Welcome Bags for Out of Town Guests

Your guests have traveled far and wide to celebrate in your day! Let them know how much you appreciate them with a thoughtfully put together welcome bag. You don't have to do anything too fancy. Your bag should reflect your day. Think of this a the trailer for your day and the big movie premier is coming soon. Here are some great ideas for what you should include in your bags.

1. The Packaging- Just because it's a welcome bag doesn't mean you are limited to just a plain bag. You can tailor the packaging to fit your theme. Use a pail for a beach wedding or an oversized teacup for a vintage wedding. If you do choose a bag think of your guests and what they might want to reuse once the wedding is over. Instead of a monogram or bride and groom names why not try a simple graphic that ties into your day on a canvas tote. That way the bag is functional after the wedding.
2. Something to Drink- Save your guests costly gift shop prices for the ever coveted water bottle. Tuck in one or two bottles with a custom label. For a fun alternative add a flavored or sparkling beverage.
3. Sweet & Savory Snacks- Help guests avoid the minibar by including both savory and sweet munchies. Give out-of-towners a taste of local flavor with region-specific goodies, like locally grown oranges for Florida, black-and-white cookies for New York City or homemade Newport, Rhode Island, fudge.
4. My Favorite (What?)- If you include something you love, chances are, they'll love it. Think along the lines of your grandmother's famous candy apples, a copy of your favorite book or movie, or a CD, complete with your and your fiancee's favorite tunes.
5. Itinerary- Give a preview of what's to come and make sure they’re in the right place at the right time -- include contact information, a timeline, key locations and dress code notes, along with any other important details specific to your event. 
6. A Guide to the Area- Let your guests know all your favorite spots in the city. If you have a perfect place for a steaming plate of spaghetti clue your guests in. Give them info on fun and exciting things to see and do while they are here. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness.
7. Hangover Helper- Let them enjoy the champagne toasts and open bar without suffering the morning after. Assemble a hangover-helper kit with packets of Advil, Alka-Seltzer and Emergen-C. Some other thoughtful items include ice packs, eyedrops and breath-freshening mints. Add other emergency fallbacks, like stain remover, Band-Aids and a mini sewing kit.
8. Braving the Elements- Include some weather friendly items. Consider mini bug spray bottles, sunglasses to beat the heat, or pashmina scarves and hot tea packets for a fall or winter wedding. If you're anticipating a rainy weekend, include travel-friendly ponchos.  Most hotels provide shampoo or lotion tell your guests that you really thought about their needs and include some pampering items the hotels don't provide, include ChapStick tubes, sunscreen wipes, handmade soaps or a sleep mask.
9. Thank You Note- Make sure you let your guests know how much you appreciate their company. Include a handwritten message thanking them for joining you and include a personal message to them.