Have you ever been to a hotel, walked through the door, and to your surprise found a great read on your nightstand? Or some sweet and salty treats for your convenience when late night cravings hit… it’s the same details that make you feel welcomed. Step up your hospitality for your big day and make it a special one for your guests. The best part of these little tokens is that there is absolutely no right or wrong way when it comes to the creative process. This is also a great time to get your bridal party together to throw in an extra hand and help assemble these over some lunch! (just about anyone will work for food!!)
Packaging
Let’s start with presentation! Traditionally baskets have been used to present welcome goodies but why not get creative and provide something fresh, fun, and new. It’s totally up to you on how you package this gift but why not make is something that your guests can take with them and put to use time and time again. Monogrammed canvas bags are always a good idea and readily available. If repurpose isn’t your focus then paper bags, cellophane packaging, and even sleek cardboard boxes have become popular go-to’s for packaging all the necessities your guest may need during their stay, or on your big day.
Theme
Since we are on the topic of packaging, why not play up your theme, or the theme of the local surroundings. Themes can be used to bring life to labels, information for your guests, fun maps, and even itinerary details for events going on throughout their visit. You can incorporate this in the actual imaging and labeling of the goodies, or perhaps have the goodies reflect your theme. The point of a theme is to bring all the details into one nice sweet package.Don’t forget to officially welcome your guests with some kind words as you may not be able to greet them upon arrival. This can be as simple or as detailed as you desire. The main focus is to thank your guests for taking the time to travel or even simply just attend your special event, let them know you appreciate their presence!
Things to Do or an Itinerary
The last thing you want to cause for your guests is confusion. A welcome gift is the perfect time to address what they can expect throughout their stay. Feel free to add fun facts about their accommodations, any details about amenities available to them (i.e hotel gyms, or pools). Any free local events or popular places to see/visit. You want your guests to know their time is valued and that you hope their trip is a wonderful stay. This would also be a great time to provide them with a reminder of itinerary details for your wedding (and any other pre/post wedding events they have rsvp’d to).
Kind Words
Don’t forget to officially welcome your guests with some kind words as you may not be able to greet them upon arrival. This can be as simple or as detailed as you desire. The main focus is to thank your guests for taking the time to travel or even simply just attend your special event, let them know you appreciate their presence!
Snacks
Because you will never go wrong with food! You may want to check your rsvp list for any known allergies. How great is it when those late night or afternoon sweet/salty cravings hit, and you can actually satisfy it because you have some goodies on hand. This will definitely earn you some points for best hostess.
Next Day Aid
If I had a dollar for the amount of times I get asked for some Advil the morning after…Well, the good news is that travel packs or single dose packages are readily available for the most part and are real life savers the morning after a night a partying! Add some cute packaging and you got yourself a mini hangover kit that will be much appreciated.
From packaging, to itinerary details, to snacks, and even first aid - your guests will leave their stay feeling well taken care of without you necessarily being there to host every moment of their visit. Check out our “Welcome Gift Ideas” Pinterest board to see some more cool ideas on what to include and how to package your gifts for your special day.
Happy planning,
Dianne