What’s in a bag?

Welcome bags are among the top new favor items to give your guests at a destination wedding. Your guests have traveled a long distance to be a part of your special day and a welcome bag is a nice treat to offer them when they arrive. A pleasant surprise after a long day of traveling.

Have it ready in the hotel room. Stop by their room and personally deliver your gift.....But what to include in the bag?

Welcome bags can range from extravagant presents to more conservative treats. But the key to putting together a bag to remember is keeping it local. Your guests have traveled to your destination to enjoy themselves and experience the location.

Incorporate fun local items in the bag that they can enjoy on the trip or take back a piece of the trip with them. Think sample size treats, candies that are popular in your area of choice. For example Hawaii is best known for their macadamia nuts; find macadamia nut cookies. For winter retreats hot chocolate is a good starter. Bottled water, body lotions, coffee and tea are also handy.

Once you've got the contents, then it's time to pick out the package!

Mini Palm Handle Bags (made of natural-color palm leaves), like these from Bliss Weddings Market are a thoughtful local way to package your gift together.

Other great sources for thrifty bags:
Bagmasters

Oriental Trading Co.

For the more extravagant spenders, check out these creative welcome bags from the Today Throws a Wedding series.