The Complete Guide to Creating Wedding Guest Welcome Gifts
There is so much that goes into planning a dream wedding, and one thing that often gets overlooked is personalized welcome gifts for wedding guests. Whether you have a destination wedding or an in-town event, most couples have family and friends who travel long distances to celebrate their special day. And for these guests, it's a really thoughtful and lovely gesture to welcome them with a gift box!
As professional gift designers, we take care of every detail, from envisioning the packaging to meticulously assembling the gifts, tying ribbons, and even handling hotel coordination. When selecting gifts, we consider a variety of factors such as wedding style and colors, location, and budget. Every bride is completely unique, thus every gift should be completely customized to reflect the couple's interests and personalities, starting with names & wedding date on the gift tag & note card.
Something to Sip: Help your guests stay refreshed and hydrated throughout the weekend. Consider sparkling water, a couple of mini local champagne bottles or craft beer cans for a bit of fun. Seasonal vibes? Embrace the winter season with a selection of aromatic teas, gourmet hot chocolate, or coconut water for destination a wedding.
Sweet & Savory Snacks: Beyond the drinks, make sure to include some sweet & savory treats! Want a celebratory vibe? Welcome guests with Sugarfina Champagne Bubbles or Gummy Bears. Or maybe you & your fiancé have a favorite snack you would like to share such as Laid Back Trail Mix, Eatable Gourmet Popcorn, Canadian Beef Jerky or Wabanaki Indigenous Maple Syrup. Including something from where you live is a great way to introduce your loved ones to the area.
Location & Weather Specific: Align gifts with either the type of wedding you’re having or the location of your wedding. For a tropical destination wedding, think about including sunblock, beach towels or lip balm. For a wedding in Kelowna or Vancouver, include your favorite local wine, poncho’s or a delicious jar of local jam. Hosting your wedding in the cooler months? Treat your guests to comfort with cozy socks, or a warm blanket.
Spa Like Items: While the standard hotel amenities typically cover shampoo, and conditioner, consider adding a special touch such as a customized candle, face masks, or soothing bath salts. By including these thoughtful items, you help create a welcoming & cozy atmosphere, ensuring your guests feel both comfortable and pampered throughout their stay.
Local Keepsake: A wonderful way to create a lasting memory for your guests is to include a meaningful keepsake. It could be a handcrafted trinket from a local artisan, a small piece of artwork that showcases the area's beauty, custom candle or even a souvenir that holds sentimental value.
Personalized Note Card & Itinerary: Share your gratitude with those who made the trip with a personalized note welcoming them to your celebration. Simplify the weekend with a detailed schedule covering wedding activities, locations, and any essential details for out-of-town guests. Include information on dress code, parking, and your wedding hashtag. Despite the convenience of digital access, consider the thoughtful addition of a physical area map and a guidebook to local hotspots.
Lastly, your beautifully wrapped gift boxes can be delivered to each of your guests room for a small fee, left at the hotel's front desk to be received at check-in or distributed at an event such as the rehearsal dinner. You could also ask a friend or family member to help distribute the boxes, as that's one less thing you need to worry about.
From asking your bestie to be your maid of honor, to wedding guest welcome gifts, destination wedding gifts, and everything in between, Willows Box & Co. is your all-in-one gifting solution. No time to create your own welcome gifts? Learn more about our Wedding & Bridal Party Custom Design Service HERE.
As expert gift designers, we’re often asked by real estate professionals about closing, housewarming, and referral gifts. And so we’ve designed this guide to provide you with expert insights and proven strategies to create gifting experiences that will resonate with your clients long after the keys are handed over.
