Welcome Baskets

If you have guests coming in from out of town, one of the best things you can do to help make them feel a little more at home is to provide them with a welcome basket  stuffed with goodies that will await them either at their hotel or at the location where they are staying. Items include tiny favors: candles,  frames,  chocolate,  mints,  playing cards,  mini flower vases,  or cork stoppers.  Consider what they might like to have on-hand between the ceremony and reception (a bag of gourmet mixed nuts, bottle of water) or something they  might like after the reception (packs of Ibuprofen, Band Aids for blistered feet). You can be as creative or as simple as you please! Let the baskets reflect your style.

Welcome baskets are becoming quite customary with destination weddings. Basically, these baskets are simply little tokens of gratitude to show your appreciation for your guest traveling to be with you for your special day. Simply take a container that suits your wedding theme or destination location (bag,  basket,  backpack,  tote,  etc.) and stuff it chock full of goodies.

What Goes in a Welcome Basket?

Use your imagination! You can create any type of welcome basket you wish. Often, the bride and groom take inspiration from their wedding theme, favorite hobbies, or the wedding location. There is no limit to the number or type of items that you include. However, keep in mind that gift baskets,  especially when you must buy them for everyone attending a destination wedding, can cost a pretty penny if you don't budget accordingly. Not only will you be spending money on the gifts themselves, but also on shipping them to the destination. To save money, have friends and family members help you transport the goodies in extra suitcases.  Opt for gifts that are not fragile and that can be packed easily. Avoid ribbons, bows, and superfluous tags if you can. They'll usually get crushed during transport. Bring the tags with you separately and attach them yourself upon arrival if you must have them or use sturdy luggage tags  in pretty colors.

A few very important things to include in a welcome basket include a schedule of the week or weekend's events, including all the ceremony and reception times and locations, a map of the area, a public transport map and fare card (if applicable), brochures to famous attractions, and possibly a city guide.  Besides these basics, the sky is the limit. Popular items to include are edibles and bath and body products.  If they can reflect either the location or the couple's personalities, all the better.

If your bridal party has arranged to stay at the hotel as well, you may consider leaving gift baskets for them as well.

Here are a few sample ideas to get you started. You might also want to see the guide on Wedding Favors to spur your imagination.

Beach Wedding
Beach Tote	Sunscreen	Beach Towel	Flip Flops	Water Bottle

Big Apple Bash
Zabars Coffee	Best of New York Guide	Bond No. 9	Henri Bendel Candle	Liberty Playing Cards

Luxury
Veuve Clicquot	Godiva Truffles	Cashmere Slippers	Body Wash Kit	Harney & Sons Tea

Winter Holiday Extravaganza
Hot Cocoa Body Wash	Fleece Socks	Hand Warmers	Apple Cider	Christmas Stocking

Wedding Color Scheme
Blue Straw Tote	Blue Mug	Blue M&Ms	Blue Bath Bomb	Blue Disposable Camera