There are many reasons why couples might decide to
provide welcome baskets for guests who are arriving
from out of town. With many guests arriving from all
over the country, many busy brides and grooms realize
that they will not be able to give the individual care
and attention they would like to each guest. Some
couples just want to thank their guests for going out
of their way to share in the couple's joy. Some brides
and grooms plan special events and need to provide
information or supplies to their guests as they arrive.
Whatever your reason is, providing a packet, kit, or
basket to your guests arriving from afar is a nice
gesture, though of course completely optional. If you
are interested in doing this for your guests,
the list below may help you decide what to include.
This list was compiled from ideas on the newsgroups
alt.wedding and soc.couples.wedding, as well as a few
ideas of my own.
The packaging: First off, you'll
want to decide how to package the materials. Depending
on what you're providing, you may want to consider any
of the following: basket, paper or plastic gift bag,
nice folder, gift box, canvas tote bag, beach bag (would
be great for a beach wedding!), or a medium to large bowl in glass,
wood, or plastic. Let your imagination run away with you!
Written information: Your guests will appreciate receiving some of the following information on check-in.
letter or note welcoming and/or thanking guests
newsletter and/or itinerary of wedding events
directions/map to ceremony and reception site
maps of the area
information on local attractions including restaurants, museums, movie theatres, etc.
Food and beverage items: Items like crackers, fruit, cookies, candy (Hershey's kisses, for instance), wine, sparkling cider, and bottled water are a welcome discovery for any weary traveler. Be sure to consider any special dietary restrictions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or those who don't drink alcohol.
Something regional or homemade: For instance, if you're getting married in the peach state (Georgia), you might include some peach preserves. If you're famous for your pecan caramel cookies, bake 2 or 3 for each guest.
Personal and pampering items: Make your guests feel right at home with personal items. You can include items they might have forgotten, or special items designed to pamper. To make an ordinary item special, choose an aromatherapy item, or tie a ribbon around the item. It is recommended
that these items not be included in the same container as food products. Even if no contamination occurs, it would probably still be on your guests' minds.
hand lotion
bath/shower gel
shampoo, toothpaste, or other grooming items
pain reliever
sunscreen, if your wedding will be outdoors, or if you're getting married in a more tropical locale.
any pampering item, such as pedicure or manicure kits
Items for children: Including a small toy or perhaps a coloring book and crayons can be a relief for harried parents and a nice surprise for kids.
Miscellaneous items: You may want to include items that guests may forget, such as film,
or small gift or favor-type items, such as candles or flower seeds.
This short list is by no means comprehensive. If you have other great ideas, let me know! I'd love to include them.
Find books on basket making on Amazon.com!
