I N V I T A T I O N S , S T A T I O N E R Y , P R O G R A M S , G I F T S & F A V O R S
C H I C A G O W E D D I N G & P A R T Y R E S O U R C E
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n days of yore, people grew up and got married in
the same community, thus most, if not all, of their
wedding guests were local. But times have changed
and now the majority may be out-of-towners. Let
these guests know you appreciate the time and ex-
pense of traveling – and get them extra-amped for the
big day – with a welcome bag at the hotel.
While these gestures aren’t an etiquette “re-
quirement,” they have become quite com-
mon. Deliver them to the hotels where you
have set up room blocks, as these locations
will likely house the greatest concentration
of out-of-towners, where the front desk can
give them to guests as they check in.
So, what do you include? The basics are
bottled water, healthy snacks, breath
mints, maps, itineraries and a list of your favorite local
destinations, as well as a few “emergency” locations, such
as the nearest drug store and nail salon. Small packages
of Advil, tissues, sunscreen and sewing supplies also
could come in handy.
For a little extra flair consider local delicacies like soft
pretzels in Philadelphia or pralines in New Orleans, and
personalized door cards – print a mad-lib inspired one,
such as “Do Not Disturb! We’re still sleeping off the (in-
sert drink name) and endless dancing to (insert song).”
You also can get creative with the receptacle itself. We
love reusable shopping bags or totes, as well as contain-
ers that showcase the couple’s personalities, hometown
or wedding locale, such as a wine crate in Napa.
Copyright © CTW Features
Gifts to Get the Party Started
Welcome bags are a nice touch to make wedding guests feel
comfortable upon arrival
By Anna Sachse, CTW Features
