WEDDING BLOG

Wedding Welcome Bags Advice and Ideas

April 29, 2024 | riley

Weddings are a time of joy and celebration, and one of the most thoughtful gestures a couple can extend to their guests for spending time with them on their wedding day is a well-curated wedding welcome bag. These small packages serve as a token of appreciation and a warm invitation to share in the excitement of the big day. Think of them as the wedding guest gift idea that keeps on giving.

Creating the perfect welcome bag requires attention to detail, creativity, and a touch of personalization. If you’re looking at spoiling your guests but don’t know where to begin, don’t stress. We’re rounding up everything to know about wedding welcome bags–plus, we’re rounding up some ideas that you can use for your own!

Why Give Out Welcome Bags?

Wedding welcome bags serve multiple purposes. They not only greet guests upon arrival but also set the tone for the wedding festivities. A well-designed welcome bag reflects the couple’s personality, theme, and location of the wedding. It’s a way to express gratitude to guests for traveling to join in the celebration and to ensure they feel appreciated and comfortable throughout their stay. That’s why they’ve become increasingly popular with destination weddings. However, you don’t have to travel for your special day in order to spoil your guests. If you feel so inclined to put together a welcome bag, we’re all in favor.

What Kind of Bag to Use

Of course, you can’t have a welcome bag without the bag itself. Before you can even think about what to put inside the gift, it’s important to think about what kind of bag you want to use for the presentation. Totes bags, straw bags, baskets–the options are endless. To make it truly personalized to your day, consider adding your wedding date or initials, so your guests think of you any time they use it.

Bag by By Modern Social

Shop welcome bags: 1. Modern Wedding Monogram Welcome Bags; 2. Small Jute Burlap Welcome Bags; 3. Tropical Wedding Welcome Tote Bag; 4. Classy Hotel Wedding Welcome Box

How to Pass Out Welcome Bags

How you distribute your welcome bags is entirely up to you and the kind of wedding you’re hosting. If you want to hand them out personally, designate a central location, such as the hotel lobby or a table at the venue, where guests can easily find their bags upon arrival. If you’re having a destination wedding and all of your guests are staying in the same hotel, arrange with the hotel staff for the bags to be placed in the guests’ rooms prior to check-in for a seamless surprise. No matter how you pass them out, remember to include a note thanking your guests for joining in the celebration as a last personal touch to the gift.

What to Put in Wedding Welcome Bags

Personalization is key to creating memorable welcome bags. Start by including a heartfelt welcome note from you and your significant other, expressing gratitude and excitement for the guests’ presence. Tailor the contents to reflect the wedding location, theme, and any special interests or preferences of the guests. This could include local delicacies, artisanal treats, or items related to the wedding festivities.

Essentials for Comfort

While personalization is important, don’t overlook the practical needs of your guests. Include essential items such as bottled water, maps, and an itinerary of events to help guests navigate the wedding weekend smoothly. Consider including practical items like sunscreen, towels, blankets, insect repellent, or hand sanitizer, especially for outdoor or destination weddings.

Image by Hunter Ryan Photography. Planning by Chic Bahamas Weddings

Hangover Kits

While we’re on the topic of your guests’ comfort, if you know that there are going to be plenty of drinks to be had on your wedding night, why not help cure the inevitable hangover guests are going to be feeling the next morning with mini hangover kits? Include items like painkillers, makeup remover wipes, mints, electrolyte drink mixes, and eye masks. You can find countless mini bags to put all the supplies in on Etsy, too.

Image by Julie Wilhite Photo

Shop hangover kit essentials: 1. ‘About Last Night’ Hangover Kit Bags; 2. In Sickness & In Health Hangover Kit Bags; 3. Hangover Kit Supplies; 4. Wedding Recovery Kit Labels

Local Souvenirs

Incorporating local touches adds a unique flair to wedding welcome bags and allows guests to experience the flavor of the wedding destination. Include regional specialties such as gourmet chocolates, locally roasted coffee, or artisanal crafts that showcase the area’s culture and charm.

Planning by Spanish Oak Events

Customized Keepsakes

To commemorate the occasion, consider including customized keepsakes that guests can cherish long after the wedding day. Ideas include monogrammed keychains, customized wine labels on your favorite bottle of wine, or a bag full of goodies with your wedding logo.

Image by Abbie Tyler Photography. Planning by Soiree by Souleret

Home Goods

Speaking of keepsakes, if you’re putting together a welcome bag with all of the ingredients for your favorite cocktail or recipe, consider adding a small home good item such as a cutting board, cocktail shaker, or engraved glass.

Image by Jamie Vinson. Design by Samantha Meyer Studio

Alcohol

If there’s one way to get the party started early, it’s to include mini bottles of alcohol in your welcome bags. Whether you opt for mini kits to make a cocktail that you and your significant other, or you just want to include a shooter or two, it’s a fun addition that will start the wedding off right.

Image by Justin Leon Brown

Food

Your guests are never going to turn down snacks, which is why they’re an easy element to base your welcome bag around. This real-life bag, for example, created a mini charcuterie experience for their guests using cheese, crackers, chocolate, and a mini cheese knife. If you and your partner are foodies, this is a great way to showcase your love to eat while also being relatively inexpensive.

Planning by Shannon Wellington

Dietary Considerations

Be mindful of guests with dietary restrictions or preferences when selecting the contents of your welcome bags. While you’re most likely not going to be able to ensure that everyone can enjoy every item inside the bag, consider including a variety of snacks and beverages that cater to different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or nut-free options. Clearly label any allergens to ensure guests can enjoy the treats worry-free.

By incorporating personal touches, local souvenirs, and thoughtful amenities, you can create a memorable wedding welcome bag for your guests. If you’re not sold on this idea yet, that’s okay, too! We’ve put together other favor ideas and alternatives (like donations to your favorite charity) that may fit you and your partner better.

This Huntington Theatre Wedding Was Full of Drama (In the Best Way Possible)

April 28, 2024 | justine

Bobby and Matthew–who share a passion for art and theater–chose to say “I do” at Boston’s Huntington Theatre, a venue close to their hearts. Their decision was spot-on, as the theater radiated historical charm, transporting everyone to another era. With guests dressed to the nines, the wedding sparkled like a lavish premiere. Their Huntington Theater wedding was a touching tribute to their love story, commemorating their unique journey in a truly unforgettable way.

Among the classic elegance of their wedding, the couple infused their own unique flair. Their ceremony kicked off with a heartfelt song performance, setting the tone for the day. The pair took center stage as the red curtain rose, dancing beneath dazzling crystal chandeliers—a truly dramatic moment! The following reception seamlessly blended masculinity and softness, with lush floral arrangements, flickering candlelight, grand chandeliers, and playful disco balls adorning the space, making it both classic and undeniably lavish.

If you’re dreaming of adding a touch of theatrical flair to your wedding day, take notes from this Huntington Theatre wedding. It’s the ideal inspiration for you. Sarah Jayne Photo Co. did a great job capturing all the beautiful details.

The Couple:

Bobby and Matthew

The Wedding:

Huntington Theatre, Boston, Massachusetts, United States

The Special Reason They Chose to Have a Huntington Theatre Wedding

We’re both avid lovers of the arts and theater, so we chose to join hands as partners for life at Boston’s historical Huntington Theatre, a space that holds tremendous meaning for us both. I sit on the Board of Advisors for The Huntington Theatre. While Matthew is the Co-Chair of the Hunt (the young theater donor program). Our time spent together is most often in the seats of this theater. Where I gifted Matthew his own dedicated seat on the balcony.

A Ceremony Full of Dramatic Flair

Matthew and I wed on a balmy January day, a glorious double rainbow symbolically presented in the sky above as we walked the Boston streets hand in hand before our show-stopping ceremony. Having a true flair for the dramatic, the ceremony began on stage with a solo vocal rendition of “The Lighthouse Keeper” by Sam Smith. A song that truly represents our love for each other. The red curtain lifted to reveal us dancing beneath dramatic crystal chandeliers overhead. Guests cheered and clapped in delight at the reveal. The Theatre’s Artistic Director officiated the ceremony meaningfully, leaving no dry eye in the house.

A Decadent Cocktail Hour Followed by a Luxurious Reception

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a decadent cocktail hour and dinner on the Theatre’s mezzanine level. We curated a menu and beverage experience above all else for their guests, including a raw bar, roving beverage carts featuring signature espresso martinis and margaritas, and a decadent two-course plated dinner. Working with our wedding planner, the design aesthetic merged our personal history and design aesthetic preferences—timeless and classic, yet undeniably luxe and decadent. The setting combined masculinity and softness throughout with abundant floral and candlelight and luxurious velvet linens with plaid accents on the napkins. The intention of the design was to nod gently toward our favorite designer. Giving the space a certain Ralph Lauren je ne sais quoi.

A Festive Second Line to Kick Off the Dance Floor

From dinner, guests were led via a jubilant second line led by the band’s horn section back to the Theatre, where the stage was transformed from ceremony into an energetic and lively space for dancing. Guests, led by Jordan Kahn Music Company’s 12-piece Georgia Bridgewater Band, delighted in dancing and revelry. We cut into a decadent three-tiered cake set upon an extravagant dessert table before an outfit change, after which nonstop energy and joyful dancing on the grand stage commenced.

Staying Debt-Free by Planning a Year in Advance and Sticking to Their Budget

We created the budget a year in advance. The budget adjusted as the year passed, but we pledged not to have any debt after the wedding. We stuck to our budget, and everything was paid in cash throughout the year.

Custom Cookies as Wedding Favors on Their Huntington Theatre Wedding

As guests departed, they had the choice to take home custom cookies made by MAX Ultimate Food. Some cookies were pine trees, as I grew up on a Christmas tree farm. And some were lighthouses, as Matthew grew up on Cape Cod.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Sarah Jayne Photo Co.
Event Planning – Wild at Heart Co.
Venue – Huntington Theatre
Floral Design – The Wild Dahlia
Catering + Cake – MAX Ultimate Food
Officiant – Loretta Greco
Live Music – Jordan Kahn Music Co.
Videography – Angela O’Neal
Invitation Design – Gus and Ruby Letterpress
Groom’s Apparel – 9Tailors
Rings – David Yurman
Rentals – Peak Event Services
Transportation – Town Livery
Specialty Lighting Decor + Drapery – Ryan Designs
Custom Rentals + Decor – Form Creative Services
Cotton Candy Cart – Le Petit Pouf

Congratulations to Bobby and Matthew on their Huntington Theatre wedding, which was full of drama in the best way possible! Many thanks to Sarah Jayne Photo Co. for capturing every moment and detail that made their celebration memorable.

Your wedding venue holds the power to set the tone for your celebration, just like it did for Bobby and Matthew. If you’re starting your search for the perfect venue, take a cue from their love story. Once you’ve found the right spot, add your personal touch by getting creative with your fashion choices and drawing inspiration from unique ideas. These simple steps can transform your wedding day into something truly extraordinary.

Classic Whispering Thorns Wedding With a Modern Twist

April 26, 2024 | justine

black kelly green

Calvin and Henri dreamt of a wedding that was a blend of both modern with natural beauty for their wedding. Thankfully, they stumbled upon the ideal venue that offered both. Perfectly aligning with their vision, choosing Junebug vendor Whispering Thorns was a perfect decision. Their wedding day radiated an enchanting and contemporary atmosphere, showcasing a stunning glass venue and chapel, dreamy flowers, a timeless color scheme, and elegant attire.

With breathtaking views of the grasslands, their venue’s modern design and indoor-outdoor feel set the perfect scene for the celebrations. The ceremony took place against a stunning backdrop of the property, making it a truly picturesque moment. As guests moved to the reception area, they were greeted by beautifully decorated tables filled with candles. Adding a final touch of elegance, a sparkling ceiling installation illuminated the space with a soft glow, making the atmosphere even more romantic.

Looking for inspiration for a wedding that blends modern style with stunning views? Look no further! These beautiful pictures captured by Savannah Greeff have everything you need. Get up close and personal with all the details, and imagine how you can incorporate them into your own special day. Whether it’s the modern décor, breathtaking landscapes, or charming details, these photos have it all.

The Couple:

Calvin and Henri

The Wedding:

Whispering Thorns, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Finding the Perfect Venue: Balancing Modern and Rustic Styles

We wanted a mix of modern and nature for our wedding. I liked the contemporary style, while Henri preferred a touch of rustic nature. Luckily, we found the perfect venue that combined both. The glass chapel sits among beautiful umbrella thorn trees, which are a unique African sight. Henri wanted to get married under a big Marula tree in the African veld, while I wanted something more contemporary. The Whispering Thorns was just right for us.

Sneaking Away and Practicing Their First Dance in Secret at Their Whispering Thorns Wedding

Our favorite moment was when we snuck out for about 20 minutes to practice our first dance. We went down to the glass chapel and danced under the massive hanging chandelier, just sharing that special moment with each other. It was magical.

From Tables to Dance Floor: Guests Enjoying Every Moment of Their Whispering Thorns Wedding

At the wedding, everyone had a great time dancing and enjoying themselves until the early hours of the morning when the venue had to close. Nobody stayed seated at the tables; instead, they were all on the dance floor, having a blast. We wanted all our guests to have a good time and create special moments that we can cherish not only through photos but also in our memories. We both are happy with how everything turned out in the end.

Wedding Budgeting Tips for Keeping Costs in Check

When we began planning our wedding, we set a maximum budget. However, we also budgeted an additional amount as the “we’re going over budget, but this is where it stops” limit. It’s important to remember that flowers can be expensive, so it’s crucial to plan carefully. Decide on the specific flowers you really want. Let’s start with five, but narrow it down to the top three you can’t live without. Also, understand that opinions may differ, so respecting each other’s ideas is essential. Table seating arrangements require much time and thought, so plan ahead for that, too.

Personalized Sunglasses as Props for Whispering Thorns Wedding Photos

We gave everyone black sunglasses with our wedding date and names printed on the side, along with a personalized pouch with our wedding logo on it. It made for stellar photos.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Savannah Greeff
Event Planning + Floral Design – Marinda Cilliers
Ceremony + Reception Venue + Catering – Whispering Thorns
Cake – Unforgettable Cakes
DJ – Damian Lopez
Videography – Culture Collective Refined
Hair Styling – Bela Molnar
Groom’s Apparel – Goat of Bespoke
Wedding Party Apparel – Khaliques

Congratulations to Calvin and Henri on their classic Whispering Thorns wedding with a modern twist. If this venue has also captured your heart, be sure to check out their profile in our directory for more celebrations held at this breathtaking location. And, of course, thank you to Savannah Greeff for capturing all the beautiful details and wonderful memories this couple will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Creating a memorable celebration is easier than you think, and it all starts with finding the perfect venue. Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand affair, our directory of the world’s best wedding venues has something for everyone.

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