Photo: Courtesy of Zazzle; Jarren Vink
If you’re planning on having a wedding in the summer months, you can be sure that your out-of-town guests are excited for some pre-wedding fun in the sun. And the best way to get them prepped for all that summertime heat celebrating your nuptials? A wedding welcome bag packed with all the necessities to help them enjoy the weather, and not hide from it. So whether you’re having your ceremony outside and your reception indoors, or you’re getting married at a location that has a ton of great outdoor spots for guests to enjoy before you say “I do”, here are five easy ways to give those wedding welcome bags a nice summer twist.
1. Stock Up on Sun Protection
Pack some mini tubes of sunscreen and aloe in your wedding welcome bag so that guests can frolic outdoors without worrying about getting their shoulders and noses burned. You can even custom make sunglasses, with your wedding hashtag or new last married moniker on the side of them, for your guests to wear before (or even during) your wedding.
2. Keep Your Guests Hydrated
You may want to put some mini bottles of wine or cocktail necessities in your guests’ welcome bags so they can get the party started before the open bar happens — a concept we’re big fans of. But, if you do indulge in adding some libations to those welcome bags, you’ll also want to give guests a couple of bottles of water too. No bride wants to feel guilty for giving their guests a hangover!
3. Find Ways for Them to Get Outside
Provide your guests with sample itineraries of local outdoor places they should go off and sightsee while they’re in town — even if it’s as simple a spot as the resort pool or beachfront.
4. Give Them a Cool Down
If you’re planning on having an outdoor ceremony, stuff your guests’ welcome bags with a handheld paper fan that they can bring with them to stay cool on the day of your wedding.
5. Go With What is in Season
One of the best things you can add to a welcome bag is food. Snacks are guaranteed to make your traveling guests happy and satisfied, so be sure to add some fresh, seasonal fruit that feels natural to the locale, like a Florida orange for a wedding in Naples.
See More: 19 Creative Wedding Welcome Bag Ideas
Jen Glantz is a “Professional Bridesmaid” and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She’s the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.