If you’re gearing up for the celebration of a lifetime – your destination wedding – you know every detail counts when it comes to creating an unforgettable experience. One often overlooked yet incredibly delightful element is the destination wedding welcome bag, a treasure trove of thoughtful surprises for your cherished guests.
Unlike a traditional wedding where the wedding couple can meet and greet their guests on the spot, on the same day as the event, guests attending a destination wedding will often arrive at the location a day or two before the ceremony, separately from the wedding couple. As such, a destination wedding welcome bag is a great way to welcome your guests, when they check in and before you actually see them at the ceremony, making them feel well taken care of upon their arrival.
We put together this handy guide to help you create destination wedding welcome bags that fuse practicality and sentimentality. No cookie-cutter welcomes here; we’re talking about curating bags that tell your unique story, mirror the essence of the destination, and leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those who matter most.
The Essentials
Crafting the perfect destination wedding welcome bags is an art form that requires an attentive eye. You can start by including a few essential items that will be very much appreciated, especially while travelling abroad:
- A personalized welcome note: Who doesn’t want to read a heartfelt message written especially for them? Include a short message handwritten on thick-stock paper for your guests, expressing your gratitude for their presence. It’s a sweet and sentimental gesture that will make them feel welcomed and appreciated.
- Local maps and guides: Since you’ve chosen such a fantastic location for your destination wedding, it’s logical that your guests will be eager to explore it. To make it easy for them, include a few maps and guides to local attractions, restaurants, and activities so that they can explore and enjoy their stay. And if it’s a destination you’ve been to before, feel free to include some of your favourite spots and a note about why you loved it.
- Snacks and refreshments: After a long journey, your guests will likely be tired and hungry so including a few snacks and refreshments in your wedding gift bag is an excellent idea. Take into consideration your location by finding local snacks that you won’t be able to find at home, such as cookies, potato chips, assorted nuts, candies and baked goods. Be sure to include bottled water and perhaps a mini bottle of local wine or champagne to set a celebratory mood.
- Self-care items: We all know how important self-care is so don’t forget to prioritize it for you and your guests. If you’ve chosen a sunny location or a beach wedding, providing sunglasses, sunscreen, paper fans and mosquito repellant will be a welcomed gesture.
- Emergency kit: A small emergency kit with essentials like pain relievers, Band-Aids, antacids, hand sanitizer, antibacterial wipes and aloe vera gel for sunburns can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations, especially if your destination wedding is abroad.
Personalization Matters
The charm of destination wedding welcome bags lies in personalization. So, after the essentials, it’s always a good idea to tailor the contents to reflect the destination and your guests’ preferences for a memorable touch. These can include the following:
- Local treats: If you want your guests to really enjoy their stay, then you can introduce guests to the flavours of the region by including local delicacies such as chocolates, jams, or a miniature bottle of a locally-produced spirit.
- Destination-themed keepsakes: Add keepsakes like keychains, coasters, shot glasses or magnets that reflect the destination. These items will serve as lasting mementos of your special day and the beautiful location.
- Personal mementos: To give your guests insight into your love story, you can include an item or two that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Met on the golf course? Include a set of golf balls. Both avid cooks? Gift them with beautiful measuring spoons, complete with a printed recipe of your favourite dish. Find ways to infuse your shared interests or any milestone moments in your relationship, and include a little note to explain the significance behind each item.
Special Touches
To elevate your destination wedding welcome bags to the next level, consider unique and sentimental additions like the following:
- Local handicrafts: Give your welcome packages an authentic touch by incorporating handmade items or artwork that reflect the region’s culture and support local artisans and businesses.
- Bonus activities: A great way for you and all your guests to meet, mingle and catch up, either before the wedding or after, is to take them on a guided excursion. If you’re all staying at the same resort, you can book a group activity like zip-lining, a catamaran cruise or a guided city tour. Alternatively, you can simply choose a local restaurant or bar and set a time and date for everyone to meet for pre- or post-wedding drinks. Whatever you decide, be sure to include the details in your wedding gift bag.
- Self-care essentials: To really wow your guests, treat them to a spa treatment at your hotel or resort and include the gift certificate in your wedding gift bag. Alternatively, include items like bath salts, moisturizers or exfoliant creams from a local spa for an extra-luxurious treat.
- Captured memories: Encourage your guests to capture memories throughout the wedding by including a disposable camera in your wedding gift bag. If you’ve created a wedding hashtag or a joint wedding social media account with your partner, include a note to encourage guests to tag you in any photos and videos taken during the trip.
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