By Kate Cohen
July 10, 2025
Wherever you decide to get married, you’ll likely have guests traveling to your destination to celebrate you and your partner.
Show appreciation for guests who have made the effort to attend your wedding by gifting them a welcome bag.
Welcome bags are usually a mix of practical and fun personalized items to make your guests’ stay more comfortable and get them excited for your wedding events.
They can also help introduce friends and family to a new area, helping them make the most of their time in a new place.
These tokens of appreciation can be as simple or grand as you like, depending on factors like your budget and ability to transport them to your wedding destination.
Regardless of what may be waiting for your guests in a welcome bag, they’ll be grateful you thought of them and are excited for their attendance on your big day.
Key Takeaways
Ideas to Include in Your Welcome Bags
Looking for inspiration on what to include in your wedding welcome bags?
Here are some of our favorite items that will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
If you’re hosting a wedding in Orlando, we’ve also included some Central Florida-specific ideas for you to consider.
Local Treats and Items
There’s no better way to welcome someone to a special destination than surprising them with local goodies that represent the area’s spirit and specialties.
Is there something your city is famous for producing? Are there any special brands that call the area home?
Including a special treat or even an item that pays homage to your wedding city is a great way to get out-of-town guests even more excited for your big day.
Orlando examples: cookies from Gideon’s Bakehouse, chocolates from AJ Chocolate House, Orlando stickers, Disney-themed luggage tags, an ornament
Seasonal/Destination Items
Depending on where your guests are traveling from, they may or may not be equipped for your wedding destination.
If you’re hosting a winter wedding somewhere snowy, provide your guests with hand warming packs or a lightweight pashmina.
On the contrary, if you’re saying “I do” somewhere more tropical, a pair of sunglasses, travel-size sunscreen, or hand fan might save the day.
Orlando examples: a pair of flip flops for time spent poolside, SPF 30 sunscreen (travel size), mini handheld fan
Something to Toast to Your Love
Nothing takes the edge off traveling like a drink.
It’s even better when you don’t have to leave your hotel room to enjoy it.
Craft beer from a local brewery or a pre-prepared mini cocktail can be a lovely way to welcome your out-of-town guests.
(Note: If you’re providing something in a bottle, make sure your guests have a way to open it easily. Screw tops are your friend!)
If alcohol isn’t your vibe (or it doesn’t fit your budget), consider a fun soft drink or flavored sparkling water for a refreshing zero-proof option.
Orlando examples: a can of beer from Tactical Brewing Co., orange flavored probiotic soda like Poppi
Spa Items
Treat your guests like true VIPs by gifting them a spa-inspired self-care item.
Face masks, bath bombs, lip scrubs, and travel-sized lotions all add a special touch of TLC to a welcome bag.
Whether your guests use them throughout their stay or take them home as a special souvenir, everyone will appreciate an indulgent spa-like treat.
Orlando examples: bath bombs from Basin
Travel Guide
Your guests are bound to have some downtime while in town for your wedding. Make things easier for them by providing a simple travel guide.
This can include local attractions and entertainment, recommended restaurants and coffee shops, and anything else that’s noteworthy and nearby.
If any of your wedding events are offsite, make sure your guests have clear directions, and any necessary information on how to get there.
You can easily make these travel guides yourself with a program like Canva or purchase a customizable template from Etsy for a truly one-of-a-kind feel.
Weekend Itinerary
Whichever events your guests are invited to, keep them informed (and hopefully on time) with a printed itinerary of the weekend’s events.
Include addresses, timelines, specific dress codes, and any other relevant information on the printed handout.
Even if your guests can access info on your wedding website, many people will still appreciate having a hard copy for easy access.
For a cohesive look, design your itinerary to match the travel guide.
Handwritten Thank You Note
A personalized note can make a lasting impact when welcoming guests from out of town.
It doesn’t have to be anything lengthy, but a quick handwritten “Thank you for being here to celebrate with us” addressed to your guests is a lovely touch.
Orlando example: write your personalized note on custom Orlando stationary or Orlando postcards
“In Sickness and in Health” Supplies
Whether it’s from travel germs, that final round of drinks, or prolonged exposure to the sun, sickness happens.
Providing your guests with a small first- aid kit can help them manage any immediate minor health concerns.
Items like Band-Aids, antiacids, bottled water, vitamin C powder, and travel-sized packets of over-the-counter pain relievers come in clutch for a late-night malady.
Mints, hand sanitizer, and makeup removing wipes are also helpful to have on hand when staying somewhere new.
The Couple’s Favorite Treats
Looking for a way to make your welcome bags feel even more unique to you and your partner?
Include a selection of your favorite items or things that have special meaning to you as a couple.
Toss in your favorite candies or snack food labeled with the name of the person who favors them.
Was your first date at the movies? Include a bag of popcorn tied to a note that explains the significance of the special snack.
The opportunities to share your personalities and your love story are endless.
How to Deliver Your Welcome Bags
Now comes the strategy; once you’ve created the perfect wedding welcome bag, how do you make sure they successfully make it to your guests?
If you’re hosting a welcome party for out-of-towners, you can always hand them their welcome bag in person.
Do you have a block of rooms reserved for your guests at a preferred hotel? Another option is to have the welcome bags waiting for them at the front desk as they check in.
Some hotels can anticipate your guests’ check-in and place the welcome bags in their designated hotel rooms. This service is often available for a small fee.
Make Your Guests Feel Most Welcome at a Rosen Hotel with Rosen Weddings
Our four Rosen Wedding venues aren’t just known for elegant and flexible event spaces,; they’re also beautiful hotels known for exceptional hospitality and service.
When you host your wedding at Rosen Plaza, Rosen Centre, Rosen Shingle Creek, or Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, your guests can conveniently stay onsite in our beautiful accommodations.
They’ll be able to take advantage of amenities like onsite dining, seasonally heated swimming pools, and complimentary theme park shuttles.
See for yourself how your dream wedding can come to life at a Rosen Wedding venue, and all the perks of hosting a hotel wedding in the heart of Orlando.
Reach out to one of our wedding specialists to start planning your perfect wedding day.
