Bag Lady: City Glamour

Time for another welcome bag... I just came across a photo from an event long ago... with a diva bride... and thus was my inspiration for this bag... enjoy.

A welcome bag doesn't have to be a bag at all. I love the idea of this moderately-priced metal lunchbox which makes a rather stylish and practical travel case for later trips...

As I have said in the past... give them a drink... and a choice... Bling H20 (thanks Heather) sets the tone for the wedding week... Personalized Cocktails, Liquors, and Mixers get the party started (also come in personalized minis)... and Diva Flask via http://www.shoploveme.com/ with mirror keeps the party going...
Beau-coupe now offers delightful Blackbooks of the largest metro areas... bookmark a few selections with times when you and your fiance will be there for a pick-and-choose list of activities... and then give them a HI-Low with sunglasses from Sunglass Warehouse (less than $20 a pair) and a delightful umbrella via Pare Umbrella ... with a note that you are so happy that they could make it and you look forward to seeing them soon... rain or shine.

Bag Lady....Retro Bride

I just found a GREAT content-rich blog- Weddings by Socialites... (link to right)... sometimes I find long-winded sites loose my attention (how ironic huh?) ... but this one kept me going, even without the pretty eye candy every so often....

Amongst her many wonderful posts, I found one that stood out- it involved what one should put into a welcome bag... this is something that I hear almost every time that I deal with out-of-town guests or destination weddings....

Thus I have decided to start a new series of posts dedicated to putting together a thoughtful and unique bag to fit each wedding... the 10 main rules that I have are:

-Always have water, maps, iteneraries, and important numbers, contacts, and info

-Give them a container that is large enough to hold the items but easily transported back home

-Give them a drink- they just travelled a long ways and need to relax

-Give them a snack- to soften the blow of the drink (airplane food stinks!)

-Give them logistics - sunscreen for the beach, bugspray for the park, etc

-Give them something personal- something that is personalized to your event

-Give them something practical - something that they will think "My so nice of you to think of that"

-Give them something to do- a ticket to somewhere, a drink to the cabana ticket, whatever

-Give them something fun- a favor of sorts and NO you don't have to re-give another at the reception

-Give them something thoughtful-- this is MANDATORY- write a little note about how you appreciate their sacrafices to make it to your wedding...

Alright enough with the rules... here we go!

The Inspiration: Fara's Board via Style Me Pretty (A Young, Retro-Chic Fun Bride)

The Bag:

Adorable vintage "Welcome to Wahwah" available via Oh Happy Shopping (link to right)... give guests a pre-stamped novelty postcard to send home....

Jones Soda Offeres the option of ordering custom labels in packs of 12, Spitfiregirl has these sweet and sassy hankies, and One Girl Cookies offers these delicious little yummies

Provide the local newspaper, or go the extra mile and find the entertainment paper local to your wedding (which will provide places of interest, festivals, and general happenings around town)... Provide a ticket to the local carnival- what a fun way to get with all your out of town guests and catch up! (or if this is too pricey then opt to give a ticket for a complimentary funnel cake should they choose to except the invitation...)