kgossman Welcome bags are an easy and cost-friendly way to welcome guests and thank them for traveling to be a part of your big day. Welcome bags or baskets not only show you care, but can also give your guests information about the area and the weekend ahead. Many of your hotel guests will be out-of-towners so this is a great time to offer them ideas of what to do around town for the weekend and love on them a little.
Food + Drinks
Include easy-to-travel food items such as a bag of chips, Cheez Its, or cookies. These are great for a little snack or for families with kids. Options that can be bought in bulk at the store are most cost effective. You can also include a local food or dessert item such as a cookie or bar from your favorite bakery or candy shop, macaroons, or even a well-known candy bar from the area. Many of these can be bought online and shipped nowadays or you can pick up specially packaged items from your baker. Candy, gum, or mints also make great additions. I always recommend you include 2 water bottles in your bag. Many hotels charge for water bottles and snacks, so this is a thoughtful way to take care of your guests.
Medicine
It’s thoughtful to include some medicine items for guests who may have simplified their packing and didn’t bring the full first aid kit. Items such as Pepto Bismol tablets, bandaids, and pain medicine are great. Definitely include packets of Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or Excedrin for hangover recovery. Bonus points if you include hydration packets such as Liquid IV, Propel, or Pedialyte! Trust me, your guests will thank you!
Beauty Items
Include thoughtful items such as makeup remover wipes, a face mask, or a scrunchie for guests who may have left theirs at home. For the germ-conscious guests, you can include a travel size hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes. Tide or Shout Wipes also make great additions if you have the budget. It never fails that you get something on you at the worst time.
Weekend Itinerary
Traveling can be stressful, so including a weekend itinerary for guests of what’s on the schedule can help them relax and enjoy themselves more. Be sure to include times, locations, addresses, and attire of events, and only list events that those guests are invited to.
Area Information Card
Most of your hotel guests are probably from out-of-town so include information about your favorite restaurants nearby, parks, museums, or places to visit, activities to do while killing time, and activities for kids. You can even include coupons for movie tickets or museums listed. I would include free and low-cost items so guests have plenty of options.
Travel Info
Include travel information such as the phone number for a taxi company, or discount codes for Uber and Lyft. Also include any maps for public transportation such as subways, trains, or trams if they’re relevant to your city. Include a point-of-contact from your family to assist with anything guests may need, preferably someone who lives nearby and knows the area well. If you don’t give guests a point of contact, they’ll be texting you all weekend asking questions.
Thank You Note
Including a hand-written or printed thank you card in your welcome bags is so thoughtful for your guests! They’ve traveled a long way and spent money to be there. Take the time to thank them for being a part of your special day and taking time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with you.
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