Planning

Guests & Etiquette

Welcome Wagon

Thank your guests for traveling to share your special day with a welcome bag filled with goodies and helpful information. By Roseanne Dela Rosa

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When you have a destination wedding, the only thing that will feel greater than your love for your guy, is the gratitude you’ll feel towards all the people who chose to go out of their way to share it with you. Show your appreciation for their special presence and thank them with a welcome package brimming with delightful and useful items. Here are five ways to say “thanks” with a goodie-bag: 

1. Food. When your guests arrive after a long journey, chances are they’ll be looking for something to munch on. Satisfy their cravings with sweet and salty treats like cookies and crackers. Better yet, introduce them to the local culture (wherever your wedding is being held) and fill their welcome bag with local fruits and delicacies. For example, if your wedding is taking place in Hawaii, candied and fresh pineapple are sweet edible ideas. Don’t forget to supply them with beverages like bottles of water.

2. The 411. Don’t forget to include an itinerary in your welcome bags so your friends and family will know where they have to be and when. Provide a full list of the locations where things are taking place, what they need to bring or wear, and at exactly what time they need to be there. Feel free to include information packages on where guests can eat, shop and hang out while they’re in the area. If you have time, try and cater to your guests’ needs by suggesting things that they will enjoy doing. For example, if you know one of your girlfriends loves bar hopping, find out about the local social scene and recommend a few places.

3. Thank Them. Before you fill their welcome bag with treats, take the time to pen a personal thank-you note. It doesn’t have to be long; short and sweet will suffice. But ensure that you express your appreciation—after all, they did travel all that way to be there on your special day. If you’re the creative type, take things a step further with a DVD welcome message (just make sure that the place they’re staying has a DVD player).

4. Memento. One of the best ways for guests to remember your wedding—aside from the great celebration of course—is by giving them a little memento of your destination. For example, if you’re getting married at a tropical location, then a nice beach towel or flip-flops with the name of the location stitched on them would be a fun idea. If you’re exchanging vows at a cooler location, include a mug with cocoa or coffee. Note: try and keep the items small to ensure that they can be easily transported. 

5. Fun, Games and Pictures. Looking to add a few other little items to your tote? Personalize the welcome bag with things that you know your guests will love and use during the trip. If they’re gamesters, include a deck of cards or a puzzle book. If they’re readers, add a few magazines or books. If they’re movie lovers, see if you can order a pre-paid movie for them to watch while they’re resting in their room—the choices are endless. Consider adding a disposable camera so that they can take photos galore and share them with you after the trip.

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