Welcome Package

There is a trend that seems as if it's been around forever, but has only gained mainstream popularity in the last decade or so. If you have traveled for a wedding in recent years and checked into the hotel listed on your invitation, you would have most likely been greeted by a welcome package. And nothing says "welcome" to a weary traveler with motion sickness or jet lag than a little acknowledgment from the happy couple in the form of a filled-bag (or basket, box, empty shoe, flower pot, whatever). Suddenly the previous six hours stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic before the $7.00 bridge toll seem to evaporate quicker than the water on your guest's rain-soaked windshield.

While money may be an object, this is a gracious touch that should not be overlooked. You needn't spend a fortune on the packages, but you must put some effort into the endeavor. Here is a list of things that a Professional Wedding Guest such as myself will look for:

1. Food. Chances are, your guests didn't pack a whole lot of food for the trip, especially if taking an airplane where they had to dump their remaining 4-ounces of water before boarding. Think quick energy. This is important as check-in times for hotels tend to be right around the time your guests are supposed to be leaving for your ceremony. There will be no time to hit a drive-in, and if like most weddings, there's a large gap of time between the ceremony and the cocktail hour, it could be hours before your guest gets a bite. Protein bars, crackers, fruit, cheese, and even chocolate are a good way to get your cranky travelers over the hump. Make sure to include bottled water or juice to the mix.
2. Small Gift. Yes, I know you shouldn't have to give a gift, but why not show a little token of your appreciation by including something just for your guest. This could be as simple as an inexpensive bottle of wine (or even mini-bottles), to a small handmade craft. People especially enjoy local items. Speaking of local, many brides and grooms litter their welcome packages with tourist information, most of which end up lining a landfill somewhere. Unless you are getting married in the Bahamas, we are not working our week-long vacation around your wedding. I can assure you that we are not interested in historic sites in or around Rome, New York. A small list of eateries or places to pick up miscellaneous sundries forgotten in our haste to pack is all that is necessary.
3. Interesting Facts about the Couple. This is a cute idea and will make all of your guests, even the most obscure ones, feel a deeper connection to you upon your wedding day. Tell us how you met, where you both grew up, and how the first meeting with the soon-to-be in-laws went. Make it funny and humble and let us relate to you.
4. Coupon or Gift Certificate. Just $5 of our next Quizno's sub is all we need to feel appreciated. Or pay for our parking at the hotel. Remember, your guests have traveled far enough to need to shell out the money for a hotel, and it's almost a certainty that it's not the same chain we have accrued 3-million rewards-points for.

Spending $15-$20 per room should be included in your overall budget, and will go a long way to pleasing your guests.