If you have out-of-towners attending your wedding it’s nice to give them a welcome bag when they arrive. After all, if they took the effort to travel far and wide to make it to your wedding, the least you can do is give them a few goodies to keep them comfortable. Fill the bag with necessities like a map of the area and ways to get around town. Jaime Engebretson, Owner and Executive Event Planner of J’aime Events suggests practical items like the wedding day itinerary with timing of events including shuttle times or the light rail schedule so they can get around. It’s also nice to give them a list of recommended restaurants and attractions, maybe it’s the brides favorite pizza place or the groom’s favorite museum. Engebretson loves including a personalized food item, and making it a locally sourced item is always fun. “I suggest couples include a personalized item, either a favorite snack or candy. A local favorite is Maddy & Maize which has many fun flavors.”
To see a wedding we featured that gave out Maddy & Maize popcorn at their after-party, click HERE
Another edible local item we love are truffles from Legacy Chocolates in St. Paul. How nice for your guests to come back to their hotel room after your wedding to something so sweet?
And not everything in the welcome bag has to be edible. Consider putting in a puzzle of Minnesota to keep guests busy in the room if inclement weather hits, or these adorable cozies by Faribault Woolen Mill Co. that keep hands cool and coffee warm, made from blanket ends.
Then there are items that will just help guests to relax. They can luxuriate in the bath with Harper + Ari’s Exfoliating Sugar Cubes. They are the perfect present that guests can use during your wedding weekend, or they can save them to enjoy at home. Another bath product we love is Bathorium’s Ancient Oat Hydration Crush, a soothing bath soak perfect for hydrating dry skin.
Amy Shey Jacobs, Founder and Creative Director of Chandelier Events, likes to insert an emergency or “hangover kit” for guests, and that can include anything from aspirin to soap to eye drops, as well as personalized “do not disturb” signs. “You can find cute ones on Etsy.”
“Water is essential” says Jacobs, and while most hotels provide it, “we’re seeing boxed water is popular, or if your couples prefer sparkling water, you could opt for that. Incorporating couples’ preferences makes everything more personal.” Jacobs also likes to include breakfast bars and fruit. “Just make sure you don’t pick anything that would get mushy. No bananas! Opt for local apples or oranges, that keep juice contained, and will re-hydrate guests the morning after.”
