Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Ceremony & Reception Wedding Reception Ideas Wedding Favors 49 Thoughtful Welcome Bag Ideas From Real Weddings Gather inspiration from these creative wedding welcome bags to make your guests feel loved and appreciated all weekend long. By Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber has been writing, editing, and producing lifestyle and weddings content for over seven years. In that time, she has interviewed and worked with hundreds of leading experts to become an authority on all things homekeeping, flower arranging, home design, and wedding planning. Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 14, 2024 Close Photo: Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography There's no better way to welcome guests to your wedding weekend than with a welcome bag, box, or basket. A small gift with a few hand-picked surprises is just the thing to make attendees feel like a special part of the big day. Begin by brainstorming favorite snacks or sips, like monogrammed bottled water, local treats, or miniature bottles of bubbly. Consider additions for guests who may be unfamiliar with the area, like personalized maps with your go-to spots marked, along with the ceremony and reception locations and any shuttle or transportation information. Guests will appreciate a post-party recovery kit: Advil, eye masks, or do-not-disturb signs that match your wedding stationery. Wrap everything up in a stylish (and preferably reusable!) vessel with a thank you note. Explore our list of creative wedding welcome bag ideas and get inspired for your big day. 01 of 49 Say Thank You Kylee Yee Make guests feel appreciated before the ceremony begins with a welcome bag that starts by saying thank you. Before their wedding, this couple hand-wrote thank-you cards for their guests, wrapped them in lace and placed them inside the welcome bags. Each bag is stuffed with drinks and local goodies. A personalized card with a watercolor emblem of the wedding destination as well as the bride and groom's names and wedding date was affixed to each bag with a ribbon. 02 of 49 Give It a Personalized Look Heather Waraksa This thoughtful bride and groom gave guests a welcome bag from A Signature Welcome, which included a few of their favorite things: Cabot's Candy, handmade organic soap, a bundle of palo santo wood and crystals, and mini carpets, handmade and personalized with their names and wedding date from Azerbaijan. They also included a couple of skincare staples, rosewater and sunscreen, to ensure guests are prepared for the big day. Saltwater taffy makes a sweet touch. 03 of 49 Make It Foodie-Focused KT Merry This couple greeted guests staying at their Fairmont Grand Del Mar venue with gift boxes that included cookies, olive oil, and other treats. Along with the note from the bride and groom, the jars are cohesively stamped with a personalized monogram of the couple's initials, which makes the gift come together. A wooden box makes for a gorgeous, earthy presentation. 04 of 49 Source Locally Mike Cassimatis Looking for a great way to welcome guests to your destination? Make like this couple, who compiled gift bags with local St. Louis staples, including snacks from The Billy Goat Chip Company and Gooey Louie butter cake. An outline of events gives guests peace of mind, ensuring they know where to go and when. A recovery kit will come in hand the day after the wedding. 05 of 49 Choose a Theme KT Merry Pick a theme and go for it. At this wedding, guests received baskets filled with French-inspired goodies. A Signature Welcome added a baguette and rose-petal confit, a bundle of lavender, and chocolates. 06 of 49 Take Inspiration from Location Lissa Ryan Photography Have your gifts take a cue from the setting like these beach-inspired welcome boxes did. Marigold & Grey filled seagrass baskets with little parcels sealed with twine and wax to match the couple's invitations. Snacks were kept location-appropriate with plantain chips and dried mango. Sunscreen and sunglasses (there were five styles in total) were tucked in to make sure guests had it made in the shade. And a Turkish towel was folded on top as the finishing touch. 07 of 49 Create a Custom Logo Greg Finck The couple opted for signature Baltimore treats, including Utz potato chips and Berger cookies. Meanwhile, the welcome tote featured their custom logo—a theme exemplified throughout the soirée. If your wedding is located in a fun city, include some visitor information to inspire their pre-wedding excursions. 08 of 49 Include a Wearable Item Laura Ford Photography Custom beanies and a weekend itinerary were just some of the creative contents of this couple's welcome bags. The couple included their favorite candies in small cellophane bags labeled "her favorite" "his favorite" and "our favorite." 09 of 49 Greet Guests by Name Elizabeth Messina Photography If you're having a small wedding, it's easier to go the extra mile to personalize your welcome goodies. At this intimate destination wedding, attendees were greeted with a pail of edible local goodies, postcards, and a guide to the area. The sweetest touch was the calligraphed tag welcoming each guest by name. 10 of 49 Pick a Common Thread The Happy Bloom Weaving a common thread through the contents of your welcome bag will make them feel highly curated. At this Savannah wedding, wide-woven baskets were stocked with lemon- and honey-themed snacks. A Signature Welcome finished off each parcel with raw silk ribbon in a muted shade of green. 11 of 49 Go for Style Steve Cowell Photography Baskets lined with a patterned cloth were loaded with autumnal treats like fresh apples, dried fruit and nuts, black cherry soda, and a bottle of rosé, showing that you can be a little seasonal but still have a cool style. Choose treats and drinks that fit within your color palette for a cohesive look. 12 of 49 Stick Within a Color Pallete Kate Headley Sticking to a color palette or a particular pattern on your packaging keeps a welcome box cohesive. Teak & Twine filled sturdy boxes with treats like mini bottles of bubbly, soap, candy, and a chocolate bar and used various elements from the Cheree Berry Paper stationery suite for the wrapping. 13 of 49 Bienvenidos a Mexico The Love Studio Getting married in another country? Celebrate the local language by printing a welcoming message on the tote bags you give each guest. At this wedding in Tulum, Mexico, the couple handed out teal-colored totes with local beer, a bottle opener, handmade guides to the area, and "in sickness and in health" bags that included Pepto, Band-Aids, ibuprofen, gum, sunscreen, and bug-repelling bracelets. 14 of 49 Give a Modern Welcome Sylvie Gil Photography Everything inside these metal baskets was gold or white, and most items were locally sourced. Gold water bottles helped keep guests hydrated over the weekend, while treats like kettle corn, a candle that smelled like the nearby forest, and a small bottle of liquor with a recipe card had everyone feeling right at home. Shredded wood kept the contents secure. 15 of 49 Sprinkle in Southern Charm Lissa Ryan Photography Go the regional route and stuff your welcome boxes with local staples. Here, Marigold & Grey filled round boxes with monogrammed snacks, gourmet cashews, and honey to show guests some southern hospitality ahead of this Georgia wedding. The color palette of the packaging and ribbons tied into the welcome dinner, where the couple presented the welcome amenities to each guest. 16 of 49 Welcome Watercolor Details The Grovers Brand your bags, but do it in a way that's not just your names and the wedding date, as guests are more likely to reuse something if it's a general design. This couple adorned their welcome totes with a colorful watercolor motif that complemented their stationery suite by Julie Song Ink. Along with snacks and water, an itinerary helped guests settle in. 17 of 49 Go Greek Abby Jiu Photography At this Greek-inspired wedding, a bottle of olive oil was just one of the many components guests found inside their wooden gift box. Lauryn Prattes Events tapped Marigold & Grey to flesh out the rest: a Greek walnut loaf, artisanal chocolates, sparkling water, and a few olive branches. 18 of 49 Incorporate Homemade Goodies Studio 1208 Remember that not everything you include has to be store-bought. This bride pulled together some of her favorite items to share with her loved ones—including loaf cakes made by her sister. The goodies were tucked into a lined wire basket. 19 of 49 Gift a Party in a Box Lacie Hansen Photography Gather local beverages, snacks, a bottle opener and coasters, and a playlist and you're giving your guests an instant party to kick off the wedding weekend. The wooden boxes are hand-carved with a nod to the location and the couple's names. 20 of 49 Make It Your "Something Blue" Lissa Ryan Photography These Marigold & Grey welcome boxes were made with a "Mad Men meets West Elm" theme, and the result was so cool. Cookies with the couple's two German shepherds' likenesses took center stage, while a bag of local coffee, boxed water, and bison jerky rounded things out. The blue crinkle-cut paper kept the contents from sliding around or sinking to the bottom of each box. 21 of 49 Include Custom Art Eric Kelley Artwork can really make a bag feel special. A pelican illustration by Dear Elouise graced the cover of this welcome booklet, which was tucked inside a jute bag curated by A Signature Welcome. A bottle of red wine and a petite bar of chocolate were also included. 22 of 49 Drink Up Rachel May Photography Why not welcome the guys with a combination of bourbon, cigars, nuts, and cookies in a flip-top basket that can easily be repurposed post-wedding? We love this one by Marigold & Grey. 23 of 49 Fall for an Autumnal Look Abby Jiu Photography It's nice to channel the season, particularly if you're getting married in the fall. At this wedding, dark baskets adorned with silk ribbon (and a tag thanking guests for coming!) were filled by Lauryn Prattes Events with seasonal staples. Boxes from Ikea were stuffed with local apple cider in a small growler calligraphed by Laura Hooper. For those who wanted to spike their drink, a mini bottle of whisky was provided, as was pumpkin-spice popcorn and a Snickerdoodle cookie. Rounding out the gifts were hammered brass apple- and pear-shaped candles and a tea towel that read "thankful." 24 of 49 Write on the Box Love & Light Photographs This couple had their names written in white on wooden welcome boxes, which contained a mini bottle of tequila, lime candy, and peanut butter cups. Checking into a hotel room with a box like this waiting for you would be such a treat. 25 of 49 Let Your Personalities Shine Through Charlotte Jenks Lewis For this outdoor wedding, guests received boxes assembled by A Signature Welcome, which included Champagne, water, and canisters of snacks. The snacks highlighted the duo's favorites: cheese puffs for him, caramel popcorn for her, and chocolate chip cookies for both. It's just one more way to show off your personalities (and your preferences). 26 of 49 Use a Custom Wedding Motif Sara Corona This couple repeated the same floral motif on their welcome bag throughout their wedding, tying the knot, and every aspect of their wedding weekend, together. The welcome bag included a wedding weekend itinerary and info on parking for guests, then included all the staples for a good weekend: a water bottle, medicine, and a few snacks. 27 of 49 Illustrate It Ashley Brown The couple had an intimate wedding and chose a weekend itinerary by Marti Harris Designs with illustrations of each event's location. Also in the welcome bag are customized cheese knives, chocolates, and drinks. 28 of 49 Gift a Great Tote Julie Livingston Photography Give guests something they'll want to use once they're back home. These blue bags are sure to be used again—they're casual-chic and a great size. The couple filled them with some of their favorite things, including Live Love Pop truffle popcorn, Tate's Bake Shop cookies, Moscow Mule ingredients, and Miraval rosé. There was also a Colorbox Letterpress map of their wedding's location. 29 of 49 Have a Picnic Joel Serrato Picnic baskets are creative alternatives to the typical box or tote. This one was planned by Tory Smith and was adorned with a pretty pink bow. Each basket included a classic book (a nod to the couple's love of reading), along with a few skincare items and snacks. 30 of 49 Match the Vessel to Your Wedding Theme Mike Cassimatis Cardboard boxes can be customized to fit the style of your wedding. Attendees at this wedding received boxes covered in a red-and-pink rose pattern, filled with truffles, chips, and more. 31 of 49 Create Custom Wooden Welcome Boxes Elizabeth Messina Photography The groom built these beautiful boxes, which included olive oil, walnuts, fresh muscari, a do-not-disturb sign, gummy bears, and a reusable tote bag. Don't know a skilled carpenter? You can buy ready-made options, or consider using a statement quote somewhere on the packaging, whatever you choose. 32 of 49 Bring on the Boho Hunter Ryan Photo These welcome bags put a focus on purple—there were Turkish towels, tags, and more in the shade. The bag itself was printed with a quote from an E. E. Cummings poem, which was later read during the ceremony. 45 Boho Wedding Ideas That Feel Totally Dreamy 33 of 49 Let Your Destination Inspire You KT Merry When you go a little thematic, guests will get into the spirit. These bags were themed "Bienvenido to Miami," and were packed with Guayabera shirt-shaped cookies, Cuban coffee, plantain chips, Advil, and mosquito repellent. 34 of 49 Hand Pick Local Items Jose Villa When combined, favorite foods, local additions, and personal notes can really pack a punch. For this November celebration at a farm, guests were given the venue's cookbook, a schedule of events, and treats from the area and the bride and groom's home states. A Signature Welcome curated the bags, and the couple provided the handwritten notes. 35 of 49 Customize It Hannah Duffy Photography The couple put together welcome bags, choosing a canvas tote printed with their custom monogram and filling it with chocolates, personalized cups, favorite snacks and drinks, and cookies decorated with two images: the wedding venue and the couple's dog, Finn. 36 of 49 Put in a Potted Plant Abby Jiu Photography Wire baskets like this one are something guests can use to decorate their home post-wedding. This couple put awesome live gifts like potted cactuses in theirs. You can't go wrong with a little chocolate and bubbly to make guests feel cared for. 37 of 49 Stuff the Box With Snacks Corbin Gurkin This gray-washed wood box included black-and-white cookies, vegan treats, and peanuts alongside items like Irish whiskey, Champagne, and boxed water, plus a small map of the area surrounding their wedding location. A stem of lavender brings beauty and a calming aroma to each box. 38 of 49 Give Your Guests an Adventure Christian Oth Studio Think about how you'll entertain your guests when they're not attending the events over your wedding weekend. At this wedding, guests received welcome baskets by A Signature Welcome, which were packed full of local snacks and sweets, as well as a voucher for a boat ride on the nearby river. 39 of 49 Add in the Staples Corbin Gurkin Photography These welcome baskets came ready to celebrate, with kettle corn, Russell Stover candy, two bottles of sparkling rosé, and a post-wedding recovery kit with ibuprofen and eyedrops. Search for baskets or tote bags that guests will reuse time and time again after your wedding seeking, like this high-quality woven basket with leather handles. A common color and custom monogram found throughout give the basket a cohesive look. 40 of 49 Escape to the Sea Katie Stoops Photography If your wedding is taking place on or by the beach, include seaside staples. These monogrammed totes were packed with a mixture of local and imported treats and weekend essentials, like a welcome pamphlet with details on nearby attractions, plus chocolate bars and bottled water. 41 of 49 Bring on an Italian Vibe Corbin Gurkin For their Italian wedding day, this couple packed linen bags with tasty local treats, like amaretti cookies and sparkling Italian beverages, and made sure that their packaging and details (created by Tarah Catalano) coordinated with their wedding's other paper goods, too. A candle with a custom wax seal makes a wonderful gift that guests will use for months after returning home. 42 of 49 Brand the Bag John Dolan Think about the material of the bag you're giving, like this bride and groom who gifted their guests a burlap tote for their wedding on a ranch. Then think about how you can make it your own. This one was customized with their "brand" (designed by the groom as a twist on a rancher's brand) stenciled on the front and stuffed with goodies for the four-day stay. 43 of 49 Go Bright and Bold Max Wanger Get colorful and be bold. Guests in town for this couple's California nuptials received mini Baggu totes, imprinted with calligraphy and filled with SoCal essentials: a beach towel, sunnies, and treats. Guests will be ready for a pre-wedding trip to the beach. 44 of 49 Celebrate the Setting Corbin Gurkin This couple thought that the best way to welcome guests to Guatemala was to gift them items local to the area: salted plantain chips, coffee, and a booklet with a map and guide to the fun-filled five-day celebration. A striped luggage tag, made by a local women's cooperative using native textiles, doubled as a gift tag and wedding favor. Celebrating the setting of your destination wedding, either with local items or a luggage tag (or both), highlight why you chose to wed where you did and make the trip all the more special for loved ones. 45 of 49 Send Guests a Warm Breakfast Corbin Gurkin Who says welcome bags have to be given out before the wedding? It's all about making your guests feel welcomed, not necessarily upon arrival. In lieu of receiving welcome bags on arrival in South Carolina, guests woke up to a delivery of warm biscuits on this couple's wedding day. 46 of 49 Use a Tray Instead of a Basket Belathée Photography Set out goodies on a clear tray and they'll feel right at home. Guests of this couple were welcomed with in-hotel acrylic trays stocked with custom postcards, cheeky do-not-disturb signs, a journal, and wine from Banshee, a friend's vineyard. 47 of 49 Showcase Your Roots Kate Headley This groom was British, so welcome bags with English breakfast tea, a Harrods teddy bear, and locally made pastries and granola drove home the Brit-and-Yank theme of the wedding. Since the bride is American, they created a custom logo with the two country's flags crossing with their initials. A mini bottle of jam would make an excellent gift in any welcome bag. 48 of 49 Swap a Bag for a Flip-Top Box Lisa Ziesing for Abby Jiu Photography Lauryn Prattes Events curated these flip-top boxes with water, snacks, and a recovery kit in a muslin bag with the couple's wax seal. As a bonus, the boxes are folded up for easy transport and reuse after the wedding. 49 of 49 Let's Go Camping Erin Kunkel Fill an open basket with food, fun, and information and your guests will love you. This couple gave guests welcome baskets that held water, apples, illustrated maps of area attractions, honey-bear bottles filled with trail snacks, and decks of cards. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit