The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Welcome Bags

Wedding welcome bags have become an essential part of modern weddings, providing a warm and thoughtful greeting to your guests.

These bags are not just a collection of items; they set the tone for your celebration and make your guests feel appreciated from the moment they arrive at the wedding destination. In this blog post, we will explore different types of wedding welcome bags, discuss sustainable options, guide you on how to easily source items from Amazon, suggest themes based on your wedding location, and offer tips to make your welcome bags memorable for everyone!

Types of Wedding Welcome Bags

When it comes to choosing the perfect wedding welcome bag, there are several options to consider. Here are a few popular types:

  • Tote Bags: durable and reusable, tote bags are the practical choice. They can be personalized with your wedding logo, date, guest names, or a special message.

  • Gift Boxes: for a more elegant presentation, consider foregoing a bag and using gift boxes. They provide a polished look and can be filled with luxurious items.

  • Paper Bags: eco and budget-friendly, paper bags can be decorated with stamps, stickers, or personalized tags to match your wedding theme.

Sustainability in Wedding Welcome Bags

Incorporating sustainability into your wedding welcome bags is a wonderful way to show your commitment to the environment. Here are some tips to make your welcome bags eco-friendly:

  • Choose Reusable Bags: opt for bags that can be reused, such as canvas totes or fabric drawstring bags or bags that can be recycled

  • Select Eco-Friendly Products: include items like reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, organic snacks, and natural skincare products.

  • Minimize Packaging: avoid excessive packaging by selecting products with minimal or recyclable packaging.

Sourcing Items from Amazon

If you don’t have a prime membership, get one asap! Amazon is a great resource for sourcing items - and getting them delivered quickly - for your wedding welcome bags. Etsy is another option but you’ll have to plan accordingly as the shipping takes longer. Here are some steps to help you find what you need:

  • Create a Wishlist: start by creating a wishlist on Amazon. This will help you keep track of potential items and compare prices. With so many different vendors, its the best way to make sure you’re getting a great deal.

  • Check Reviews: ALWAYS check product reviews to ensure the quality of the items you are considering. There are a lot of dud items on Amazon so you want to make sure other people have vouched for what you are planning on purchasing.

  • Prime Shipping: Prime is the way to go - especially if you’re short on time!

Theming Your Welcome Bags Based on Wedding Location

The location of your wedding can provide wonderful inspiration for your welcome bags - and it doesn’t just have to be an international destination. Here are a few theme ideas based on different wedding locations:

  • Beach Wedding: include unique items like mini fans to keep guests cool, sunglasses, hydrating face mists, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and customized water-proof pouches.

  • City Wedding: provide helpful items like a city guidebook, local snacks, local art prints or postcards with a handwritten note on the back, a public transportation card, and a list of must-see attractions, bars, and nightlife.

  • International Destination Wedding: incorporate items that reflect the culture of the location such as local artisan products, snacks, treats or spices, mini bottles of spirits, custom luggage tags or comfort travel items.

For all of the bags, a portable charger is something everyone would find valuable!

How Many Guests Should Receive a Welcome Bag?

While it would be wonderful to give every guest a welcome bag, it's not practical or budget-friendly - especially if you have a large guest count. A good rule of thumb is to provide welcome bags for out-of-town guests and those staying at the wedding hotels. This gesture is especially appreciated by guests who have traveled a long way to celebrate with you. For larger weddings, consider providing one welcome bag per couple or family to manage costs.

Altogether, welcome bags are a thoughtful way to greet your guests and set the tone for your wedding celebration. By choosing the right type of bag, incorporating sustainable elements, sourcing items efficiently, theming your bags to match your wedding location, and adding personal touches, you can create memorable welcome bags that your guests will cherish. Remember, the key is to make your guests feel appreciated and excited to be part of your special day. Happy planning!