Williamsburg is a popular “destination wedding” location. We frequently have wedding groups who make an extended weekend out of their festivities. For one of our recent groups, we created guest welcome bags as well as some family gift baskets that reflected the passion that our clients had for Williamsburg and its unique history.
The guest welcome bags featured a bottle of local tavern cider or root beer, a full-size can of Virginia peanuts, a tasty Colonial Williamsburg branded Dove chocolate bar and an in-depth welcome letter that gave all the details guests would need to enjoy local favorite restaurants, shopping and attractions.
The family gift baskets were meant to provide a sort of picnic feel for guests who might not have as much time to get out and explore. They kept with the theme and included a full-size bottle of cider, family size bags of kettle cooked chips (which are a favorite at local sandwich shops), old-fashioned candies and several items that made more substantial snacks for pre-wedding preparations.
Both the welcome bags and guest gift baskets were appreciated and well-received (hotel staff at one of the properties were so jealous…but complimentary of the baskets!).
It’s important to contact your hotel prior to planning guest gift bags or baskets. Some hotels will distribute the items on check in at the front desk without a charge. Many will only deliver them to the rooms, which is done after check in and involves a per-item delivery fee of anywhere from $2 - $10. You can also distribute welcome bags at your rehearsal dinner if the majority of recipients will be present, but it’s an elegant touch when they are delivered to guest rooms.
Finally, bags should be clearly marked with each guests' name (make sure to include any name under which the reservation can be found) and if known, the reservation number. I stick a discrete computer label on the back of my bags and baskets to be sure they go to the right guest.
Shayna Walker, Owner
Williamsburg Wedding Design