As you prepare the final details leading up to your wedding, you might have guests traveling in from out of town. Welcome bags are the perfect way to make guests feel right at home during your wedding weekend without breaking the bank.
Welcome bags are typically gifted to guests traveling from out-of-town, since they usually take time off to travel and cover airfare and hotel expenses. We've compiled some recommended essentials that will make your guests feel appreciated for making the trip. If you can, set up your guests' baskets right in their hotel rooms for an immediate welcome filled with personal touches of home.
Since we're based out of Charlotte, some of our suggested essentials reflect popular goods founded in NC for all of our local brides & grooms :) . Here are some of our recommended goodies to include in your guests' welcome bags:
1. Cheerwine
Cheerwine was actually founded in Salisbury, North Carolina, so adding a colorful can or cute bottle is a perfect welcome bag essential.
2. Lance Crackers
Lance Crackers were also founded by a Charlotte native, where they are headquartered today! Your guests will appreciate this salty snack, which comes in many variations for all of your guests' preferences.
3. Hangover Kit
Customize your own hangover kit for guests to use the morning after your wedding, complete with all the hangover necessities. We'd recommend including aspirin, goody powder, mini bottled water, liquid IV, mini hand sanitizer, gum, mints, and makeup remover wipes. You can add anything else you want and package it up in a cute travel bag for guests' convenience. Make it custom by adding a cute label that coordinates with your wedding design & colors.
The Carters Creative, Noah Edwards Photography
4. Local Guide / Things To Do List
For your out-of-town guests, curating a list of local spots is the perfect addition. You can include your favorite brunch spot, local hike, coffee shop, or live music venue. Your guests will appreciate your hand-picked selections as they explore the area more.
5. Wedding Weekend Itinerary
Create a custom itinerary for your guests that details the entire weekend's festivities, with personalized touches! Include times and locations for the rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and any day after activities you might have, to provide a convenient guide for your guests. Top it off with cute details like you and your partner's initials, the wedding date, and personal imagery of you two!
Yah Photography, Willow Floral Boutique
6. Mini Champagne Bottle
What better way to indulge in the spirit of celebration than with champagne? Guests will appreciate this sweet gesture, all while leveling up their travel experience to a luxurious getaway.
7. Personalized Coozie
Many couples love to include personalized coozies as guest favors, so this makes a great addition to a welcome basket as well. Coozies are easily customizable and will definitely fit into your guests' suitcase or carry on for the trip back :)
Noah Edwards Photography
8. Sweet Treat From a Local Bakery
Complete your welcome baskets with a cute dessert from your favorite local bakery. Customize the packaging by adding a personalized sticker on top, featuring your initials, wedding date, names, or any details you want. After all, who can resist a sweet treat in cute packaging?
Candle and Quill Photography
Of course, wedding welcome bags should showcase your couple personality, so they can include anything you'd like! We hope these recommendations have inspired you to create the perfect welcome baskets/bags for your guests to enjoy. Let us know in the comments what you would include in your wedding welcome bag :)