Welcome Wedding Gift Bags - FAQ
What is a Welcome Gift Bag?
A welcome gift bag is a container, usually a gift bag, basket or box containing a combination of snacks and a beverage, given to out of town guests upon their arrival at the hotel.
The hotel welcome bag is a hospitable way to welcome your out of town guests to your wedding or other special event. Your guests will enjoy having something to eat and drink as they unpack and unwind from their travel.
You may also include in the welcome bag any information your guests may need concerning the time and place of events and any sight seeing opportunities in the area.
What Information Should I Provide?
Provide the time your events will take place and directions to the ceremony site and directions from the ceremony to the reception. (It is good idea to hand out directions to the reception after the ceremony to all your guests even if you have included them with your invitation. If you are doing a program, print the directions on the back.) Maps are a great idea!
Directions to area restaurants, churches and the times of services, and area attractions may also be information that will be useful for your guests. This information is often available at the hotel; however, check ahead of time to be sure. You can obtain information concerning local events from your Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
When Do I Give Out the Wedding Gift Bags?
Most often, the hotel staff will give the welcome gift bag to your guests when they check in. Some hotels will place the welcome bag in the room prior to your guests’ arrival; however, in the case of a room change, this could be a problem.
Also, there may be a charge for this service. Be sure to check with the hotel ahead of time concerning their policy.
Do I Give a Wedding Gift Bag to Each Person?
Usually, there is on hotel gift bag given to each couple. If there are children, you should include items that are geared toward their tastes, too. Of course, you can give a gift bag of goodies to each person.
Single people, even if sharing a room, should receive a welcome gift bag of their own. (as with favors, the general rule is, one for each couple, one for each single person).
What Should I Put in My Wedding Gift Bag?
A good combination for each hotel wedding gift bag is something sweet, something salty, some chocolate and something to drink. If the bag is intended for a couple, include two of each snack item, or a portion size that is large enough for both people to share.
It is always fun for your out of town guest to receive a food item representative of the local area. Michigan is known for cherries, include a cherry spread or even cherry wine. A lobster lollypop would be a great addition for weddings in Maine, and since the PEZ Company has it’s headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, including a PEZ dispenser would be ideal for weddings in Connecticut.
Trader Joe's, Sam's Club and Costco are all great places to get snacks for your hotel welcome bags at very reasonable prices. If you are including water or another bottled beverage, place the bottles opposite each other in the corners of the bag, this will balance the bag. (see picture below).Then put your snacks in the middle and in the opposite corners. You can add tissue and tie the handles together with a piece of satin ribbon to finish off your bag with style!
Here are just a few of the possibilites! 
If you need help or have questions, please call us toll free at 877-666-1806 or email us at info@beatricegiftservices.com.
