Gift Bag Ideas for Wedding Guests

A small token of your appreciation can be helpful -- and meaningful -- for out of town guests

By Heather Grenier

Photo by iStockphoto.com

If you are planning a destination or weekend wedding or have guests traveling to your wedding, then you will want to provide them with gift bags at their hotel. This is an extra thank-you to them for attending your wedding while providing them with information and items that will make their stay more pleasurable and memorable.

Information

Give your guests the gift of information in their gift bag. While they are staying for your wedding, they may want to take in some of the special sights in the area, attend a performance or eat at a great restaurant. Because they are not from the area, giving them some basic information is a great idea. Put in menus from some of the nicest restaurants around. You may even highlight some of your favorite dishes. Add brochures of local area attractions that they might enjoy on their stay. If you're budget permits, give them gift certificates or tickets to some of these restaurants or attractions.

Necessities

Add some necessities to your guest gift bags. If you are staying somewhere hot, give guests bottles of sunscreen and sunglasses. If it's a cold, then consider some gloves, scarves or chapstick. Also give your guests some bottled water and snacks. Weddings and the events surrounding them can be time consuming. By the time your guests return to their accommodations, they will probably be hungry or thirsty.

Fun stuff

Give your guests special souvenirs for their gift bags. After all, they have traveled to attend your wedding and will want to take something home with them. This may be something small such as a key chain or a magnet or something larger, such as T-shirts. If your state, county or town is known for something special such as a specific candy, syrup, vegetable or fruit, then add some of those to the bag as well.