What to Put in a Wedding Welcome Bag
What to Pack in the Perfect Wedding Welcome Bag

Wedding welcome bags are the first thing your out-of-town guests see when they arrive—and the right ones can turn a basic hotel check-in into a warm, thoughtful kickoff to your celebration. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or a hometown weekend event, we’ll walk you through what to include in your welcome bags (and how to make them look amazing).
- 1. Why Wedding Welcome Bags Matter
- 2. Essential Items Every Welcome Bag Should Have
- 3. Fun and Personal Touches
- 4. Theme and Color Coordination Tips
- 5. Presentation Matters—How to Pack It All
- 6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Why Wedding Welcome Bags Matter
They set the tone. Whether your guests are traveling five miles or 500, a welcome bag instantly says: “We’re so glad you’re here.” These little packages offer comfort, information, and a thoughtful gesture that goes a long way toward making your weekend memorable.
2. Essential Items Every Welcome Bag Should Have
- Bottled Water: Always appreciated after travel or during a party-heavy weekend
- Snacks: Sweet + salty (granola bars, crackers, chocolates, trail mix)
- Schedule: Printed timeline or mini itinerary of the weekend’s events
- Local Map or Guide: Great for destination weddings
- Contact Info: Who to call/text in case of questions (bridal party point person!)
3. Fun and Personal Touches
- Custom Can Coolers: With your names, date, or hashtag (shop now)
- Mini Candle or Matchbox: Scented for your wedding vibe
- Local Treat: Regional candy, cookies, or mini hot sauce
- “Recovery Kit”: Add Advil, gum, eye drops, makeup wipes
- Welcome Note: Handwritten or printed message from you two
Remember: personal > expensive. A simple favor becomes meaningful when it’s thoughtful.
4. Theme and Color Coordination Tips
Use ribbon, tags, and labels that match your wedding’s vibe. Choose a bag style that fits your aesthetic—canvas for rustic, kraft paper for minimal, or glossy white gift bags for elegant. Carry your font and color palette through for instant polish.
5. Presentation Matters—How to Pack It All
Lay heavier items at the bottom. Use tissue paper to stabilize contents and color coordinate. Group things in pouches or sleeves (like recovery items in a labeled bag). Include a welcome tag or sticker on the outside with your names and date.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping snacks—hungry guests are cranky guests
- Making bags too full to carry easily
- Leaving out info on who to call if plans change
- Over-customizing with items guests won’t keep
Pro tip: Order enough for one per couple/room, plus a few extras.
Keep the Planning Going
- The Ultimate Guide to Custom Wedding Can Coolers
- 10 Creative Ideas for Custom Can Coolers Your Wedding Guests Will Love
- Foam vs. Neoprene: Which Can Cooler Is Right for Your Wedding?
- How to Match Your Wedding Favors to Your Theme
- What to Put in a Wedding Welcome Bag
At Rubi and Lib, we specialize in helping you celebrate life’s most memorable moments with personalized wedding and party decor designed to reflect your unique style. From custom cocktail napkins and frosted plastic cups to bar signs and party favors, our curated collections are created to elevate your celebration and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Whether you’re planning a wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party, baby shower, or birthday bash, our products add a thoughtful, stylish touch that turns an ordinary gathering into an unforgettable event. Many of our designs feature custom illustrations—including pet portraits—so your decor feels as one-of-a-kind as your story.
As a women-owned small business, we’re passionate about making the ordering process seamless and enjoyable. Every item is crafted with care and attention to detail, and most of our products are made in the USA. We believe celebrations should feel personal, joyful, and stress-free—that’s why we’re here to help you create meaningful moments, one custom detail at a time.
Explore our best sellers, discover customer favorites, or reach out for something truly unique. At Rubi and Lib, your celebration is our inspiration.