Whether you’re having a destination wedding or not if guests or traveling far for your big day it’s nice to leave them a welcome gift, also known as a guestroom gift or the OOT bag (OOT stands for out-of-town) at the hotel they’re staying at. Some hotels will hand them to guests as they check in, while others may allow the gift to be left in the guests’ rooms.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on your guestroom gifts but it’s important to be aware that the “fancier” they are and the more you have to make, the more expensive they will cost.
Here’s a list of three must-have items to include:
- Schedule of activities, including all pre and post-wedding events
- Transportation information, if you’re supplying cars or a van to take guests to the wedding
- A personal note from the happy couple welcoming your guests
As for the “fun stuff” you can include as much or as little as you like, and can afford. For a beach wedding you may want to thrown in sunscreen, a beach towel, water or flip-flops. For a wedding abroad, where English isn’t the country’s language, include a language dictionary and a map of sights you recommend. For kids include a coloring book and colored pencils.
Just like wedding favors, edible gifts are always a favorite. Include a few local treats in the bag that you think your guests will enjoy. For example, saltwater taffy for a wedding in New Jersey, a bag of peanuts if you’re getting hitched in Georgia or a small bottle of wine for a wedding in Napa.
And as for what to put the gifts in, why not make the packaging part of the gift? You can use any type of tote bag but these wedding-themed totes by Melangerie are a great size, durable and sure to be a hit. Available via its etsy shop.
