If you’re planning a wedding where guests will be travelling or staying overnight, welcome bags are a beautiful way to greet them. These thoughtful packages are more than just gifts—they set the tone for the weekend, provide useful essentials, and show your appreciation.
A well-curated welcome bag makes guests feel considered, comfortable, and excited for the celebrations ahead. Whether you’re hosting a destination wedding, a country manor weekend, or simply want to pamper your guests, choosing the right items is key. The best welcome bags strike a balance between practicality, personal touches, and a few fun surprises.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to include in your wedding welcome bags to delight your guests from the moment they arrive.
A Warm Welcome Note
The first thing your guests should find is a personal welcome note from you and your partner. This simple addition immediately makes your guests feel seen, valued, and connected to your celebration. It also gives you a chance to share any important information in a friendly, heartfelt way.
Your welcome note should thank your guests for making the effort to attend, explain what’s inside the bag, and include a brief rundown of the weekend’s events. Handwritten notes are wonderful if you have a small wedding, but a printed note with a personal signature works just as well for larger guest lists.
Include a thank-you message and a brief mention of how much their presence means to you.
List key event timings (e.g., ceremony time, brunch location).
Mention any special details like dress codes, transport arrangements, or weather tips.
Add a personal touch by referencing the location, your journey as a couple, or a fun anecdote.
Wedding Weekend Itinerary
Even if you’ve emailed schedules before, a printed itinerary inside the welcome bag is incredibly useful. Guests may not have easy access to emails once they’re travelling, and having a tangible guide ensures they stay informed and stress-free.
Keep your itinerary simple, stylish, and clear. Use icons or minimal designs for quick readability, and include only the most essential details for each event.
List the day, time, and location for each wedding event (welcome drinks, ceremony, reception, brunch).
Include venue addresses with postcode details for easy GPS use.
Mention any transport arrangements (shuttles, car shares, walking directions).
Add emergency contact numbers in case guests need assistance.
Local Treats and Snacks
A small selection of local treats not only satisfies hunger after travel but also introduces guests to the character of your wedding destination. Offering snacks is especially thoughtful for guests who arrive late at night or have limited access to restaurants nearby.
Choose items that travel well, are individually packaged, and offer a variety of flavours or options.
Include sweet options like biscuits, chocolates, or regional delicacies.
Add savoury snacks like crisps, popcorn, or mixed nuts.
Consider including a small bottle of local honey, jam, or hot sauce as a keepsake.
If appropriate, add mini bottles of local beer, cider, or soft drinks.
Bottled Water (or Other Refreshments)
Hydration is often overlooked but essential, especially if your guests have travelled a long way. Including bottled water, flavoured sparkling water, or even a couple of small sodas is a simple but much-appreciated gesture.
You can even personalise the bottles with custom labels matching your wedding branding if you want to add a special touch.
Provide at least one or two bottles of still or sparkling water per guest.
Include electrolyte sachets if your weekend involves lots of partying or outdoor activities.
Add tea bags or instant coffee sachets for an in-room pick-me-up.
Consider a small bottle of prosecco or wine for a luxurious feel.
Emergency Essentials
A few basic emergency items can make a huge difference to guests, particularly if they’ve forgotten to pack something. These practical details show true thoughtfulness and can help guests feel more comfortable and at ease.
You don’t need to go overboard—small, travel-sized essentials are more than enough.
Pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen in sealed packets.
Plasters (especially handy if heels are involved) and blister pads.
Mints, gum, tissues, and hand sanitiser for daily use.
Lip balm, mini sunscreen, or insect repellent if needed for the season or location.
Hangover Helpers
If you’re planning a wedding with a lively party or late-night dancing, hangover helpers will be a humorous but appreciated addition. Guests will love the foresight and practicality when they're feeling a little fragile the next morning.
You can have fun with this by packaging items together in a small “hangover kit” pouch or bag.
Include rehydration tablets or electrolyte drinks.
Add mini packs of crackers or pretzels to settle stomachs.
Supply cooling eye masks or soothing under-eye patches.
Pop in herbal teas like peppermint or ginger for calming digestion.
Weather Essentials
Depending on the location and time of year, weather-appropriate extras are a nice addition to your wedding welcome bags. Preparing your guests for rain, shine, or anything in between shows incredible thoughtfulness.
Think about your wedding setting—will they be outdoors a lot? In hot sun or possible showers?
In summer, provide sunglasses, handheld fans, or mini bottles of suncream.
For colder months, offer cosy pashminas, hand warmers, or mini moisturisers.
If rain is forecast, a compact umbrella or rain poncho could save the day.
If it’s a beach destination, add flip flops or after-sun lotion samples.
Local Information Guides
Help your guests feel at home by including a small local guide. Whether they have a few hours free or want ideas for extending their stay, offering tips shows you’ve considered their entire experience.
You can create your own printed list or include a mini local tourist map from the town’s visitor centre.
Suggest your favourite nearby restaurants, coffee shops, or pubs.
Highlight must-see attractions or scenic spots worth visiting.
Mention local taxi numbers, bus routes, or walking tours.
Add fun facts or historical notes about the wedding location.
Personalised Keepsakes
Including a small, meaningful keepsake will leave a lasting impression and remind guests of your wedding long after it’s over. This could be something decorative, useful, or edible—anything that ties into your story or destination.
Personalised items also elevate the welcome bag, making it feel curated rather than generic.
Engraved keyrings, bottle openers, or coasters with your names and wedding date.
Scented candles in small tins featuring your wedding scent or colour scheme.
Custom cookies or chocolates shaped like your wedding logo, initials, or local icons.
A mini photo frame guests can use for their own memories after the wedding.
Fun Extras (Just Because)
Adding a few fun, unexpected extras shows your playful side and gives guests a smile. These are the non-essential but delightful little touches that make a welcome bag feel truly special.
Think about your personalities as a couple and what small luxuries you’d enjoy yourself.
Temporary tattoos or stickers themed around love, adventure, or your wedding.
Colouring books, sudoku puzzles, or small games for downtime in hotels.
Mini jars of confetti or bubbles for use during your send-off.
A Spotify code linking to your wedding playlist for guests to enjoy.
Tips for Assembling Your Wedding Welcome Bags
Curating the perfect contents is just one part of creating memorable wedding welcome bags. How you package and deliver them matters too.
Choose sturdy bags, boxes, or baskets that guests can easily carry or repurpose.
Coordinate the colours, tags, and materials with your wedding theme for a cohesive look.
Attach a personalised tag or sticker to each bag for an extra finishing touch.
Have the bags delivered to guests’ hotel rooms or available at check-in for a seamless arrival.
If you’re hosting a destination wedding or a large event, ask your wedding planner or venue coordinator for help with delivery logistics. Some hotels will offer to distribute welcome bags to guest rooms for a small fee.
Conclusion
Wedding welcome bags are a small gesture with a big impact. They show appreciation, ease guests into the celebrations, and create excitement from the moment they arrive. Whether you go all-out with luxury goodies or keep it simple and heartfelt, the key is thoughtful curation based on your guests’ needs and your wedding vibe.
By including a mix of essentials, treats, personal touches, and a few surprises, you’ll ensure that every guest feels truly welcomed and ready for the unforgettable weekend ahead. So, take a little extra time to plan your wedding welcome bags—and give your loved ones the perfect start to the best celebration of your lives!
