Having out-of-town guests at your wedding? You probably already know to make arrangements for their stay—that means securing a block of rooms at a nearby hotel and providing guests with pertinent information for booking. (Psst: There are plenty of terrific hotels located very close to RiverCrest Golf Club!) But you should also consider how you’ll greet guests when they check in, and a hotel welcome bag is a relatively simple—but super-thoughtful—way to let far-flung friends and family know that you’re happy they made the trip. But what to put in it?
Start with the Practical
A well-stocked welcome bag hits a few notes: the useful amenities, the fun add-ons, and the personal touches. For the necessities, think of things guests might want the next morning, such as a few packets of Advil, a tin of mints, a couple of snacks, and bottles of water. (For the latter, think of ditching the Deer Park sticker for a custom label with your new monogram and wedding date on it.)
Add a Touch of Whimsy
Next, sprinkle in a few less practical, pure fun items: a pack of crayons and coloring book if little ones are invited to the wedding, or a book of crossword puzzles for their trip home.
Make It Personal
Then be sure to include more personal items that give your out-of-town guests a taste of the area. It’s perhaps easiest to do this with food: a bunch of Peanut Chews (yep, those were invented in Philly!), a few Philadelphia soft pretzels, chocolates from a local chocolatier (think: Hershey’s, or, even closer to home, Phoenixville’s own Bridge Street Chocolates), and Tastykakes Krimpets. For non-edible home-grown treats, try soaps from local companies (we love Duross & Langel and Hand in Hand, both based in Philly), or a mini candle from Rosen & Co.
Tie it all together by including a list of great places to visit while your guests are in town—your favorite coffee shop, a terrific local breakfast spot, a can’t-miss shop or a must-visit museum—and a personal note thanking guests for traveling to your wedding and wishing them a wonderful night and a safe trip home. But don’t worry about out-of-towners being gone for long: With this sort of a welcome, chances are they’ll be back to visit before you’ve celebrated your first wedding anniversary.
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