What Makes The Perfect Destination Wedding Welcome Bag?
One of the most common questions I get from my clients once the deposits are paid and rooms are booked — is how to make their guests feel truly welcomed and appreciated. While I’m all about creating experiences over things, I’m also all about a well-crafted welcome bag as an added thoughtful touch to your celebration.
While not a must-have, a well-crafted welcome bag is one of the best ways to thank your guests for traveling all that way to celebrate with you. We know destination weddings can sometimes be a bit of a splurge for your loved ones, so adding a few surprises along the way can really brighten their trip! Think of it as a fun, personalized treat to kick off the festivities! Whether it’s a taste of the local culture or a nod to your love story, get creative and have fun with it.
Here’s a quick guide to help you create the perfect destination wedding welcome bags without the stress!
What is a Destination Wedding Welcome Bag?
Think of the welcome bag as the ultimate upgrade to traditional wedding favors. It’s like a little “thank you” kit for your guests, filled with goodies that say, “We’re so glad you made it!” Now, some couples still like to throw in traditional favors, but with destination welcome bags, you have a chance to really personalize things and show your guests how much you appreciate them. After all, they flew across the country, dug out those passports, and went out of their way to be there for you!
Want to up the ante even more? There are plenty of ways to wow your guests, but first, let’s talk about what actually goes into these magical bags. Should you stick with a theme? Will your guests just toss everything before they hop on the plane back home?
Hold up — we’re diving into all that and more right here:
How Do I Put My Welcome Bag Together?
It all starts with the bag! Do you want a trendy beach tote or maybe a sturdy bag that can double as a grocery bag after the wedding? It’s really all about the bag, so pick one that fits your style (and destination). You could go with a small tote, a chic beach bag, or even a simple brown paper bag dressed up with a monogram stamp (seriously, monograms make everything look classy).
Pro-Tip: Try using a cute box in your wedding color! Not only is it reusable and sturdy, but it also keeps everything neatly organized — and looks really good when filled with all the goodies.
I’d recommend choosing something your guests can reuse. Beach bags are always a hit — they’re perfect for lounging on the beach during the trip and easily be packed away for future use. And remember, think about what your guests can take home without hassle. No one wants items they can’t fit back in their suitcase (I mean, who has room for extra things in a carry-on?).
🎁 Check Out This Freebie 💝
Need some inspo? We’ve put together this ultimate guide to show you exactly what we’d pack in a destination wedding welcome bag! Follow this link to download your free guide and start planning the perfect welcome bag.
What Goes Inside of My Wedding Welcome Bag?
Now that you’ve nailed down the perfect bag, let’s talk about what goodies to fill it with! Depending on your destination location, a themed welcome bag is always a cute idea. Think beach, city, mountain, vineyard, garden — the options are endless! Just make sure your items match the vibe. A beach bag in Paris? Probably not the best fit. Consider the destination, wedding style, budget, and even your color palette when picking out what to include.
Photo Credit: Marigold & Grey – One of my go-to vendors in the Virginia/DC area!
Photo Credit: Marigold & Grey – One of my go-to vendors in the Virginia/DC area!
Here are some of the best wedding welcome bag ideas to get you started:
Flip Flops:
Perfect for guests who want to hit the dance floor after the ceremony without sacrificing their feet!
Mini Liquor Bottles:
We did this for our wedding, and the tequila came in very handy 🍸! Match the drink to your destination for an extra touch — think rum in Jamaica or Don Q in Puerto Rico. Pro-Tip: Buy these when you arrive to avoid any issues with customs or traveling!
Cigars:
This one’s for the fellas and makes a great groomsmen gift. If you really want to impress, you can even hire a cigar roller for an added touch of class.
Candy & Snacks:
Go local! Look for unique treats like plantain chips, regional chocolates, or even Champagne Gummy Bears from Sugarfina (a personal favorite). Don’t forget a savory option, too! Salted peanuts, crackers, or popcorn — pick whatever suits your guests best.
Examples of Local Items:
In Jamaica: Blue Mountain Coffee or Appleton Rum.
In Cancun: Little Bottles of Mezcal or Olmec Indian Chocolate, or Spicy Tamarind Candy.
In Greece: Mini bottles of olive oil or baklava treats.
In Italy: Biscotti or regional pastries.
In the Caribbean: Locally-made rum cakes or coconut candles.
In France: Macarons or lavender sachets.
Pro-Tip: If candy & snacks are not your vibe, consider including local spices or seasonings! Give your guests a little taste of the destination that they can bring back to their kitchen. For example, jerk seasoning from Jamaica, Mexican spice blends from Cancun, or herbes de Provence from your French countryside wedding 🌍.
Refreshing Beverages:
Top off the bag with a fancy sparkling water or coconut water to keep guests hydrated. Hosting a winter wedding or a non-beach event? Include a local craft beer or IPA for a fun twist. Your guests will appreciate the extra touch (and probably need the hydration).
Practical Items / DIY Survival Kits
Create a “Wedding Survival Kit” with essentials like a mini first-aid kit, lip balm, sunscreen, stain remover wipes, sewing kits, and heel protectors for walking on sand or grass. And, let’s be real, a hangover kit is always a welcome addition!
For a ✨special touch ✨add something personal that you and your fiancé love. Attach a cute note explaining why you chose this item — or, create a small booklet with tips for exploring your destination location with things like best local eats, cultural etiquette, or hidden gems. Personalize the gift, and it will become one people won’t forget!
Pro-Tip: If you’re not using a gifting service like Marigold and Grey or Camden & Blue, buy items when you arrive at your destination. Skip the hassle of shipping or worrying if that bridesmaid forgot to pack something. Get there early, and use those first couple of days to explore local boutiques, markets, and shops for unique items. You get to really enjoy your destination this way too 😉!
Now that you have some ideas, go ahead and create a Pinterest board to organize your welcome bag vision and moodboard. Need inspiration? Check out the TravelBash Pinterest boardfor more ideas.
Last-Minute Details:
Add The Perfect Finishing Touches To Your Wedding Welcome Bags
Now for the final details that will make your welcome bag truly special — the finishing touches. This is where the sentimental elements come in, starting with the all-important welcome letter. Not sure what that is? It’s your personal note to guests welcoming them to the celebration and expressing how grateful you are for their presence.
Don’t forget to include a main point of contact in the letter (because trust me, you don’t want to be handling issues on your wedding day!). Also, make sure to add the schedule for the week’s events so everyone knows what’s in store.
Finally, it’s time to wrap it all up! Use a pretty bow, ribbon, or even a bit of greenery to tie everything together. And remember, you’re not limited to bags — get creative! A cute vintage box or wooden crate can add a unique touch that your guests will love.
Destination Wedding Welcome Bags:
Your FAQs, Details, and Logistics
❓How Many Welcome Bags Should I Prepare?
Decide whether to do one bag per person or maybe per room, per couple, or even per family. We recommend one bag per couple, individual bags for roommates, and a family-friendly bag with kid-approved items for families. If your resort offers special touches, like delivering a cake pop to the room, take advantage! Just a heads up: most resorts charge $4-$10 per bag per room delivery. For me, it was a no-brainer and one less thing to stress about.
❓Should I Include Separate Items For The Bridal Party?
Absolutely! Adding a little extra something for your bridal party is a nice touch. It could be as simple as a personalized note, a mini spa kit, or a small token of appreciation for standing by your side. Want to go the extra mile? Plan a special excursion or activity just for them — we took ours jet skiing, and it was an unforgettable experience!
❓Should Items Be Age Appropriate?
Yes! While your gran might love a bottle of tequila, make sure to consider the tastes and restrictions of your guests. Some might not drink, and others may have dietary needs or allergies. If you’re planning to include food items, check the local names of ingredients (lemon in Cancun is a lime!) and list them out for your guests. This is especially crucial if your wedding is kid-friendly.
❓How Much Should I Budget For Each Welcome Bag?
Obviously, these bags can get pricey. Set a budget upfront and stick to it! Consider the cost of the bag or box itself, the goodies inside, and any printing or labeling or shipping.
Pro-DIY Tip: reach out to the destination’s tourist boards or CVB centers through your planner for freebies like maps, coupons, or guides to keep the costs down.
❓How Should I Deliver The Welcome Bags?
Decide whether to entrust a bridal party member, distribute them at check-in, or have the resort handle it. Most resorts offer delivery to guests’ rooms, even at turndown service, for an added fee (usually around $5 per room). We chose this option, and it was worth it — no stressing over who gets what and where!
Next, think about who will put the bags together. You and your partner can do it the day you go shopping and cross it off your list! Alternatively, ask your bridesmaids, planner, or on-site team to help. Not up for the task? No worries! There are companies that can handle the creative stuff for you — just be sure to order well in advance in case of delays or backorders.
And don’t forget perishable items! Avoid anything that could melt or spoil, and plan accordingly.
Pro-Tip: If you’re shipping items, give the hotel a heads-up. Let them know who it’s for and when it will arrive. Just keep in mind that not all hotels accept packages, so double-check this before you ship! When you arrive, review the details with the hotel staff and provide them with the rooming list, including any special requests.
❓When and how should I distribute the welcome bags to my guests?
Most couples choose to have bags delivered at check-in or placed in guests’ rooms before they arrive. You can also hand them out at a welcome event. Whatever you decide, make it easy for your guests to get their goodies!
❓How do I avoid overpacking the welcome bags?
Here me out: stick to the essentials and a few fun extras that reflect your destination. Think quality over quantity — there’s no need to pack the bags to the brim! Focus on items that are useful, unique, and show off the destination’s charm.
Also, a tip from my own experience: I didn’t buy items until I got to the destination. I had a list and knew what I wanted, but my fiance (now husband) arrived early and knocked out the shopping ahead of time. It really made the process much easier and got us only what we truly needed.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have welcome bags that are thoughtful, memorable, and stress-free to put together!
Pro-Tip: Do you need help with printing or creating your welcome bag / welcome letter / gift designs? PaperTales Custom is great and nope, we do not get anything for telling you that. We just love their work and thought we would share! Amy is the best! Check out some of her welcome bag decals.
Wrap It Up: Your Perfect Welcome Bag Awaits
Now that you’ve got the insider scoop on destination wedding welcome bags, you’re ready to create something truly special for your guests. From choosing the right bag to picking thoughtful goodies and practical items, every detail adds to your guests’ experience and makes them feel appreciated. Remember, it’s not about stuffing the bag with as much as you can — it’s about creating a memorable, personalized treat that reflects your fun and romantic wedding vibe.
So, go ahead and get creative! Plan, personalize, and most importantly, have fun with it! Your guests will love the effort and thoughtfulness you’ve put into making them feel welcome. Need more inspiration? Don’t forget to download our free guide and check out our Pinterest board. Now, let’s get started on creating those unforgettable welcome bags — your guests will thank you!
Editor Notes: This post was originally published on March 7, 2018, and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance.
Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
