Planning a destination wedding and want to surprise your guests with a thoughtful welcome gift? I’ve got you covered!
A welcome bag or favor is the perfect way to thank your guests for traveling all that way to celebrate with you. After all, they’ve spent time, money, and effort to be there—so why not greet them with something special? But let’s be real, nobody wants gifts that get tossed or forgotten because they’re not useful.
That’s why I’ve done the research and rounded up the best destination wedding welcome gift ideas—ones that your guests will actually love, use, and appreciate. Let’s make sure your wedding gifts are memorable (and not left behind in the hotel room).
Before we dive in, let’s go over some common questions you might have about destination wedding welcome bags.
How Much should you spend in a wedding welcome bags?
I believe the amount you spend on wedding welcome bags should depend on your budget and what makes the most sense for you. There’s no set amount you have to stick to—it all comes down to how many guests you’re welcoming and the type of gifts you want to include. At the end of the day, it’s all about making your guests feel appreciated with useful, thoughtful items they’ll enjoy during their stay!
Is it necessary to give destination wedding welcome bags to guests?
No, destination wedding welcome bags aren’t a must, but they’re such a sweet and thoughtful way to show your guests how much you appreciate them making the trip to celebrate your big day. It’s a lovely way to make them feel extra special and welcomed! I totally get that planning a wedding can be overwhelming, especially with all the time and money you’re putting into your dream day. But remember, your loved ones are doing the same—they’re taking time off work and spending their own money to be there for you. A welcome bag is a small gesture that can go a long way in showing your gratitude and setting the tone for an amazing and memorable celebration!
What do you put in a Wedding welcome bags?
Below is a list of the best destination wedding welcome bag contents and favors. The most popular welcome bags include goods that your guests would not think to bring for themselves, products that they might forget to bring, or gifts that will make their journey easier and more enjoyable.
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A personalized welcome note
I absolutely love the idea of adding a personalized welcome note. Taking a moment to express your gratitude on paper is such a thoughtful touch that will make your guests feel truly appreciated.
It’s easy to forget how much effort our guests put into being there—taking time off work or school, spending their hard-earned money, and using their vacation days just to celebrate with you. A sweet welcome letter in their gift bag is a small but meaningful way to say, “Thank you for being here!”
You can also include a wedding itinerary to keep everyone on schedule and make sure they don’t miss out on any of the fun. A simple, personal touch like this can go a long way in making your loved ones feel special!
Sunscreen
I highly recommend adding sunscreen to your wedding welcome bags, especially if you’re having a beach or outdoor wedding! Guests often forget to pack it, and no one wants to deal with a painful sunburn while trying to enjoy your big day. Sun protection is a must, and a mini bottle of SPF can be a total lifesaver—keeping your guests comfortable and preventing that dreaded lobster-red look in wedding photos.
Sunglasses
I love the idea of adding sunglasses to your welcome bag—especially for a beach wedding! They’ll keep your guests cool and comfortable, whether they’re soaking in your “I do’s” or enjoying the reception. Plus, you can make them extra special by personalizing them with your wedding date, initials, or a fun phrase!
Lip Balm with SPF
If you’re having a destination wedding, especially on the beach or somewhere tropical, adding SPF lip balm to your welcome bag is a small but super thoughtful touch! The mix of sun, salty air, and ocean breezes can leave lips feeling dry and chapped, and no one wants that.
A hydrating lip balm will keep your guests feeling fresh and comfortable throughout the celebrations. Plus, you can personalize the labels with your wedding colors, names, or a fun saying, making them a cute and practical keepsake from your big day.
Personalized Water Bottles
I absolutely love the idea of adding a water bottle to your welcome bags, especially if you’re tying the knot in a sunny, tropical paradise! It’s such a small detail, but it’s also super thoughtful. Your guests will really appreciate having a water bottle to keep hydrated—whether they’re lounging at the resort or gearing up for a fun excursion. And the best part? It’s something they can take home and use every day, giving them a little reminder of your amazing wedding long after the big day!
Fans
If you’re tying the knot in a warm, tropical paradise, adding fans to your destination wedding welcome bags is such an easy yet thoughtful way to keep your guests comfortable. Honestly, I’m a huge fan of using fans as wedding favors—they’re chic, practical, and just make perfect sense. Plus, I absolutely love program fans because they serve a double purpose: keeping guests cool while also being a beautiful keepsake from your big day!
City Guides
Another great idea is to include a map showing your wedding venue and nearby spots like tourist attractions, beaches, cafes, and restaurants. You can make it even more personal by sharing a city guide with all your favorite places! By highlighting these gems, you’ll help your guests make the most of their trip and enjoy every moment of their stay.
Are wedding welcome bags per person or room?
Here’s a little tip for your wedding welcome bags: one bag per room works great! But I always recommend personalizing each bag for the people staying there. For instance, if two guests are sharing a room, and you’re including something like sunglasses or lip balm, just pop two of each item into the same bag. That way, you won’t end up with too many extra bags, especially if your guests are traveling together. Ultimately, it all comes down to what works best for your situation and your budget!
UPNEXT: 5 Budget-Friendly Tips for Planning a Destination Beach Wedding