wedding guest registry

Hospitality bags are a thoughtful way to welcome your out of town wedding guests, who have traveled far from home to attend your wedding. Imagine your guests' delight when they are greeted with a gift bag made especially for them! The first step is to decide what type of container you would like to use: A simple paper gift bag? An embroidered tote bag? A cardboard gable box? Whatever container you use, you may want to consider incorporating your wedding colors and theme.

Depending on your budget, out of town bags can be simple, elaborate or somewhere in-between. Every gift bag should contain a short, hand-written note to personally welcome your guests and thank them for traveling to your wedding. Here's a list of great ideas to get you started!

All bags: Wedding itinerary. A detailed schedule of all wedding-related events, including directions to each location.Contact information. Provide the name and cell phone number for a point person who is familiar with the area, such as a close friend or relative.Map of the local area. If your wedding is in a city, include a subway map.List of fun things to do in the area. You can create a list yourself or simply provide brochures for local tourist attractions. Stop by the local visitor's bureau for multiple copies.Menus from nearby restaurants. Preferably restaurants where you have dined and that you would recommend!

Suggestions for budget bags: Bottled water. If you want to splurge, order customized labels.Snacks or candy. For a better deal, buy in bulk from a wholesale club.Travel size sundries. Some suggestions include toothpaste, scented soaps, moisturizer, sunblock sticks (for summer weddings) and Tylenol (for the morning after your wedding festivities!)Postcards. Provide postcards that are pre-stamped and include a pen.

Suggestions for deluxe bags include all of the above plus: Thoughts for tots. If your guests will be bringing children, consider some treats just for them such as juice boxes, bags of goldfish crackers, crayons, and a coloring book. Their parents will appreciate it more than you know!Gourmet treats. Edibles from local specialty shops or bakeries are always a hit!Local beverages. Surprise your guests with a bottle of wine from a local vineyard or a couple of bottled beers from a nearby brewery.Special souvenirs or keepsakes. The sky is the limit! Incorporate your wedding theme or make a personal selection based on your guests' individual interests.Local reads. Include a local magazine or newspaper so your guests can familiarize themselves with the area.