Things To Include In Your Welcome Basket That Guests Will Love

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or something local with out of town guests, people love a welcome basket! It’s a great way to get people out of their haze from traveling and into party mode. If you’re struggling to think of what to put into your welcome basket, check out our top ideas below.

Your Favorite Snacks

Photo by: Kadi Tobin Photography

The number one thing you should include in your welcome basket is food! Guests will be getting off planes, trains and automobiles and settling into their hotels. I can almost guarantee, they’ll get hungry and need something quick to eat. Add in some of you and your partner’s favorite snacks to get everyone excited for the big event. It helps set the tone and maybe even introduces new information about you as a couple to your guests. Bonus points if the snacks are local to the city you’re getting married in. 

Something To Drink

Along the same line as snacks, adding something to drink is also a great addition to welcome baskets. I highly recommend boxed water but you can also include a fun cocktail mix to use with the hotel mini-bar! 

Map To The City

Photo by: Wild Whim Photography

I know that just about everyone has a map on their smart phone but we are suckers for a good stationery moment! We love it when couples customize maps to give their guests an idea of where everything is; especially if it’s a new city for some of your guests.

List Of Things To See

Photo by: Simply Adri Photography

Additionally, we suggest giving your guests a list of things to see + do in between festivities. This helps take the pressure off them to research activities. Even if your guests are local, consider creating a list of some of your favorite things as a couple. Maybe direct your guests to where you got engaged, or your favorite local coffee shop + museum. You never know, you might be introducing a new spot to someone!  

City Swag

Photo by: Sisterlee Photography 

There’s no better way to show your city some love than by packing in some city swag into the welcome baskets. You can go as tchotchke as you want but I love a customized reusable tote or even a customized mug. Or you can be like this couple who gave everyone cookies in the shape of the state they’re from! 

Information For The Wedding

Photo by: Wild Whim Photography

Lastly, and most importantly, I always tell my clients to include a paper form of information your guests will need for the wedding. Even if you included it in your wedding website, guests appreciate an abundance of communication. Especially if there are multiple events taking place, it’s helpful to give guests a breakdown of basic FAQs.

I hope this list was helpful, friends! Be sure to drop the baskets at the hotel prior to guests arriving and ask the front desk for help distributing the goodies. Hotel staff can either have the baskets ready in their room or pass them off to guests with their room keys. If you want help putting together other ways to delight your wedding guests, contact me on my homepage here!