cruise wedding welcome bags

Your Guide to Wedding Welcome Bags, From Etiquette to Ideas

• Emily helps maintain and update e-commerce content for The Knot
• Before joining The Knot Worldwide, Emily worked as a website editor and manager for The Paleo Diet®
• Emily holds two bachelor's degrees in Journalism and International Affairs with a Chinese minor

Let's talk wedding favors—specifically wedding welcome bags. The lead-up to your wedding is a busy time, so greeting guests prior to the rehearsal dinner or even the ceremony and reception may not be top of your priority list. But wedding welcome bags for guests, especially out-of-towners, are a great way to show friends and family you're excited they're here. Plus, wedding guest gift bags can also help introduce them to the area (if it's a destination affair), ensure they're prepared for the party ahead and personally thank them for their support. That's why we're sharing everything you need to know to get started on your wedding goodie bags, including who gets one, what to include and how to deliver them.

In this article:

Wedding Welcome Bag Definition and Purpose

What to put in your wedding welcome gift bags, where to get your welcome bags and gift items, how to give your guests their welcome bags.

Wedding welcome bags are bundles of small gifts couples and their families (if they're helping to host) give out-of-town guests to thank them for coming and make them feel at home in their hotel room. As such, they're not just for destination weddings, though that's when you'll see them most often. In our opinion, any guest that traveled for the occasion deserves a welcome goodie bag. After spending money on flights and accommodations as well as using up precious vacation days, it's a nice way to show appreciation for their attendance. Just remember, if one guest gets a welcome bag for your wedding, everyone should—even if they're just heading across town for your nuptials.

There's no hard and fast rule as to who should cover the cost of wedding welcome bags. If you and your partner are paying for the wedding yourselves , gift bags and guest favors typically fall to you. But if either (or both) of your parents are helping cover costs, they may offer to pay for wedding guests' gift bags.

So, what exactly goes in wedding welcome bags? In summary, you'll want a mix of practical and personal items. Think: luxe bath products to get them dolled up for the big day; water, mints and ibuprofen for the morning after; and fun favors unique to the location or to your relationship—like hand fans for a tropical soirée or each of your favorite snacks. We also recommend including a handwritten thank-you note and a guide on local attractions in your wedding welcome bag contents. To help you out further, we're sharing the best ideas for what to include in wedding welcome bags below.

1. Local Eats and Treats

The main idea behind wedding gift bags for hotel guests is to introduce your loved ones to the area. And what better way to do that than through some local flavor? Aside from the fact that everyone loves edible wedding favors , locally made snacks, pantry goodies and other treats are a great way to show your friends and family just what makes your wedding destination so delicious—er, special. Think: Garrett's Popcorn Shop for Chicago nuptials, Ghirardelli Chocolate for San Francisco or locally-grown oranges for Florida. Every state and country has at least one (or two) extra-special snacks. This couple tied the knot in Manchester, Vermont, so they put Cabot cheddar and crackers, O.W.L. energy bars and VerMints in the hotel gift bags for out-of-town guests.

2. Something to Sip

Just as guests would like something to munch on, they'd also enjoy something to sip. We love the idea of coconut water for a tropical destination wedding, mini bottles of wine for a vineyard soirée or locally brewed beer for ranch nuptials. This couple actually put the ingredients for a gin & tonic in their England destination wedding welcome bags. Even if you just include a bottle of water—very practical—you can still make it special with a custom label that speaks directly to the local scene or the theme of your wedding.

3. Pampering Toiletries

While hotels usually provide shampoo, conditioner and body wash, luxe toiletries still make great wedding welcome bag items. You could give guests some extra shower products, artisanal bar soap, mini hand lotions, relaxing bath salts, refreshing face masks, lip balm or even sweet-smelling essential oils. These extra touches will help your guests feel more at home and, thus, at ease during their stay. Just make sure your spa-like goodies can be brought through TSA.

4. On-Theme Keepsakes

Small souvenirs like wine stoppers, playing cards, luggage tags or candles are all great favor options to include in your guests' welcome bags for a destination wedding. They can be on-theme to your nuptial location, season or aesthetic. For instance, there are lots of differently shaped bottle stoppers to fit winter- or summer-scheduled weddings. Or, if you're getting married in New Orleans, throw in some gold, green and purple beads, Mardi Gras masks or king cake to get guests in the spirit of the locale.

5. An Itinerary and Travel Guide

Even in the age of technology, when all the event details are accessible digitally on your wedding website, guests still appreciate having a physical copy of the itinerary, a map of the area and a guidebook on the location's must-sees and must-dos. These small touches will keep your family and friends in the loop from the welcome party to the postwedding brunch and any downtime in between. At the very least, your itinerary should include the time and location of all the important events. After that, feel free to add any other details you think will be of benefit to your loved ones, such as what's on the food and drink menu. Then, pop in a custom pamphlet or a local magazine that highlights city hot spots they can explore before or after the festivities, like top sites and activities they shouldn't miss and a few good restaurants if you're guests aren't joining you for every meal. As a bonus stationery, if it's the city where you two fell in love, a sweet anecdote about a place (maybe your first date spot) or street (your new home) makes for an extra-personal recommendation your guests will swoon over.

6. Health and Safety Supplies

Show your loved ones just how much you care by including some thoughtful health-and-safety essentials in. Hand sanitizer is a good wedding welcome bag idea, especially when it's small enough to stow in a clutch or back pocket. But you could also include earplugs they can use on the dance floor or sunscreen if it's an outdoor ceremony—or all three!

7. Hangover Helpers

Don't let your guests regret that last glass of champagne! Create a special hangover kit— complete with a bottle of Gatorade, Advil, Vitamin C and some breath mints—to help them combat any morning-after ailments that might keep them from enjoying the rest of the festivities. Trust us, your friends and family will thank you. The items are all pretty easy to buy in bulk, too, so they'll be affordable additions to your wedding hotel welcome bags.

8. Something Personalized

Anything you can do to add personality to your wedding welcome boxes is a win. Don't be afraid to incorporate party favors that feature your names, the date of your "I do"s or the location. An easy way to do this is through custom tote bags. You can use them to wrap all of the lil' goodies and your guests can reuse them as a beach or travel bag. Of course, you could also customize koozies and sunglasses like this couple did. Guests will want to hold onto these charming keepsakes.

9. Weatherproof Essentials

Take a cue from the season and stock up on items that'll help your guests brave the elements. If you're hosting a tropical destination wedding, sunglasses, hand fans and beach towels are appropriate for your welcome bags. Conversely, pashminas or flannel blankets, cozy socks and hand warmers are perfect for a fall or winter wedding . Your guests will appreciate the practicality of your wedding welcome baskets.

10. Lots of Thanks

Your wedding welcome bags are just one more opportunity to thank your guests. Include a thoughtful letter to welcome everyone to your wedding weekend and tell them how happy you are to be sharing your big day with them. Handwriting each welcome note will give that extra-personal touch that says, "You're so important, I took the time to pen this myself." But if you're short on time or don't have the most legible handwriting, at least sign each one in ink.

Now that you have some wedding gift bag ideas, it's time to start shopping. Remember, you're not just looking for favors, you're also looking for the bag, box or basket that will hold all of them. Below, find some of our go-to places to find welcome bags for wedding guests and the goodies to fill them with.

Shop locally: If you have time, shop in person for your wedding welcome bag contents. After all, you want to give your guests a peek into the local scene and the best way to do that is by buying directly from the town. Think: salt water taffy at the destination's boardwalk or fresh apple cider bottled by the farm down the road from the hotel.

The Knot Shop : We may be biased, but The Knot Shop is one of the best places to buy your welcome bags and their stuffing. That's right: Not only can you shop for affordable favors like personalized glassware, playing cards, sunglasses and so much more, but also totes like canvas and burlap bags or card stock and wooden boxes. It's pretty much your one-stop shop.

Etsy : If you're looking for unique wedding welcome bags and favors, Etsy has a practically endless list of goods—most of which are handmade by skilled artisans. We personally love shopping Etsy's extensive options for personalized artwork—whether it be adorning stationery, gift bags, labels, name cards or favors like luggage tags and coasters. It's also a great place to browse handmade soaps, bath salts or candles in bulk.

The Knot Invitations : It's all about the details! Shop for thank-you notes that complement your wedding stationery on The Knot Invitations. You can even get matching stickers and gift tags.

Amazon : If you're looking to buy items in bulk—or at the last minute—Amazon is a convenient retailer. Buy dozens of bottle openers, bubble wands or tissue packets as well as candies with just one click. Note, fewer items are customizable, like at The Knot Shop or Etsy.

You've put together an amazing wedding welcome bag, but now you have to figure out how your guests are going to get them. You or your wedding party will most likely need to build the wedding gift bags for hotel guests yourself once you've arrived at the destination, but once they're ready to go, you have a few options for delivery: Ask your resort in advance to help hand out the bags at check-in or leave them in guests' assigned rooms prior to their arrival. They should be able to assist, just keep in mind that some hotels charge a small fee for this service. Alternatively, you can enlist a few friends or family members to help you distribute the bags once guests have arrived. Lastly, if you're hosting a welcome party, have a table of the bundles for everyone to grab.

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Destination Wedding Details

Inspiration for every detail of your wedding away

24 Wedding Welcome Bags and Favors Your Guests Will Love

Destination wedding welcome bags and favors are a great way to show your appreciation to guests who have traveled the distance and spent a lot money to attend your big day. But all too often, wedding gifts for guests just get dumped in the trash or left behind because they’re impractical.  That’s why I asked hundreds of former destination brides & grooms to tell me about the wedding welcome bags and destination wedding favors their guests loved, as well as the misses.

We rounded up their answers below in our list of the 24 best wedding welcome bag ideas. But before we get to that, let’s answer some basic questions you may have about destination wedding gift bags.

So . . . what are destination wedding welcome bags?

Sounds fun but why wedding welcome bags over an after-wedding favor, do i have to give destination wedding welcome bags to guests, 1.  wedding welcome bags, 2.  welcome letter & itinerary, 3.  flip flops,  4.  pashmina shawls, 6.  first aid kits for wedding welcome bags, 7.  deck of cards, 8.  waterproof key card holder, 11. door hangers, 12.  coasters, 13.  lip balm, 14.  shot glasses, 15.  luggage tags, 16.  bottle opener, 17.  wine stopper, 19.  can sleeves, 20.  water bottles/tumblers, 21.  city guides, 22.  treats from local vendors, 23.  kid-friendly wedding welcome bags, 24.  mini aloe vera gel, wedding welcome bags & favors: the misses, who pays for the wedding welcome bags, what is the average cost of welcome bags, how much should i spend on my destination wedding welcome bags, are wedding welcome bags per person or room, any money-saving tips, 1. research your destination’s duty-free allowance., 2. keep the receipts for all of your welcome bag contents., 3. do’s & don’ts to pack your welcome bags efficiently, 4. explain the purpose of your wedding favor bags, can i mail destination wedding welcome bags, how do you give out destination wedding welcome bags to guests, pin this for later.

These are essentially wedding gifts for guests who are traveling for your big day.  At a traditional hometown wedding, couples usually provide their guests with wedding favors when they leave the reception. Destination wedding welcome bags deliver the same special impact, just sooner!

Welcome bags, out of town bags, and favors are used interchangeably throughout this post because essentially “ destination wedding favors ” are placed inside a “ welcome bag ” and given to out of town guests .

It’s important to remember that guests are not only attending your wedding, but they’re also on vacation.  You’re their host and travel advisor, of sorts.  A wedding welcome bag will not only show them how grateful you are for their attendance, but that you’re ready to provide them with a wonderful experience from the moment they step off the plane.

Do you have   to?  No.  Would it be a really nice gesture and token of your appreciation?  Absolutely!  This is your big day and you make the rules.  I know you’re putting a lot of time and money into your dream day, and that can be overwhelming. But remember: So are your loved ones. They’re taking off work and spending their own money on travel to celebrate your love.  All things considered, a welcome bag is just a small gesture to show your gratitude and set the tone for a memorable week or weekend.

But at the end of the day, it’s your call. Your guests won’t expect welcome bags so they’ll be pleasantly surprised to receive them. On the other hand, if you skip them, they won’t miss them since they weren’t expecting them in the first place.

What to Put in Your Wedding Welcome Bags

Below is a list of the 24 best destination wedding welcome bag contents and favors according to real destination brides we polled.  The biggest welcome bag hits are items that your guests wouldn’t think to bring for themselves, items they could easily forget to bring, or gifts that will make their trip easier and more comfortable.

Here are the top wedding welcome bag ideas for hotel guests in no particular order.

Wedding bags are probably the most popular destination wedding gifts for guests, and with good reason.  Not only are beach bags a practical gift that your guests will put to good use during the trip (and future travel), but you can also fill them up with some fun destination wedding favors.  The beautiful welcome bags pictured below can be easily personalized with your wedding destination, your names and wedding date all for a very affordable price.

Personalized Burlap Wedding Welcome Bag

Palm Destination Wedding Welcome Bag

Fiesta Wedding Welcome Bag

Blue Palm Destination Wedding Welcome Bag

A welcome letter is a simple but very impactful item that should be a part of every welcome bag.  When we’re caught up in the wedding planning journey, it can be easy to forget just what a big sacrifice our guests are making. They are taking time off work/school, spending thousands of dollars and using up their own vacation time just to attend your wedding.  A welcome letter is a really personal touch that you can add to your gift bags to express your appreciation.

Although it may seem small, my guests loved their welcome letters and many took them home as a keepsake.  There are some really gorgeous high-quality cards with a thoughtful welcome letter on one side and a full itinerary on the reverse side.  You can personalize them with any wording you’d like and there are tons of gorgeous designs to choose from .

I gave flip-flops as wedding gifts for guests who attended my destination wedding, and I can personally attest to the fact that they were a huge hit. Hand these out at the reception and your guests will have absolutely no excuse for not hitting the dance floor .  You can buy flip flops in every color and size imaginable at Old Navy for less than $5 each.  And if you can find a coupon online or buy these in the winter months, you can get them for even less.  You can also find flip-flops like the one pictured above on Etsy with cute personalized tags.

Pashmina shawls are a perfect destination wedding favor, especially if you’re tying the knot on the beach or in a tropical location that gets cool when the ocean breeze ramps up. A Pashmina in your wedding colors is a beautiful wedding gift for guests that they’ll use again and again.  Etsy has gorgeous pashmina shawls in almost every color under the sun.

Mini liquor bottles are a really cheap and fun destination wedding favor to throw in your wedding welcome bags.  But to make it even more special, try to find liquor produced in your wedding destination.  For example, mini tequila bottles are great Mexican wedding favors.  And mini Barcelo or Brugal bottles would be a hit for a destination wedding in the Dominican Republic.

Keep in mind that you can’t travel with liquor or mail them, so your best bet is to buy these when you arrive at your destination.   And you can even personalize the bottles with some labels or cute favor tags like these .

Wedding First-aid or “hangover recovery kits” have to be one of the most fun and practical items to put in your destination wedding welcome bags.    You can buy really cheap travel-sized items like Tylenol or Advil, vitamin c, band-aids, and ear-plugs and just put them all in a super cute personalized bag like the one pictured here which comes in tons of other gorgeous designs and colors !

And you can keep the whole theme going by ordering matching door hangers , welcome letters/itineraries , and key card holders .

18 Practical Items to Put Inside Your Hangover Recovery Kits

Another great favor to put in your wedding welcome bags is a personalized deck of playing cards .  Not only will guests enjoy them on the trip, but also back home.

One of the best hotel wedding welcome bag ideas is room key holders!  How many times have you been on vacation trying to figure out what to do with your money, credit cards, and hotel key card while you lounge poolside?  This is something your guests will never think of bringing themselves, but they’ll be super grateful you did!

Not only are these key card holders practical, but they’re also a really personalized gift!  It comes with a double-sided card that has a fun poem on one side and your wedding itinerary on the reverse so your guests will know where to be at all times.

There are many different designs to choose from , you get to personalize all the wording on it, and it comes fully assembled — all for less than $2.

Check out more Room Key Holders available in 25+ colors & designs

Many of the brides/grooms I polled, chose Cuban cigars as a popular destination wedding favor.  I gave away cigars at my destination wedding reception in Mexico, and they were a huge hit so I can personally vouch for this idea.

You can hire a cigar roller at most destinations; but if you have budget constraints, you can just buy the cigars and display them in a personalized humidor , which you can then keep as your own wedding keepsake.  And you can even get some personalized matches to go with the cigars.

Edible favors are always a hit at both traditional hometown weddings and destination weddings.  But what I especially love about this idea is that you can put your treats in some fun packaging that will really make an impression.  There are so many cute travel and beach themed candy packages, that the hard part will be narrowing down your choices.  Here are some of my favorites.

Cheeky, no? These affordable and personalized door hangers are such a cute gift.  Everyone will know that you had the most amazing wedding ever when they see these hanging all over the resort.  And they’ll help your guests get some much-needed rest (or alone time 😉) after your epic reception.

Another hit? Travel themed coasters because it’s something guests can take home and put to good use for years to come.

Lip balm with SPF always comes in handy, and you can add some really cute travel or beach themed labels with your name and wedding date for a personalized touch.

Who doesn’t love shot glasses?  I collect them everywhere I go.  A fun idea is to put one shot glass on everyone’s place at the reception table and ask them to use their custom shot glasses during the toast.

Another great idea is to use the shot glass to direct guests to their tables.  You can put an escort card in each shot glass next to a fun sign that says “ Take a shot & find your seat “.  Can you think of a better way to get the party started?!

We also love the shot glasses that can double as a votive candle holder making it an even more practical wedding favor to put in your gift bags.

Probably the most practical of all destination wedding favors is the luggage tag .  These can double as table seating cards to make them even more useful.

It’s usually hard to call a bottle opener “adorable” but I will anyway.  These are super adorable, functional, and a perfect little favor to put in your destination wedding welcome bags.  Your guests will put these to good use at the resort and back at home too.

If you have some wine lovers on your guest list, then they are going to love this destination wedding favor!  I am always searching for wine bottle stoppers and would be thrilled to get this in a wedding welcome bag.  They’re practical, fun and inexpensive!

If you’re tying the knot in a tropical location, fans are a very inexpensive and really useful addition to your wedding welcome bags.   I’m kind of obsessed with fans as a destination wedding favor, so I was like a kid in a candy store when I was researching different fans for this post. 

Personally, I adore these program fans that guests can also use too cool down during your nuptials. You know they’ll  end up folding your beautiful programs to fan themselves anyway–why not do it for them with much more style!

Bottle or can sleeves are such a popular destination wedding favor that you can now find them in a ton of colors and styles to match your wedding theme.

Another hugely popular item among the brides we surveyed, was personalized water bottles.  This is such a practical gift, especially for a destination wedding.  Your guests can use it to refill their favorite drink at an all-inclusive resort, or fill it up with water when going on an excursion trip.  And the best part is that they can also bring this back home with them and use it in their daily lives.

Remember: You’re their host and travel guide on this magical getaway. A city guide providing them with a list of cute coffee shops, delicious restaurants, local shopping, the best sightseeing, and more will guarantee that each guest has the time of their life.

Celebrate your destination even more by highlighting the best finds from local vendors. You could include handmade sweets and other local treasures that will make your guests feel a warm welcome.

If your destination celebration is kid-friendly, make sure your wedding welcome bag includes a few goodies for the young ones . Something as simple as a beach toy, coloring book, or travel game will make them feel special and keep them busy.

I wish I would have thought about adding Aloe Vera Gel to my own destination wedding welcome bags.  This is something most people won’t think to bring but can come in super handy.  If you’re not familiar with aloe vera gel, it is what many consider the holy grail when it comes to soothing sunburn.  You can buy travel size bottles at any drug store that sells travel size products (i.e. Walgreens, CVS, Walmart).  While researching this post, I found these 2-ounce bottles of aloe vera gel which come with personalized labels !

Anything that your guests will intuitively pack for their trip, or that the resort provides is going to be a waste of your time and money.   Also, keep in mind that some people are picky about the brand they use on their hair.  With this in mind, here are some items that you’ll probably be better off leaving out of your welcome bags.

Shampoo/Conditioner

Beach Balls

Anything too heavy, breakable, bulky or that will just be hard for guests to pack and travel with

Let’s Talk dollars and Cents.

Since the bags also serve as destination wedding favors , it is usually the couple ( or their parents ) who cover the cost.   But if you’re concerned about this added expense, there are many ways to craft personalized bags without breaking the bank (keep reading to learn how!).

The overall cost of destination wedding welcome bags ranges from $10 – 100 per bag, but the average is $15-25 per bag (including the contents).  You get to decide how simple or elaborate you want your welcome bags to be, which will impact the overall cost.

Keep reading for some money saving tips & ideas below.

In short, it depends on your budget and how big your guest list is. Don’t feel pressured to spend too much–it’s the thought that counts, not the dollar amount. The more personalized you make each bag, the more luxe it will seem.

If you have a smaller guest list or a big budget you may be able to splurge and spend $20-40 on each bag. But if you have a lot of guests or a tight budget, you can give out a few fun and practical goodies that are only $2-3 each.  For example, a hangover recovery kit or resort key card holders .

If you’re still seeing dollar signs, remember that these bags will not only include an array of useful goodies to make your guest’s trip more comfortable, but they also contain your wedding itinerary , and they serve as a keepsake wedding favor for guests. So you’re killing 3 birds with one stone!

Good news for your budget: The wedding welcome bag is per room. However, I do recommend personalizing each bag based on the occupants of the room. For example, if there are two guests in a room, and you’re including something they’ll each need (i.e. flip flops or lip balm), then include two in the one bag.  And if the room includes kids, why not provide a few toys to keep them busy? Their parents will be grateful too!

Of course! I was the queen of deals for my own big day so I hear you loud and clear. First, make a list of the items you’d like to include in your destination welcome bags and begin to prioritize them. Which goodies are a must-have? Dedicate your dollars to those!

Then make sure you take advantage of discounts. Wedding season is an all year round thing so there are always discount codes and promos to take advantage of. A good way to get discounts is to sign up for vendor newsletters to get 10% (or more) off your purchase.  Also, make sure to follow wedding social media accounts  to stay in the loop for any deals or promotions.

Time to pack! How do you travel with destination wedding welcome bags?

Packing for a destination wedding is tricky!  Your packing list is long enough before you even add all these goodies for your guests. To make things easier, here are a few things to remember before you get ready to go:

Every international destination has a duty-free allowance.  That is, the max value of merchandise you can bring into the country tax-free (this is why you see all those “duty-free” stores in airports).  Before you start planning your wedding welcome bag, research the allowance for your destination because every country is different.   

For example, as I write this post, Mexico’s allowance is $500 in addition to your personal luggage. This  can change, so always research the most updated allowance on the Customs Agency website for your destination .

The more you research upfront, the better your chances are of passing customs without any issues.

If customs questions you, you’ll be able to quickly prove that you’re abiding by their maximum allowance, and they won’t be able to over-tax you based on their own inaccurate assumptions.

• Do your best to keep the wedding bag contents as small as possible. For instance, pack travel size gifts , foldable items, etc.
• Don’t assemble the welcome bags until you arrive. Grab that first cocktail and have a gift-packing party after you check in to your hotel.
• If you’re feeling anxious or think your merchandise may surpass the duty-free allowance, simply split up the items between your luggage and that of a family member or close friend.
• Another tip is to pack all gifts into a cheap checked bag. Once your nuptials are done, you can leave the bag behind or pack it with souvenirs on the way home.

Even if you have a receipt for all items, it would help to write a letter in English and your destination’s local language explaining the purpose of the merchandise in your bag.  Also make sure you attach the aforementioned receipt to make this backup plan both effective and personalized.

Check out these posts for more packing tips:

• 15 Things You Need To Know Before Packing For Your Destination Wedding
• The Ultimate Destination Wedding Packing Checklist

Are you thinking it may be easier to mail the wedding welcome bags ahead of time?  Before you run to the post office, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Firstly, this is the riskiest option because packages can get lost in the mail and never make it to your destination. Another thing to keep in mind is that your merchandise will still need to clear customs even through the mail.  And finally, check with your resort ahead of time to ask if they’re even willing to receive your mail.  Some will not.

Ok, so you’ve planned, paid, packed, and arrived!  It’s time to distribute the wedding welcome bags to your loved ones. Now, what’s the best way to do this? Depending on your venue, itinerary, and general availability, here are a few ways you can give out welcome bags:

• My personal favorite? Hand them out yourself. Your loved ones are flying hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to celebrate your love story. Greeting them in the lobby or knocking on their hotel door with a smile and a welcome bag is just one way to let them know how happy you are that they came.  Although this option requires some info-gathering and time management, I think it’s well worth it.
• If personal delivery is not your style, host a welcome party and pass out every welcome bag at once.
• Just picture your guests’ surprised faces when they open their rooms to find welcome bags on their beds. Check with your resort in advance to see if they’ll put the bags in the room, or give them to each guest at check-in.   Although, some resorts will not do any of these options, others may do it as a courtesy or for a fee. In any case, it’s worth asking.  After all, the worse they can say is no.
• Give the bags to your guests at home to start their travel off right. This will immediately show them how much you appreciate their attendance. Not to mention, you get to skip issues with customs!

So there it is! The ultimate guide to a warm welcome. I hope you feel prepared to plan and pack your wedding welcome bags.  I know your guests will love you for them.  Don’t forget to pin this for later.  Happy planning!

About Cynthia

Cynthia is the founder and editor of Destination Wedding Details.She has over 15 years experience in the Marketing and Event industry and launched Destination Wedding Details in 2010, shortly after planning her own destination wedding. Cynthia uses her experience and genuine passion, to inspire brides who are planning their dream wedding away from home.

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Superb Ideas, thanks for sharing,

Turkish pestemal towels are great as wedding gifts. People love them.

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How to Make Beautiful Destination Wedding Welcome Bags (+FAQs)

One of the things I looked forward to the most when planning our wedding in Mexico was putting together our destination wedding welcome bags . Finding unique and fun items to include in our DIY wedding welcome bags was something that took the distraction away from some of the planning chaos!

If you’re looking for destination wedding welcome bag ideas , you’ve come to the right spot! These are perfect for weddings in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba…the list goes on!

The best part is? They don’t have to be expensive, either! Let me show you how to make destination wedding welcome bags for cheap and within your budget! Add your own personalized touch by making them yourself. The possibilities are quite literally endless. 

Fast forward 9 years and now I make these welcome bags and survival kits for every group trip we go on!

This blog contains  affiliate links , which means I earn a small commission if you purchase items at no additional cost to you.

What are Destination Wedding Welcome Bags?

Welcome bags for destination weddings are exactly what they sound like. They’re bags (or tote bags, ziploc bags, even kraft paper bags!) filled with fun items that are useful and practical for the trip, but can also contain items pertaining to the wedding. 

Some even include the wedding itinerary so all the guests know what’s happening, and when! This is a great way to communicate with your guests if you have a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, after-wedding brunch, etc.

Welcome bags are a thoughtful way to say thank you to your guests for attending your destination wedding. 

Ideas for Destination Wedding Welcome Bags

Let’s get you started with all the ideas for welcome bags I’ve done personally and came across in my years of being in the destination wedding world!

Wedding Welcome Bags

When it comes to making your own welcome bags, you’re going to have to start with the bag. Just save some for an idea – you can always revise later if you have too many items and need a larger one!

Tote bags are one of the most popular items for destination wedding welcome bags, because they double as a beach bag. Being multi-purpose, you know they’re going to get put to use time and time again. This will be your most expensive option, though, especially if you factor in getting them personalised.

Popular Wedding Tote bags

• Bienvenidos wedding tote bag by Ilulily
• Fiesta Siesta Tequila Repeat tote bag by CanvasEventCo
• Destination Wedding Floral tote bag by Ilulily – as seen in Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and more! ❤️
• Reusable gold embossed white Welcome bags

Budget tip : I actually got mine from Dollar Tree! You can’t beat $1/bag. I added a custom tag . They were big enough to fit a beach towel and some other personal items in for a day at the pool or beach.

Drawstring bags

Drawstring bags are another popular option for destination wedding welcome bags – ones that I have personally used as well! They can double as a beach bag for your guests, or even a laundry bag, so they’re definitely multi-purpose and super easy to pack.

Popular Drawstring bags

• Customized cotton backpack by HELLOEVNT
• Drawstring cinch bags that come in a choice of 8 colours

Small cotton drawstring bags

These smaller, easy-to-pack cotton bags are a fun way to give a gift to your guests without taking up too much space in your suitcase. They’re small, but roomy enough to fit in important items. These are easy enough to personalize, too. They’re great for First Aid Kit/Hangover Kit/Survival Kit items (see below!)

Popular small drawstring bags

• Palm tree welcome bags by HELLOEVNT
• Personalized pineapple bags by Ilulily
• Dominican Republic welcome bag by PartyFavorsPrime
• Option: Zipped pouches

Kraft Bags (with or without handles)

For brides on a budget, you can easily opt for kraft paper bags, with or without handles. I’ve seen it done time and time again, and for a little touch of personalization, you can stamp each one to give them character. For an extra little touch, add tissue paper to the top of the bag.

Popular kraft bags

• Custom logo boutique paper bags by AurorexStudio
• Small brown paper bags : either 8.25″ x 5.9” or 5.25” x3.25” (this is a great budget option!)

Ziploc Bags (with bag topper)

I use Ziploc bags for all my own group trip welcome bags because they’re easy to pack, display nicely, and I can make cute bag toppers each time – or you can purchase templates for them, but they’re really not difficult to make!

These are a perfect setup if you want to include important small items without blowing your budget. They turn out so well (and photograph great, too!) and adds a beautiful touch to making your guests feel important.

I find the quart-sized Ziploc bags work best.

Stay tuned for my bag topper tutorial!

Destination Wedding Welcome Bag Items

Now let’s move on to the fun stuff! Let’s move down the list of the most popular destination wedding welcome bag items !

You may not be able to do all of these items (and don’t feel like you should, either!) but in my 9 years of helping brides plan their weddings, these were the most popular items to put in a welcome bag.

• If you purchase plain tumblers and want to give them a bit of pizazz, consider getting waterproof stickers for an added touch! I recommend DavetDesigns on Etsy for this. These vinyl stickers are made to last!
• Imodium (Loperamide)
• Motion sickness pills
• Pepto Bismol or Tums
• Allergy medication
• Alka-Seltzer
• Emergen-C or Electrolyte packs
• You can easily DIY these by putting smaller items in a ziploc bag or small cotton bag , inside your wedding tote.
• Try to purchase individually wrapped medications if you can. Most of these you can purchase from the Dollar Store or Walmart!
• They serve as a room key holder as well as a tip money holder. They’re waterproof, too, which makes it great for the swim up bar!
• All you need is wrist coils , resealable card holders , and a printable insert !
• Can cooler sleeves – a great option if you don’t want to transport tumblers!
• Hand Sanitizer
• Shout wipes
• Tic Tacs or gum
• SPF lip balm
• Word of advice: Don’t go with chocolate. If you’re travelling to a warm climate, there’s a good chance it’ll melt. Candy and savoury snacks are a good pick.
• Nail files 
• Poo Pourri (literally the best invention ever. Thank me later!)
• Pool drink floaties
• Personalized pens
• Luggage tags – with the option for personalized luggage tags .
• Luggage straps – these are a great way to identify guests bags if you’re travelling as a group, and are handed out prior to leaving.

Bonus: Welcome Letter for Destination Wedding Bags

One last thing that I recommend putting in welcome bags is a welcome letter ! Chances are you’ll be handing out your bags upon arrival, or at your welcome dinner (if you’re having one). A simple welcome letter lets guests know the series of events for your wedding weekend/week. This is really helpful to make sure everyone gets the same memo.

You can include a small welcome saying how please you are they made it, as well as important information like your wedding (duh!) and any other wedding-related events that are happening.

Budget tip: You can very easily DIY your welcome letter in Word or Canva. However, if designing your own isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of beautiful customizable destination wedding welcome letter templates on Etsy. These are inexpensive because most of them are digital downloads, so you just have to pay for the design fee and you can print to your heart’s content.

What not to put in Destination Wedding Welcome Bags

• Bottled water – it’s too heavy, and it will be in the hotel rooms anyway!
• Toiletries – the resort or hotel provides it!
• Towels – it’ll just add bulk to your own suitcase and they’re provided at the hotel or resort
• Snacks that will melt or go stale (like custom cookies)
• Anything too heavy, bulky, or breakable! 

Remember: Your guests have to travel home with these items, too!

Be sure to pack any fragile items, if you have any, in bubble wrap or cushioned by clothing to make the trip in one piece!

When to hand out Wedding Welcome Bags

It can be a bit of logistics gymnastics coordinating when to hand out your welcome bags, especially if you don’t have a planned welcome event, like a dinner. You will also have to factor in:

• How many guests and bags you have
• If you have any planned wedding events on the first day of arrival
• If you’re willing to greet each guest when they check in
• If you have a budget to have the resort hand out the bags
• Your best option is to hand them out at your welcome event , like a welcome cocktail, dinner, or beach bonfire. It’s the easiest way for everyone to be present so you’re not going back and forth to your room to get bags.
• If you aren’t having an event, your other option is to greet your guests when they check in . However, with delays, and not really knowing when they’ll show up, you could be sitting in the lobby all day, or waiting for a message saying they’ve arrived. With a few guests it’s okay, but with a large guest attendance, you’ll be spending more time waiting around.
• If these options don’t appeal to you, ask your wedding coordinator what the fee is for the resort to deliver them to the rooms for you. It’s a pricey option (with each bag delivery costing anywhere from $2-$10) and has risks associated with it – like showing up at the wrong room, or not at all!
• Your last option is to actually hand out your bags prior to leaving your home country. This means your guests will receive them and will have to pack these items themselves. I’ve done this both ways, and it’s really a matter of whether or not you can get around to your guests to give them out.

Destination Wedding Welcome Bag Suitcase Note

A good practice for you is to keep your receipts when you’re purchasing your welcome bag items, and to bring them with you when you travel. Customs may want to see the value of these items, since each country allows a certain amount of goods in without paying tax. For example, Mexico allows $500 worth of items to be brought in without being taxed on it. Save yourself a headache and be prepared.

It’s also a good idea to include a note in your suitcase in case it gets searched. If you’re getting married in Jamaica, the official language is English, so you don’t have to include the Spanish translation!

Copy and paste this into Word or Canva:

Hola. Mi prometido y yo, [YOUR NAME] y [SPOUSE NAME], vamos a realizar nuestra boda en [RESORT NAME] el [DATE] a las [TIME]. El contenido de esta bolsa son regalos para nuestros invitados en agradecimiento a su ayuda con la boda o es decoración para la misma. Si tiene alguna pregunta, póngase en contacto con nuestra coordinadora de bodas [WC NAME] al [PHONE NUMBER]. ¡Gracias!

Hello. My fiancé and I, [YOUR NAME] and [SPOUSE NAME] are having a wedding in [RESORT NAME] on[DATE] at [TIME]. The contents of this bag are gifts for our guests for their wedding favors or is décor for our wedding event. If you have any questions please contact our wedding coordinator [WC NAME] at [PHONE NUMBER]. Thank you.

Do you need to give out welcome bags?

Absolutely not! It’s not for everyone.

Some couples opt to give welcome bags in lieu of wedding favours , or not at all! You can scrap this idea entirely. My sole purpose of this post is to spark some inspirational ideas for you to create your own, if this is what you really want to do. It’s a lot of fun, and I love finding a bargain, so making these wedding welcome bags is something I’m very fond of!

But just remember – you aren’t obligated to hand out welcome bags.

If you’re in destination wedding planning groups, you may see loads of threads of discussions on what to include in them. Don’t let that pressure you into doing them if you really don’t want to or don’t have the budget. Want to do a group excursion instead, as a thank you? Go for it! That’s the beauty of destination weddings. There are no rules!

How much should you spend on wedding welcome bags?

There is no right or wrong answer for this – because it depends on you! You can make these wedding welcome bags as extravagant or as budget-friendly as you’d like, and no one can tell you any differently. The differences will come down to how many guests you have and whether or not you want to personalize items, DIY items, or source them in bulk.

Budget Tip: If you have a large attendance and want to be kinder to your budget, lots of couples hand out one bag per room (couple). This cuts down on half the cost right there! 

Pin it for later!

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32 Creative Wedding Welcome Bags Guaranteed to Delight Your Guests

Surprise your loved ones with bags or baskets of essentials they'll need for the celebration.

Photo by KT Merry

Wedding welcome bags have become increasingly popular in recent years, and while they are in no way required, they are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for being part of your celebration . Typically packaged in a reusable tote or cardboard box, welcome bags often contain wedding essentials like mints, sewing kits, bandages, and pain relievers to fight those post-nuptial headaches, as well as water, a note from the couple, and an itinerary of events . From there, you can get as creative or keep things as simple as you'd like. Destination guides, pampering essentials, and local treats are great ways to prioritize your loved ones and introduce them to the wedding locale should you have the extra budget available to spend.

The most important thing to remember is that welcome bags shouldn't just be for show. It's best if your offering gives everyone a glimpse of the festivities to come while also providing loved ones with thoughtful essentials they'll actually use. Snacks, drinks, and destination-specific must-haves (think: sunscreen at the beach, pashminas in the mountains) are always winners. While it's easy to get carried away and add tons of extras, it's best to consider what guests will need. Edible treats and practical products that loved ones might have forgotten to pack will almost always be more appreciated than a candle or a bottle of locally-made wine . But if you want to include those add-ons (and you comfortably have the budget to do so), you can rest assured your guests will be entirely blown away by your generosity and thought.

Whether you're looking to build modest, functional wedding welcome bags or over-the-top packages that help your loved ones become immersed in your destination, we're sharing 32 creative ideas guaranteed to inspire your own offerings.

Choose a Bag Everyone Will Be Excited to Reuse

Photo by Belathée Photography

If you're going to invest in totes for your wedding welcome bags, consider which options guests will really use after the big day. For this couple's garden wedding in Connecticut , sturdy totes were filled with everything from water and snacks to pashminas and a cutting board, but the bags themselves were appealing all on their own. Guests could easily reuse them post-wedding for shopping trips or beach days.

Make It Meaningful

Photo by Kurt Boomer Photography

While the tangible contents of your bag are bound to get a lot of attention from guests, it's the meaningful details—like a special note from you and your soon-to-be spouse —that they'll remember most. For their Big Sur wedding , the bride and groom treated guests to tote bags printed with a redwood design filled with a water bottle, beer, bottle open, chocolate, and a blanket, but they made sure to also include a personalized message thanking everyone for being part of the celebration.

Don't Be Afraid to Outsource the Work

Photo by Jana Williams Photography

If adding another DIY project to your ever-growing list of pre-nuptial to-dos just doesn't feel manageable but you know you want to gift guests welcome bags, don't be afraid to outsource the job. For this couple's Palm Springs nuptials , they trusted Marigold & Grey to curate beautiful boxes for loved ones to enjoy.

Create Options That Will Appeal to All Guests

Talk about hospitality! Because this couple hosted just 12 guests for their wedding in Utah , they were able to go all out with customized welcome bags for each attendee. If you have a similarly small guest list, choosing bags that speak to each loved one's personal aesthetic and filling them with essentials they'll love is an incredibly generous way to acknowledge how grateful you are for their presence on the big day.

Brand Your Bags

Photo by Michelle Beller Photography

It was important to this couple that their welcome bags introduce guests to Montana, their wedding locale , and speak to the two of them as a pair, so they made sure to brand every item accordingly. "Some of our favorites were beanies with our dog’s ears on them, as well as custom printed bandanas with little designs relating to us and our wedding weekend,” they say. “We still see friends wearing this gear now, and it always brings us back to our special weekend.”

Choose a Vessel That Speaks to Your Locale

Photo by Jaine Kershner Photography

Tying the knot by the beach? A tote bag—which guests can reuse for years to come—is a great wedding welcome bag vessel. For this couple's summer wedding in the Hamptons , nautical blue-and-white canvas bags filled with local wine, snacks, and a magazine made for a surprise that was both thoughtful and functional.

Include the Essentials

Photo by Caroline Lima Photography

Since this couple hosted a camp-themed wedding in Texas , they knew they wanted their welcome bags to both speak to that theme and contain the types of must-haves guest would need for the activities ahead. A hat, water bottle, and emergency kit kept everyone prepared for a weekend worth of events. You can easily buy these welcome bag essentials from Amazon for quick delivery.

Include an Emergency Kit

Photo by Twah Dougherty

Whether you fill it with bandages and antiseptic for unexpected cuts and scrapes or pain reliever and electrolyte packets for post-wedding hangovers, including an emergency kit in your wedding welcome bag will always be appreciated. For their Long Island wedding , this couple packed up mini sacks of essentials and tucked those inside a larger jute tote with wine, water, and a personalized note.

Pack It With a Variety of Tasty Snacks

Though an ultra-indulgent wedding welcome bag absolutely isn't required, there's no denying that they're a guaranteed way to please guests. At this destination wedding in Aix-en-Provence, France, the couple knew their attendees would be traveling from far and wide, so a little sustenance upon arrival was bound to be appreciated. They treated everyone to bottles of rosé, fresh baguettes, and jam, but feel free to include a selection of snacks and drinks that nod to your specific wedding location if you choose to follow a similar path.

Get Guests Locale-Specific Discounts

Photo by Max Wagner

While it's great to provide snacks and drinks guests can enjoy in their hotel room, there's a good chance they'll want to get out and explore, too. An especially thoughtful option? Securing a few local discounts your loved ones can take advantage of during their time in town. Attendees at this family-focused wedding in California were able to purchase discounted cups of Joe from a local coffee house thanks to the bride and groom's creative thinking.

Fill Your Bags With a Variety of Snacks

Photo by Sarah DiCicco

By including a mix of sweet, savory, and healthy options in your wedding welcome bags, you're ensuring there's something every attendee will enjoy. That's exactly what this couple did for their highly-customized wedding in Palm Beach, Florida .

Choose Destination-Specific Items

For this wedding on Maryland's Eastern Shore , welcome bags filled with essentials like Old Bay-flavored snacks were a no-brainer. If you're tying the knot in a locale that's known for a specific food item or flavor, it's a fun idea to make that the central theme of your offering.

Customize Your Monogram

Photo by Hana Gonzalez Photography

Tying the knot in a tropical locale? It's fun to design a monogram that speaks to the destination. Adding a palm tree between their initials made sense for this duo's Jamaican wedding , but anything that nods at your locale—a lighthouse for a beach wedding, a tree for a mountain wedding—would work.

Make Sure the Contents Are Entirely Functional

Photo by Stephanie Sunderland

As this couple chose welcome bags for their Westhampton Beach wedding , they prioritized including must-haves everyone would actually use throughout the weekend. A destination-inspired tote, a baseball cap, hand sanitizer, heel stoppers, and snacks are essentials you can feel confident won't go to waste.

Embrace a French Vibe

 Photo by REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning a destination wedding in the French countryside or keeping with a French theme while hosting your guests stateside? Embrace a Parisian vibe with favorites such as a fresh baguette, mini jars of jam, and a little bit of bubbly.

Be Travel Friendly

Photo by Caroline Tran ; Event Planning by So Happi Together

Factor in guests who may be traveling to the wedding location when curating welcome bags—they'll need to take everything home with them, after all. "I  obsessed  over the contents because I wanted everything to be personal, useful (not wasteful), and suitcase-friendly," recalls the bride who created these jute totes filled with scrumptious snacks, a Turkish beach towel, and hand sanitizer for her wedding in California .

Include Your Favorite Snacks

Photo by JOEL SERRATO 

If you're going to include snacks, make sure each one is meaningful. We love the idea of including an array of you and your partner's absolute favorites for guests to enjoy over the course of the wedding weekend. This package is especially thoughtful—in addition to sweet treats, the couple included practical bites like protein bars and dried fruit, which can easily serve as breakfast in a pinch.

Get Everyone Beach-Ready

Photo by STEVE STEINHARDT

Tying the knot near the water? Guests might want to enjoy a day on the sand, but there's a good chance SPF and other beach essentials didn't make it into their carry-on luggage. Giving everyone a small tube of sunscreen, a fan, and sunglasses —as well as a rope bag to carry all those items down to the water—is extremely thoughtful.

Commission an Illustration

Photo by REBECCA YALE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you or your partner love to draw or paint, adding a custom illustration to the exterior of your wedding welcome bags is a lovely idea. Commission (or DIY!) a custom piece to showcase your ceremony's setting to decorate the outside of your tote, then fill the bag with your favorite snacks.

Stick With Your Color Scheme

Photo by KT MERRY

Consider keeping your wedding's color palette going, even with your welcome bags. Opt for meaningful items that are packaged in similar colors for a cohesive look.

Create a Display

Photo by KT Merry ; Event Planning by The Lynden Lane Co.

Most couples have wedding welcome bags delivered straight to guests' hotel rooms, but it's certainly not your only option. For their glamorous Palm Springs wedding , this couple set up a gifting display where loved ones could grab their totes (which included custom monogrammed hats) and mingle with other attendees.

Make It Sweet

Photo by ELIZABETH LANIER PHOTOGRAPHY

If you and your partner are always drawn to the sweet stuff, go ahead and celebrate your snack preferences . Add in treats like saltwater taffy and kettle corn to gift your guests a scrumptious surprise.

Add a Local Fruit

Photo by Jessica Charles

It doesn't all have to be snacks and sweets. Add your state's most recognizable fruit —like an orange for a Florida wedding—to give everyone a taste of the destination.

Celebrate With Tea Time

Photo by Kate Headley

If you're hosting a smaller celebration, you might have more wiggle room in the budget to go all out on your welcome bags and boxes. And what's cuter than tea for two at a destination wedding in England or for two tea lovers? Gift attendees a few specialty teas and cute mugs to enjoy during their downtime.

Incorporate Local Beer

Photo by LACIE HANSEN

Your wedding welcome boxes are a great opportunity to share some of your passions with guests. If you love a good micro brew , treat everyone to a few local options along with a bottle opener as a special thank you.

Keep It Fresh and Simple

Photo by BELATHÉE PHOTOGRAPHY  

Wedding welcome bags don't have to be extravagant. A farmers' market-inspired tote, filled with a few pieces of fresh, local fruit that guests can enjoy throughout the weekend and a sweet note, will be just as appreciated as more ornate offerings.

Include a Fan

Photo by ERICH MCVEY

When curating the contents of your wedding welcome bags, consider what guests might actually use. If you're hosting a beachside ceremony or a reception in a warm-weather locale, a useful fan and a few bottles of water are the types of essentials your loved ones will be delighted to unpack.

Pack a Postcard

Photo by Jen Huang Bogan

Hosting a destination wedding? It's nice to include locale-specific postcards in addition to other essentials. If your guests traveled to the big day without their children or just want to commemorate the trip, a beautiful postcard that they can either mail home or pack will be an underrated hit.

Include a Destination Guide

Photo by DAVY WHITENER

Tying the knot in a city or town that means a great deal to you and your soon-to-be spouse? Help your guests get to know the locale by including a destination guide. When paired with locally-made snacks, there's no way your loved ones won't feel entirely immersed in the region by the time they head home.

Include Your Itinerary

Photo by CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

While there's no denying that choosing snacks and knickknacks for your wedding welcome bags is more fun, you can't forget that these gifts are also meant to serve a functional purpose. Be sure to include a beautiful printout of your itinerary so guests don't miss a beat.

Celebrate Your Pet

Photo by ABBY JIU PHOTOGRAPHY 

Incorporating a furry best friend into the festivities? Celebrate them in your wedding welcome bags by packing in a few custom cookies or other treats that feature your fluffy companion.

Don't Forget the Welcome Note

Photo by Jeremiah & Rachel

Adding a welcome note will make any gift bag all the more special. Pen or print a note from you and your partner, thanking guests for their attendance. Bonus points if you're able to personalize your message for each attendee.

You can fill your welcome bags with everything from wedding-day essentials to customized gifts as a way of thanking guests for their attendance. You can also include snacks, beverages, and souvenirs that are relevant to the wedding locale—this is especially useful for out-of-town guests.

If you and your partner are footing the bill for your wedding, then it's assumed that you will also be responsible for covering the cost of the welcome bags. Alternatively, if you're splitting the wedding costs with your parents, then be sure to ask ahead to see if they'd be willing to cover the additional expense.

Show your guests that you appreciate them by including everything from practical items like sunscreen and sunglasses (if it's a tropical destination ) to local maps and guides, and even a keepsake canvas tote that can double as a memento of your day.

Wedding Gift Bag Ideas To Welcome Your Guests

Shutterstock

When it comes to weddings, there is no denying the joy and excitement that envelops the big day. From the beautiful decor to the delicious food, every aspect creates a memorable experience for everyone. However, one of the often overlooked aspects of weddings is the gift bags for guests. In this article, we will explore some of the best wedding gift bag ideas for your guests.

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These small tokens of appreciation can often be the cherry on top of a perfect day and serve as a lasting reminder for years to come. These bag ideas will make your special day even more unforgettable. Take a look.

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Why Do You Need to Give Guests Welcome Bags at Your Wedding?

Giving out welcome bags at weddings is a way to show appreciation and hospitality toward guests. You can fill these bags with valuable items, such as snacks, refreshments, a map, and other essentials.

Wedding Gift Bag Ideas For Out Of Town Guests

ashleyraestudio via Instagram

These wedding gift bag ideas for out-of-town guests make your guests feel comfortable and welcome in an unfamiliar city. It is a way to show your guests that you want to ensure they have a pleasant stay.

The gift bag can include several items, but below are some recommendations for what to include.

What to put: A local area guidebook featuring popular tourist spots and outstanding locations. A calendar of events happening in the city during their visit and a map of the region with directions to vital places.

Also, a list of phone numbers for local and crucial contacts, and information about the public transportation system.

Destination Wedding Gift Bag Ideas

lorenzoaccardi.photography via Instagram

Destination wedding gift bag ideas include objects or essentials that the wedding guests will find beneficial while they are staying at the venue.

What to put: Couples should put a map or guidebook, a list of practical details like transit tips and restaurant recommendations in the gift bag. Also, consider including a little phrasebook in the package if the wedding will be in a foreign country.

Furthermore, you can include gifts that are exclusive to the location or destination gift, such as a local craft or delicacy.

Beach Wedding Gift Bag Ideas

For a beach bag wedding gift, some fantastic ideas include a custom tote bag, straw beach bags, and waterproof beach totes. You can also have your gifts take a cue from the setting, such as seagrass baskets filled with beach-inspired items.

What to put: Printed weekend itinerary, bottled water, snacks, a handmade welcome note, souvenirs, recovery kits, and pampering items. Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated in the hot sun.

You can also opt for towels to dry off after swimming in the water. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are a must for protecting skin from the sun’s rays. You can even personalize the hats or caps by adding your initials or wedding date.

When to give: When your guests arrive at the beach, be sure they have all the items they need to enjoy their stay.

Сruise Wedding Gift Bag Ideas

renezadoriphotography via Etsy

As a newlywed couple hosting a cruise wedding, it’s a nice touch to provide your guests with a thoughtful gift bag to thank them for being a part of your special day.

What to put: Some ideas for cruise wedding gift bags from newlyweds to guests include: a personalized thank-you note from the bride and groom, a beach tote bag or backpack to use while exploring ports of call, a water bottle or insulated tumbler to stay hydrated on board, a small bottle of champagne or a cocktail kit to celebrate with on board, etc.

When to give: The best time to give cruise wedding gift bags from newlyweds to guests is during the welcome reception or at the start of the cruise. This will allow your guests to unpack their bags and have everything they need for the duration of the trip.

Wedding Gift Bag Ideas For Hotel Guests

lizakirkphotography via Instagram

Making accommodations in the hotel room for your visitors to unwind and recover is a considerate gesture that makes them feel at home and valued. This is why your wedding hotel guest gift bag ideas are necessary.

What to put: A “recovery and refresh” hotel gift bag for guests could include items like lip balm, soap, lotion, and face masks. It helps your guests relax and pamper themselves after the wedding events.

You can also add extra items like snacks or fruit for a quick and easy snack. Also, you can add a “recovery kit” and include pain relievers, eye drops, or earplugs for guests who need them.

When to give: You can leave the bags at the hotel’s front desk for your guests to grab when they check-in. Also, you can leave the bags in their hotel room, so they can use them once they are in their rooms.

Wedding Gift Bag Ideas What to Include

A wedding welcome gift bag is a thoughtful gesture to give to guests as they arrive at your wedding. It should include a bottle of water to keep guests hydrated and mints to freshen up their breath. You can also add mini alcohol like champagne to add a touch of luxury and celebration.

Hangover Recovery Kit

Couples can fill their hangover recovery kit with a collection of wedding hotel gift bag items. These items help to ease the symptoms of a hangover and also aid in recovery. This particular kit includes Tylenol for headache relief and vitamin tablets or electrolyte powder packets for replenishment. Also, you can add eye drops for dry eyes, ear plugs for noise sensitivity, bottled water for hydration, and wet wipes for refreshment.

Some hangover recovery kits may also include supplements such as B vitamins or milk thistle. They help support liver function and protect against damage caused by alcohol. Providing a hangover recovery kit shows your guests that you care about their well-being and want them to enjoy the wedding to the fullest.

BUY ON ETSY

Snack packs, also known as welcome bags or wedding guest gift bag contents, are a fun and practical way to show appreciation. They contain several small, non-perishable food items such as candy, chips, granola bars, chocolate, popcorn, and nuts. These items provide a variety of flavors and textures that will appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.

You can also personalize them to reflect the theme or aesthetic of the wedding. It is vital to keep in mind dietary restrictions and allergies when creating the packs.

JoyEvents via Etsy

Date Night gift bag ideas for wedding guests are an intelligent and romantic way to remind couples at your wedding of their love. Also, to allow them to spend some quality time together. These date night gift bags can include massage oil and scented candles with different fragrances.

Also add custom wine, board games for couples, restaurant gift cards, and theater gift cards with playbills. All these items create a romantic and intimate atmosphere and offer the couple a chance to relax and enjoy each other’s company.

WeddingFavorsTr via Etsy

Kitchen Magic

Kitchen Magic is one of the perfect wedding guest wedding gift bag ideas for the foodie and chef in your life. Inside, they will find a bag of premium gourmet flour for making delicious homemade pastries and a bottle of cooking wine. You can also add an assortment of spices to experiment with new flavors, and high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Also, to add a touch of heat and excitement, add a custom hot sauce made with a unique blend of peppers and seasonings. This gift pack allows your guests to explore new flavors and elevate their kitchen magic.

Mesnet via Etsy

Spa Day Essentials

Fill this luxurious wedding gift bag with a curated selection of beauty and relaxation essentials. It will help your guests unwind and rejuvenate. From the luxurious handmade soap to the soothing bath salts and hydrating body lotion, these little luxuries will leave your guests feeling pampered and refreshed.

The included Emory board and clay facial mud mask are perfect for achieving salon-worthy nails and skin. Also, the sleep mask helps to ensure a good night’s rest. This gift box is the ideal way to show your guests how much you care and leave them feeling indulged.

marigoldgrey via Instagram

How to Package Your Welcome Bags

Packaging your welcome wedding favor gift bag for wedding guests sets the tone for your guests’ experience. It also allows them to feel valued and appreciated. When packaging your welcome bags, it is necessary to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding, including your theme color.

There are several options for packaging your welcome bags. One popular option is to use a reusable tote bag or a box or basket, which you can decorate with ribbon or flowers. Some other packaging options are:

Paper bags are gift bag ideas for weddings made from paper that is biodegradable and inexpensive. It is also lightweight, easy to print on, and available in various sizes and shapes.

They are an ecological and cost-effective option for packaging. They are also ideal for food packaging as they are breathable and help keep food fresh.

Simple Pouch

This simple pouch is a wedding gift bag that designers make from thick fabric or materials, often with a zipper, rope or other closure at the top. It is versatile, lightweight, easy to transport and store, and comes in several colors, sizes, and materials.

Simple pouches are re-sealable, cost-effective, and easy to use. It is also ecological because the designers make them from fabric.

This tote bag is a wedding welcome gift bag with two parallel handles that emerge from the sides of its pouch. Tote bags are often made of sturdy cloth such as canvas or denim and are perfect for wedding bags.

The advantages of tote bags include that they are reusable and durable, and you can carry them by hand or over the shoulder. Your guests can also use this bag as a fashion accessory.

This fancy basket is one of the wedding guests’ gift bag ideas that is made of natural materials such as wicker, bamboo, and grasses, which are renewable resources. This makes them a more sustainable option compared to plastic or other synthetic materials.

They are a versatile and practical way to package and transport goods. In terms of durability, baskets are a reliable choice. They withstand wear and tear and hold a good amount of weight.

This box is a personalized wedding bag for the gift that designers make from paperboard or corrugated fiberboard and is used for packaging or storing items. Advantages of using boxes as packaging include protection, customizability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. This box is a white favor box with flower decor that you can use to package small gifts or party favors. The design can add a special touch of elegance and personalization to the gift.

Add Custom Stickers

Adding custom stickers to gift bag ideas for wedding guests can leave a lasting impression on your wedding guests. These custom stickers can include your design, logo, or message, making them a great way to decorate boxes or seal bags and envelopes.

You can order personalized stickers from various online platforms such as etsy.com. These custom stickers are an affordable and effective way to make your packaging stand out.

Wedding gift bags are a simple and thoughtful way to show appreciation for your guests. They also serve as a lasting reminder of the special occasion. So, whether you opt for personalized favors or eco-friendly options, your guests will appreciate the thought and care that went into their wedding gift bag ideas.

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• Cruise Weddings

Welcome Aboard Bags????

By okmyers November 28, 2011 in Cruise Weddings

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Ok Brides and Newleweds....

I need some help. I am getting married aboard the Carnival Conquest in June 2012. I originally wanted to do "Welcome Aboard" bags for the 30 or so guest we have sailing with us. BUT when I really started shopping around, I realized how hard it was to create "special" bags for women, men, teenagers, and children all the same. I'm starting to think I should have something special made for the women (monogrammed make-up bags) and something special made for men. And something different for the kids. HELP I'm confused and I would love to hear some suggestions!

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dominiqueamber

I would look at the thread that has a master list of oot bag contents. If you look in the cruise wedding sections they suggest things like tolietries, motion sickness bands and air freshers. I think someone mentioned putting money on their accounts for drinks and pool toys for the kids. I'm sure you can get mini bottles of alcohol past security, I know on carnival you can bring two bottles of wine per person, so you can give couples wine before they board. You really should try searching though, there's a lot of threads like this started.

bostoncruiser35

I like the idea of having something special for each member of the family for each oot bag, but it is alot of work. If you are up to it, I love the make up bag idea for the women, you can do the same for the men just a more masculine travel bag. For the kids depending on ages, maybe younger ones could get a cute bag with goggles and a coloring book and crayons, mid age goggles and cards maybe older could get the bags like the adults.

Good Ideas...I bought makeup bag sets from Dollar Tree for my bags, They have a satin finish and different patterns (zebra, leopard, dots, ect) and there is a large and small one. I also got plastic ones with colored zippers and the smaller bag is the same material as the reusable grocery bags. It's pretty awesome for 2 for a $1.

Originally Posted by bostoncruiser35   I like the idea of having something special for each member of the family for each oot bag, but it is alot of work. If you are up to it, I love the make up bag idea for the women, you can do the same for the men just a more masculine travel bag. For the kids depending on ages, maybe younger ones could get a cute bag with goggles and a coloring book and crayons, mid age goggles and cards maybe older could get the bags like the adults.

• 3 weeks later...

OurSpecialDay1

Welcome aboard and Congratulations on your up coming wedding.  I am a Carnival Conquest bride to  on Sept.19 , 2012 offshore on the beach in the Port of Montego Bay. The Reception will be at All-Inclusive hotel called DeCameron.   I have so far 35 guest and rising lol.  Here are some items that I thought about putting in my bags: a Survival Kit with advil, alkaselzer,altoids, gum or mints, motion sickness meds, pepto bismol , hand sanitizer a sticker that reads In Sickness and In Health on the Meds. Luggage tag with a business card from Vista Print inside with our wedding logo , a key holder to put around their necks with the same cards from Vista Print reading To have and To Hold your sign and sail card. A bag of popcorn with a label that reads Have you had a Poppin' Good Time? Thanks for sharing our special day ! Our names and the Wedding Date.

Here are  some wordings that you can use for labels for your survival kit

Too Much Booze (BC,

Too Much Sun ( if you want to put some sunscreen lotion or lip balm)

Too Much Food (pepto, alkerselzer

Too Much Fun

I haven't found a bag yet for them so I might just do a gift bag with my colors and ribbons.

I don't want to spend much on bags 1.50 is the max and I don't see any cheaper. 

Any ideas Ladies for OOOT bags?

I have seen a template for the survival kit on her but I haven't saved it yet.

Also I wanted to mention with my Bridesmaids I'm only having 2 their bags will be a little diffent.  I'm trying to find a straw bag for them and add some sunglasses , Brides Entorouge tank shirt and a passport wallet.

I hope that this helped .  Let's keep in touch so that we can compare wedding info for the Carnival Conquest.  You can PM me. 

• 7 months later...

I just booked my wedding for June 19, 2013 on the Carnival Conquest.  Please keep me posted on how everything turned out for your wedding.  I absolutely love the welcome bag idea.

• 1 month later...

That is so amazing!  There is a photographer doing free New Orleans weddings.  She was booked for my wedding date but you might like her!   http://www.jenniferbryanphoto.com/blog/2012/9/cruise-wedding-photographer

• 4 months later...

I am also making welcome bags but I'm making the adult bags very unisex... Kids I'm giving them a lil shovel and bucket instead of a bag full off little goodies and am making my own coloring books n crayon packets

I am just looking at cruise weddings now.  

I am so confused, so I am hoping this site and you ladies help me!

I read above about having the reception at a hotel when in port?

How do I inquire about this??

Originally Posted by blondi1029     I am also making welcome bags but I'm making the adult bags very unisex... Kids I'm giving them a lil shovel and bucket instead of a bag full off little goodies and am making my own coloring books n crayon packets

The shovel/bucket idea is great, I am glad you mentioned it that way the kids will have something to play with on the beach, thanks!!

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• Honeymoon & Wedding Cruises

Welcome Bags for Guests

By efmarek , April 23, 2007 in Honeymoon & Wedding Cruises

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I have read on several threads about welcome bags for guests. I am getting married in Grand Cayman while on the Carnival Conquest out of Galveston. I want to make welcome aboard gift bags for my guests, but how do I go about getting these put in my guests cabins before we embark? Any suggestions about items to include in welcome bags would be greatly appreciated. :)

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My future sister in law had a great idea for her on land wedding- she made little bags for all the children that would be attending the wedding. It included a small coloring book and crayons, bendable action figures, a lei, balls to play with ect.

She used oriental trader. They have a website and you can google them.

For adults, my best ideas are a small beach tote that can be folded! Everyone always has a hard time packing all their treasures the last day!

A beach towel.

Sunblock chap stick.

A small photo album or picture frame.

Snacks- gold fish crackers, mini candy bars mini booze bottles GUM!

a lei- just for fun you could all wear them to dinner or the show one night.

Also, a handwritten little note welcoming them and thanking them for sharing your day would be a wonderful touch!

For our family reunion cruises, each year either my aunt or uncle made us little treat bags. The first year, it was a beach towel. The second year, it was a goodie bag with small chocolates, gum, gold fish crackers, a juice pack and other little treats. I am an adult, but i really loved it! They lasted the whole trip (surprisingly) and each of us had our own little stash. Plus, it was really sweet that they even thought about us.

Congratulations! Hope some of this helps!

I came across the most awesome little bags tonight at Dollar Tree. They are red and blue with nautical items on the front. Hopefully I can upload a pic and you can see it below. I also found tropical flavored chapstick there, 2 for $1.

I had originally planned to get larger welcome bags, but these were too perfect. We are going to put sunscreen, first aid kit, post its, aspirin, tissues, chapstick, a welcome letter, small corked bottles for them to bring home a piece of the island, and whatever else comes to mind before then. I have a list somewhere. Since it's a smaller bag it will also take less to fill it, which is fine by me! We will also have toothbrushes, combs, razors, and other necessity items on hand in case anyone happens to need them. I think my "man of honor" will probably be the point of contact for anyone needing those.

As for getting them to the rooms, I am pretty certain I've seen people post that you can have that arranged. Not sure if there is a fee associated with it or if you would just have to tip. However, my future in-laws are hosting a welcome reception for us, which is where we will be giving our welcome bags out.

Oriental Trading Company is a great place for finding fun items for your bag.

Sorry, I forgot the attachment. Let me know if you have trouble viewing it.

These ideas are great. I love them. I am ready to get started on the bags already. I am going to check out my local dollar general and dollar tree for these items. I am probably going to have about 20 bags to make in all. I don't have any small children in our party so I can concentrate on adult gift ideas. Thanks so much guys. Keep those ideas coming. :D

I almost forgot. I so love the idea with small corked bottles. If you don't mind I am definitely going to use it. We are getting married on Seven Mile Beach (at the Wharf) and I think it will be a great idea for everyone to take a piece of the wedding/beach with them when we leave. We also plan to have a sand/unity ceremony and we may just get larger vases with additional sand and "share" the sand with our guests following the ceremony. This is absolute a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. Best wishes on your Jamaica wedding. I know it will be beautiful.

Oriental trading company has some great things to put in welcome bags.

I havent started putting ours together yet since we dont know our total RSVP yet, but some ideas i have are...

beach balls

beach towel...if we cand find some that are not expensive

Those are my ideas so far.

Dh and I delivered the bags to everyone's rooms. It was fun!! We got to see everyone and say Hi!! I had disposable cameras, sunblock, flip flop playing cards, palm tree pens, palm fans, welcome letter, chapstick, tums, Tylenol, and a few other samll things in my bags. They were a huge hit!! I got married in Grand Cayman too!!

Did you give one bag per person, or one bag per cabin? Great ideas! thanks.

Thanks Michele. My fiance and I will probably deliver them to everyone also. Where did you get married in Grand Cayman? Did you arrange your wedding through the ship, or did you use a planner from the island? I bet your wedding was beautiful. If you can share some pictures, I would be most appreciative. Thanks again.

bridetobe08

This may be a silly question, but with all the luggage you bring with you on the cruise, where do you pack all the welcome bags???:confused:

Good question Bridetobe08! I would love to hear from someone who has already done this.

I am planning on not assembling the bags until we get there. That will take up less space at least. Then the wedding party will assemble in our suite to put the bags together before our welcome reception. It shouldn't take too long.

I am open to better ideas, though!

I am just going to take an extra (large) suit case with me to pack all of my wedding stuff, like gift bag contents, extra booze ;) , etc. I normally don't take but one large bag anyway, so hopefully this will not be a problem for us.

I was wondering how I was going to get all the stuff for the gift bags onto the ship. I am planning on taking an extra suitcase. I was wondering how people often bring brooze onto the ship. I noticed several messages mentioning it and was wondering how closes is the cruise ship search?

I believe that the luggage is only scanned and not physically searched. I know that on Carnival, you can lock your checked luggage. I always put my extra sodas and booze in my checked suitcase. I have never had any problems whatsoever. ;)

• 2 months later...

I am finally putting together the items I plan on including in my welcome bags. I actually found canvas bags at Walmart for $2.28 each. I know that is kind of expensive, but I am only going to have 20 - 25 bags total. I plan on setting a budget to spend $200 - $300 for these bags. I found the canvas bags in my wedding color, but I haven't yet decided what to decorate them with. I have a relative who does embroidery, so I may find a simple cruise ship outline and have it embroidered on the bag. My question is if I need to have a bag for each person, or just one bag per cabin? Any ideas will help. :)

I'm planning one bag for each cabin (and I'm also making a kid's bag, so the kids all get their own). I'd like to give a bottle of wine with the bag, and I can't afford to do one per person if I include the wine, so it's one per cabin.

Hi Efmarek... In my case everyone sharing a room is a couple, friends or related some how, so I am going to do one bag per room. I think you can base it on every person. I'm getting married on the Carnival Destiny on January 21, 2008 and I have already started buying items for my bags. I have decided to get a bunch on stuff that can go in everyone's bags, mini first aid kits, Tylenol, personalized Koozies(the thing that keeps your beer cold), chapstick with spf, pens, flip flop sticky notes, etc. Now I will start to buy a little something geared to the people getting the bags. I also have to make 25 bags so budget is definitely a issue!! Good Luck and let me know if you have any suggestions!!

Thanks Bridetobe08. I am going to start buying items this week also. I like your idea of the note pads and pens. Have you found these items yet? Did you find them in a "cruise or wedding" theme? I am also thinking of putting a visor in each of them. I found foam visors at Garden Ridge for $1.00 each. I am also going to have to buy a fews things geared toward each person also. I have several more women sailing than men, so I guess I will get some shaving items for the men. Thanks for all your help.

I think that a bottle of wine is a great idea, but I am afraid of racking up a lot of cost also. I may try to find those small bottles of rum or vodka to include in the bags. I know my local package store carries them, but I am not sure of their cost. Thanks a bunch.

• 3 weeks later...

im not sure if yall already heard of this site, but it has very cheap canvas totes.

cheaptotes.com

Hi...Since we will be getting married in Port Canaveral and I live in Deltona Fl... I went to a Canaveral seashore and collected sand and shells. I then went to Michaels and bought some glass bottles with cork like the ones below. They were only $1.00 each!!! I am going to make some bottles simular to the ones I saw on the Davids Bridal website. I liked the idea and wanted to make it more personal so that everyone attending can have a momento that will have some meaning...

We actually hand delivered all of the bags to all of the guests rooms before we left the port (after the muster drill thing). It gave us a chance to greet all of the guests and we had a great time doling it. We actually took our video camera with us and taped the whole thing!!

Congrats everyone!!!

I know it's been mentioned before but you can actually find A LOT of really awesome things through the Oriental Trading company for dirt cheap. You can personalize a ton of stuff too. I bought personalized candy and pencils from there. I think I paid $3 for a dozen pencils and you can pick any color you'd like.

In my bags I also have Tylenol, hand sanitizing solution, spf 30 chapstick, notepads, the pencils, and Dramamine. I found boxes of individually wrapped Tylenol and Dramamine on Ebay for a decent price.

I've read on other boards that you can pay $1 per bag to have the bags delivered to the staterooms. That might actually be worth it since I have 21 bags to deliver and not everyone may be in the rooms when we do the delivering. :-)

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Jul 14, 2020

I, of course, also went a little overboard. Get it? It’s a boat, overboard, oh nevermind.  

I thought the welcome bags would be a nice way to show everyone how much we appreciated them coming to our wedding. I know this wasn’t the easiest or cheapest wedding to attend, so I wanted to show our gratitude. (I know exactly how much people spent on the rooms since I booked almost half the staterooms mysel f,  and had to process everyone’s payments.)  

I am a fairly crafty person, but I also tend to get in over my head. I told both my Mom and Jay that the only thing I wanted for my birthday was a  Cricut  Maker, and that I would happily put money towards it myself, because I realized it would make so many of the wedding projects easier.  

I started with researching items that people recommend packing for a Disney Cruise that they wouldn’t have necessarily thought of themselves, like lanyards and reusable cups. It’s easier to keep your room key/ID, also known as a “Key to the World” card, in a lanyard than trying to pull it out of your wallet, and while soda is free on Disney Cruise Line, the cups are small so if you bring a larger cup, that means less trips for refills. However, if you’ve never been on a cruise, you don’t know those things. I certainly wouldn’t have without researching it.   My first project was the lanyards. I wanted cute lanyards instead of boring ones, but cute ones get expensive fast. Thankfully, Jay’s mom is an awesome seamstress, and I was able to send her the fabric and a tutorial , and she whipped up a bunch of custom nautical Disney lanyards. 

There were also things included in the welcome bags that required no crafting: Chapstick, reusable straws, sunscreen, pens, notepads, paper fans, playing cards, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, sleeping masks, Kleenex packets,  light up rings, sachets to be used as room deodorizer, and laundry bags for dirty clothes. Well, the laundry bags didn’t “require” crafting, but our friend Morgan was kind enough to personalize them for everyone.   As an added bonus, AC Moore happened to be going out of business right before the wedding, so Mom scored plastic champagne flutes and “Bride’s Mate” shot glasses that we added at the last second.  

The absolute best two things in the  welcome bags  I made, but I just had to design them instead of making them myself. I also had help. I can design all day long. I can’t draw to save my life.  

View this post on Instagram Taking some time to post some of the fun commissions I worked on recently. Baloo the bear as a skippy on the famous Jungle Cruise! #commission #illustration #disney #baloo #junglecruise #junglebook #disneyland #adventureland A post shared by Robby Cook (@cartoon_cookie) on Dec 29, 2018 at 9:10am PST

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25 Cruise Gift Bag Ideas that Are Fun to Make, Give and Receive

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Are you looking a unique gift idea for cruisers? Surprising someone with a cruise gift bag full of useful cruise essentials is a great idea!

Cruise gift bags can also be nice to give if you’ve planned a group cruise for friends and family. If you’re getting married or renewing your vows on a cruise, a cruise gift basket placed in everyone’s cabin will be so appreciated!

In this post I share some ideas for what to put in a cruise gift bag, as well as how to surprise someone with the gift of a cruise .

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How to Gift a Cruise

If you want to surprise someone with a gift of a cruise, there are some fun ways to do this.

• Print out a personalized cruise ticket
• Purchase a cruise ship ornament for the Christmas tree & surprise the family
• Create a cruise scavenger hunt where the last cruise reveals a cruise
• Give a cruise related gift such as snorkel gear with a cruise gift card
• Gift a fun cruise theme t-shirt ie. “Jones Family Cruise 2022”
• Give a cruise book as a gift, with a “cruise ticket” printed out
• Buy a cruise line gift card

If presenting a gift card or cruise as a gift, these “Oh Ship” cruise themed cards are a must!

What to Put in a Cruise Gift Bag or Basket

While nothing is better than the gift of a cruise, getting cruise items in a cruise gift basket comes pretty close. While I mention gift baskets, you can be creative and create a cruise gift bag that will be practical and fun!

Personally, I like the idea of a using cruise tote bag or backpack, which can be used both on the cruise for shore excursions and port days.

Looking for Gifts for Cruisers? I’ve put together a list to help: 65+ Best Gifts for Cruisers

Cruise Gift Bags – Beach & Tote Bags

Here are 3 great beach and tote bags that will make a great base for a cruise gift bag.

Mesh Beach Bag

This mesh beach bag is perfect to fill with flip flops, reef friendly sunscreen, aloe vera, a waterproof phone case and more!

Recommended: Mesh beach bag (see several color options on Amazon here)

Nautical Anchor Tote Bag

This nautical tote bag with zipper is great to go from shopping to beach on a port day! Fill it with some favorite cruise cabin essentials and more.

Recommended: Nautical beach tote bag (check over 2000 Amazon reviews here)

Mesh Beach Backpack

For those that like a backpack, this mesh backpack with a turtle design is perfect. It also folds up into a small pouch – a space saver for cruise travelers!

Recommended: Mesh beach backpack (check price & designs and colors on Amazon)

Cruise Gift Bag Filler Ideas

Here are a few unique items that make great filler ideas for cruise gift bags. This list of consists of packing essentials and other cruise and travel items.

1.   Cruise Lanyards

3.  Bathing Suit Cover Up

4.   Cruise Compliant Power Strip with USBs

5.   Magnet Hooks

6.  Magnet Clips

7.  Beach Towel Clips

8.   Towel Bands

9.   Microfiber Beach Towel

10.   Seabands

12.  Aloe Vera Gel

14.  Waterproof Phone Case & Lanyards

15.   Luggage Tag Holders

16.   Tide to go

17.  Downy Wrinkle Release

18.  Travel Size Laundry Packets

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19.  Cruise Nightlight

20.   Reusable Straws

21.   Collapsible Water Bottles

23.   Cruise T-shirt

24. Water Shoes

25. Crew Thank You Cards

26. Highlighters

27. Snorkle Mask

Cruise Gift Bag Tips

• If you’re making several gift baskets or bags, don’t feel like they need to all be the same
• You may want to include travel size versions of some products
• Balance pricier items with less expensive items
• For holiday cruises, include a Santa hat or other holiday theme gift

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• Cruise Cabin Door Decorations: The Ultimate Guide for Cruisers

Final Thoughts on Cruise Gift Baskets & Bags

Cruise gift bags are such fun and practical gifts to give cruise travelers ! Whether you want to surprise someone with the gift of a cruise or create a cruise themed gift basket, there are many items in this post that cruisers will love.

Have you ever surprised someone with a cruise or given cruise themed items as a gift?   Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ilana 

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Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

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Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

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A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

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