You may find that on your big day, there are so many people to greet upon arrival and to help get accommodated that you feel like you can’t do it all! Well, welcome bags of goodies are a great way to say, “Hello, we are so happy you could come!” and provide information for the weekend! Check out our breakdown of everything we think you need to assemble the perfect pre-wedding Richmond goodie bag to make sure your guests feel right at home!
A Versatile Carryall
It’s all about the presentation! Making sure you put your guests goodies in a bag that is durable and presentable is key! You always want to make sure you are providing your guests with something durable to hold all of their wedding gifts in! Using a canvas tote is our personal preference as they are durable and can be reused as a beach bag, or to tote groceries around in! Whatever you decide to use, make sure you design something that will make your guests remember your big day, but also want to use after the wedding!
photo via Etsy
Local Flavors
Give your out-of-towner guests a taste of local Richmond flavors with snacks that are a representation of our beautiful city! For example, a small pouch of Virginia Peanuts with a cute “nuts about you” gift tag! Peanuts are central to the Virginia area and something easy and yummy to munch on! Another cute idea is including a “free donut” or “free cookie” coupon for a local favorite such as Sugar Shack Donuts or Red Eye Cookie.
photo via beau-coup
Something to Sip On
It’s going to be a long day! Give your guests a bottle of water or two to keep them hydrated without sending them to the hotel lobby cafe. Incorporating a cute personal label with your wedding colors is an easy way to keep the theme of your weekend alive. Adding a small bag of ground local coffee such as Blanchard’s or Lamplighter, is a nice idea for guests to bring back some local tastes.
photo via Sticker You
Add Some Favorites
Put a personal touch to your bag by including items you and your significant other love or speak to you as a couple! Maybe it’s a certain candy that your new spouse loves, a keychain from your favorite local hangout or a signature RVA decal! The details that capture your quirks as a couple make for fun welcome bag additions that your guests are sure to love.
photo via gifted
Event Lineup
It is important that your guests feel informed and up-to-date with all the information and plans of your big day. Include a welcome letter with a link directly to your wedding website where they can find all key information. This includes an event timeline, important locations, dress codes, addresses, phone numbers for wedding contacts, and any other need to know information. It is smart if you are expecting older guests who may not be willing to look at the website, to provide them with a small paper packet of information.
Local Hotspots & Hangouts
Help your guests enjoy their downtime away from the wedding events by providing them with some of Richmond’s must-sees and dos! Provide a small map or guide of Richmond into each welcome bag. It also doesn’t hurt to provide a copy of Richmond’s magazine, so guests can see what other events are taking place at that time. Since Richmond is also known for its history and breweries, providing information regarding museum destinations and brewery tours would make for a nice local touch! Highlight other hot spots and recommend restaurants in the area should they want to eat one night. Keep it personal by highlighting the place where you had your first dinner date, or the park you like to take walks in as a couple!
photo via Pinterest
Emergency Kit
Create a small emergency kit with things that your guests could find themselves needing during your weekend. Add in some Advil, Band-Aids, stain remover, or even Emergen-C to keep those travel germs away. It is true, you never know when you are going to need these things so helping keep your guests prepared for anything is ideal. Your friends and family will thank you, believe us!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
Your welcome bag is another great opportunity to thank your guests for making the trip to be a part of your special day! Include a thoughtful letter pinned to the front of your bag to welcome them and tell them how thankful you are that they were willing to share your special day with you. With all your other goodies in your bags, it may be easy for guests to overlook your letter. Pinning the letter to the front of bag will make sure that guests don’t miss a beat! And don’t forget to give a quick rundown of the items in your bag and provide a backstory when needed.
photo via Etsy