bags that are personal, practical, and Pinterest-worthy. Here’s how to make your guests feel truly welcomed— one perfectly packed bag at a time.
Keep scrolling for pro tips for curating the perfect wedding welcome bags for your big day.
Express Yourself
Your welcome bag is more than a collection of snacks and schedules. It’s a first impression and a chance to reflect your personalities as a couple. “Include items that you enjoy as a couple,” says Alexander. “It will help paint an even brighter picture of what you appreciate together.”
Whether it’s your favorite local coffee blend, a regional treat from your hometowns, or a nod to how you met (hello, mini hot sauce bottles from your first taco date!), this is where you can get creative and personal. Think of your welcome bag as a love letter in gift form.
Pick a Container That Fits Your Day
Presentation matters and the container you choose sets the stage for everything inside. Kristin suggests selecting a bag, basket, or box that coordinates with the look and feel of your wedding.
For a destination beach wedding, opt for woven totes or canvas bags with your wedding monogram. Hosting in wine country? A kraft paper box filled with crinkle paper and tied with silk ribbon might suit the aesthetic better. Rustic ranch wedding? Try a wooden crate or simple linen bag. Whatever you choose, make sure it feels cohesive and easy to carry.
Wine Is Always a Good Idea
Want your guests to kick off the weekend with a smile? Kristin’s go-to tip: include wine or a small bottle of spirits. “It gives your guests an easy way to unwind and de-stress upon arrival,” she says.
Take it a step further by including the same wine you’ll be serving at the reception; it’s a sweet and subtle way to tie in the full wedding experience. If alcohol isn’t a fit, consider sparkling water, a local craft soda, or herbal teas paired with a cute mug or reusable tumbler.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
After a long day of travel, guests will appreciate a little something to munch on. Kristin recommends covering all the cravings: sweet, salty, and savory.
You might include:
- Gourmet popcorn or trail mix
- A mini candy box with your favorite nostalgic treats
- Local artisan jerky or spiced nuts
- A cookie or small baked good from a local bakery
Bonus points for sourcing from local businesses! It adds a unique flavor to your welcome bag and supports the community where you’re tying the knot.
Include Wedding Weekend Info
Even the most well-organized guests can lose track of where they need to be and when— especially during a multi-day celebration. Your welcome bag is the perfect place to include a wedding weekend itinerary with important details: event names, locations, dress codes, and timing.
You can design a simple but elegant card or even create a mini “field guide” to the weekend. Include shuttle pickup times, a custom map of the area, and any need-to-know info to keep everyone relaxed and informed.
Share Your Thanks
Amidst the planning whirlwind, don’t forget a personal touch: a handwritten welcome note. “Your guests will appreciate a note thanking them for joining you,” says Alexander. A simple card with a heartfelt message goes a long way in making each person feel special.
If handwriting individual notes isn’t realistic, consider having one beautifully written and printed note for everyone, signed by both of you.
Coordinate Deliveries
Before your wedding welcome bags are packed and ready, you’ll want to coordinate delivery with your hotels. Kristin recommends creating a custom list for each hotel to avoid confusion. “If you have guests staying at multiple hotels, take the guesswork out by providing a rooming list and contact number in case of questions,” she suggests.
And while some hotels offer complimentary bag delivery, others charge a fee per room, so be sure to ask. “If the costs begin to add up, I suggest distributing them by hand to guests at the Welcome Party,” Kristin adds. Not only does this save money, but it also creates a sweet moment of connection to kick off the festivities.
A wedding welcome bag might seem like a small detail, but it sets the tone for the entire weekend. When done thoughtfully, it communicates warmth, personality, and gratitude— reminding your guests that you’ve been thinking about their comfort and experience from the moment they arrive.
So have fun with it. And don’t be surprised if guests are still talking about your welcome bag long after the last dance.
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