A Welcome Bag is a thoughtful and personalized gift from you (the couple or host) to your guests, usually received upon check-in at their hotel. The gifts are often small bags, boxes, or baskets filled with items that are aimed at making your guests feel comfortable, informed, loved, and thought of. Welcome Bags are a way for you to express your appreciation for your guests’ presence and to help them feel more at ease while traveling for your event. Additionally, welcome bags can also match the theme of your event or wedding, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend!!!

What should welcome bags include?

Welcome note: A heartfelt message from you to get them amped up for the event.
Agenda/Timeline and/or Map: To inform guests of the correct locations and overall schedule.
Snacks and Drinks: Include a variety (something sweet, something salty, something savory) and beverages (water, juice, mini bottle of wine, champagne or liquor)
Emergency Kit: Items like pain relievers, band-aids, mints, or makeup removers.
Extras:
- Customized Favors
- Seasonal Items
- Activities for kids
- Hangover kit
Considerations: Travel sized items that guests can fly home with!!

How many welcome bags should I prepare?

Pro Tip: Decide whether you want to provide a welcome bag to each room or to each person. (It is common to gift just one bag per room.)

When determining how many welcome bags you need, review your guest list and identify how many guests will be staying in a hotel. If you have access to the room assignments, note the number of rooms booked. If not, make a good estimate based on your guest list review. Keep in mind, guests from the same family might be staying in the same room.

Always, always, always prepare a few extra welcome bags to accommodate last-minute changes, additional guests, and other unforeseen circumstances. You can always use the leftover bags as gifts for your vendors or team members.

What information should I include?

As much as you want! There are many moving parts and special details you don’t want your guests to miss during your event. Ensuring your guests have all the necessary information will make their experience more enjoyable. Here are some essential elements to include:

Timeline: Make sure to note the times and locations for each event. Don't worry, we will help you build a complete timeline, which you can adjust to include only the essential information that your guests need.
Map: Highlight significant locations such as: rehearsal dinner, welcome party, ceremony, reception location, and brunch. This will help guests navigate the area easily and it is a cute keepsake from your special weekend.
Top Attractions: Include a list of popular attractions such as the museums and parks. You can also add attractions special to the hosts (company milestones or first date location). This information can live on your event website or include a print out in the welcome bag.
Dining Recommendations: Suggest a few of your favorite restaurants and bars. Don’t forget to mention any special dishes or drinks. This is another way for your guests to get to enjoy YOUR weekend by dining like you!
Activities: Include a list of fun activities that are going on in the city during your event. Your guests may want to check out the architectural boat tour or catch a sporting event. This is also a great way to let your guests know that they may need to leave a little earlier than expected to get to the most important activities of the weekend.
Parking: It is important to inform guests about parking options at each venue. Let them know if there are parking options or restrictions. Let them know if it is better for them to drive or schedule a ride or hop on the trolley/bus if you are providing one.
QR Code: Adding a QR code linking to your wedding website can be very helpful and cuts down on a lot of printing costs. This can lead guests to an online version of the timeline, maps, local recommendations, etc. and it ensures that they have access to the most up-to-date information.

Should I add anything specific to Chicago?

If Chicago holds a special place in your heart, definitely! Your guests will love a taste or keepsake of the host city. Including Chicago-themed items in your welcome bags can share a piece of your story with your guests. Here are some ideas to highlight Chicago in your welcome bags:

Food

Popcorn: Include a bag of Garrett Popcorn, a Chicago staple.
Deep-Dish Pizza: DO NOT include actual pizza in your welcome bags! ;) Instead, consider vouchers for local favorites like Lou Malnati’s or Pequod’s Pizza.
Chocolate or Sweets: Add something sweet from iconic spots like Vosges Haut-Chocolate or Frango Mints.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog Kit: While you can’t add an actual hotdog or other perishable items, a kit with the necessary condiments for making a Chicago-style hot dog is a great way to share the city with your guests.

Chicago Souvenirs

The Bean: Include a small souvenir like a keychain or postcard featuring The Bean or other Chicago landmarks like the Sears Tower.
Chicago Sports Teams: If the hosts are big sports fans, consider including items that support their favorite teams.

Other personalization tips and tricks for wedding welcome bags:

MAKE IT YOURS! A welcome bag or basket that perfectly encapsulates you (or your company) is always a hit. Your guests are there to support you and these gifts are a fun way to share more about you. Here are a few ways to add some special touches to your gifts:

Hand write your welcome note.
Create custom labels for the water bottles or snacks.
Include custom stickers to seal bags or boxes.
Add personalized games or activities like a crossword puzzle, word search, or trivia game
Customize cookies
Include a card that has a list of photo challenges
Provide a card where guests can share their favorite memory of the couple, company, or the event. Collect these at the event!
Don’t forget any themed items like sunscreen if you’re having a summer wedding or event!

By incorporating these personalized elements, your welcome gifts will delight your guests and be a great reflection of your love and personally!