What to put in welcome bags

Skip it

I've only gotten one of them and threw out most of the stuff, before packing my suitcase to fly home. I didn't need it/didn't use it. I pack everything I need and we're usually not on a deserted island, with no stores around.

Some people suggest sunglasses - I wear prescription glasses Some pack sunblock - I use one of the highest numbers out there. I've seen photos of what some brides pack and they include things that every hotel room has. I honestly wouldn't worry about it.

You could type up a little welcome card and include cool things to do or places to eat in the area. I've seen cute templates on etsy for do not disturb door hangers. You could also include a little bottle of water. And a call anyone but the bride card with numbers for contact people like the venue a taxi service in town or the MOH/bm.

Sorry! Lots of random ideas and all over the place! Hope this helps!

I packed mostly food items: Two small bottles of water, a small tin of Altoids, a small bag of gourmet popcorn (a friend owns the business), a snack bag of pretzels and a package of Advil. If you are interested in black gable boxes, I have about 40 that I didn't use.

Water is always a good idea, bc you can't travel/fly with it usually and it nice to have some bottles you dont have to pay for. A couple snacks (one sweet, one salty/crunchy).

The only thing I really love in them is the water bottle!

If you want to add other stuff, I would say a few snacks don't hurt.

Im doing a beach destination wedding and found some cute nautical bags on Oriental Trading for the best price and will do koozies, bottled water, taffy, a local map with a list of some things to do including info on my welcome party/day after brunch ect.

We are doing a "semi-destination" wedding and we are doing a map of the area with things to do listed on it (got them for free from the town chamber of commerce), an invitation to the pre- and post-wedding events, a bumper sticker from the area (we are getting married in Montauk so we got "MTK The Beginning" bumper stickers), water bottle, advil, sunscreen, and salt water taffy. My FMIL also had the cute idea to have "kids" welcome bags with some snacks in a sand pail (got them at the dollar store).

Majority of my guest are from OOT. So, I am doing welcome bags just for them. I am thinking a bottle of water, wine, mints, headache medicine and a do not disturb hanger for the door. Also, a thank you note with directions to our home if they drove.

Go to the travel section in Cvs/target.... Water, Advil, sunscreen, maybe candy

Since our guests are coming to Maui, we're keeping the bags Maui-centric: Maui chips, Mac nuts, local bottled water, Maui cookies, local fruit, etc. Everybody likes food. And we're putting in a little insert about our favorite places to eat, drink and explore.

I am putting in a bottle of local craft beer, bag of local coffee, a cookie from local bakery, advil packet, timeline for the weekend of other events or things people can join if they wish, and pamphlets for local attractions (I emailed these places and they are all sending them to me for free)

Have you considered the cost of getting the bags to your destination ? I would say skip it and spend the money somewhere else

My first thought: I'd to skip it. I received a welcome bag - couples name on the bag. Inside it had resort activities, pen and nothing else I can remember. I threw it all away when I came home. If you will do it, I second the water, koozie and sweet/salty snacks. Nothing personalized.

I think welcome bags are a really nice touch, but especially for a DW, for guests who are traveling to be at your wedding.

We bought kraft paper bags at Michaels- they were the cheapest price I found, and they have a variety of colors. We had custom stickers made on Etsy that were pretty inexpensive and they turned out great! Let me know if you want the shop name.

We put 2 water bottles, granola bar, mini candy bars, 2 snack bags of chips (a local company and flavor unique to MD), pack of gum, travel advil, custom door tags (also from Etsy), shuttle schedule, and info on local restaurants and attractions. Since you are doing a destination wedding, you could customize the things you include to go with your location. Also, if you go to the local tourism board, they will give you free brochures, maps, etc.

Annakay51, I would love the shops from Etsy if you still have them!

Following because we're doing a DW and love the feedback!

Where's your wedding? We went to one in st croix and they gave us a bottle of rum from the island...

Thanks everyone! Seems like snacks/water are the way to go, also I want to make a nice program of when/where my welcome drinks are and then where to meet at the beach on Sunday.

@annakay did you have your bags put in guest rooms before arrival or have them handed out at the desk? Just wondering how that works.

Also, my wedding is in Fort Lauderdale and my sister/MOH is driving to FL from TN so she was going to bring the bags with her, and I won't be coming until the day before everyone so theres no time to grab anything local which is a bummer bc I love that idea!

Yes annakay51 I would like the info as well, love the idea! I agree with everyone that water and some headache medicine and snacks are a good idea and maybe something that is relative to that island that is not too costly. I personally was thinking little bottles of rum from St Lucia, that's where our wedding will be. Oh and a map of the island and schedules of events with a thank you note is nice as well. I think it's thoughtful and I'm sure you can find them at a decent price.

OP They were waiting for guests as they checked in! I think that is the easiest way to do it! You can always ask your hotel though, especially if it's a resort, if they will put them in the rooms for you.

The stickers were from CamilleMonacoDesigns: https://www.etsy.com/shop/CamilleMonacoDesigns and the door tags were from PrimroseAndPark: https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrimroseAndPark