Wedding Guest Gifts: Party Starter
Wow your wedding guests from the moment they arrive with a personalized—and thoughtful—welcome gift.
Once your wedding weekend gets underway, make family and friends feel right at home with a curated collection of goodies. Lisa Stoner, owner/designer of Lisa Stoner Events in Winter Park, shares her tips for making your welcome gift stand out.
Nail The Necessities
An itinerary for the weekend is the most important item. “You can’t expect guests to arrive with their invitation,” says Stoner, so provide a welcome note and a schedule of events. She also recommends including a list of restaurants, things to do (visitorlando.com is a great resource), and even the name of a local salon for a quick manicure or blowout for female attendees. Another must? A hangover kit that includes essentials like aspirin. “It’s not always just for the hangover,” Stoner says. “Sometimes you don’t feel great after traveling.”
Buy Local
For food and beverage treats, give your guests a taste of Orlando. “I always like the idea of something sweet and savory,” says Stoner (one of her favorites is Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s Chocolate Covered Popcorn). Citrus is another Sunshine State staple or try including a selection of beer from one of the local breweries.
Florida’s climate is also something to keep in mind. “I’d include a little bottle of sunscreen for when you’re hanging out by the pool or even a small, inexpensive umbrella,” says Stoner. Oil-absorbing blotting papers, a hand fan, or personalized sunglasses are other great options.
Think Out Of The Box
Add a unique element to your welcome bag. “Get a vintage-looking Orlando postcard and put a stamp and your address on it. Ask your guests to write you a note about their favorite part of your weekend,” suggests Stoner. It’s a fun way to re-live your wedding post-honeymoon and a cool alternative to a guest book.
If you’re really looking to wow, try a deconstructed welcome gift by staggering deliveries throughout the weekend. For example, upon check-in guests will receive the itinerary. The morning of the wedding they’ll get poolside essentials, and during the reception the hangover kits will be delivered to their rooms.
Remember The Two Ps
Everything you include should be practical and personal. “You don’t want to pack things in these bags, baskets or boxes that the guests feel beholden to take back with them,” explains Stoner. One-time use items that reflect you and your partner are key. For instance, if you both have a favorite soda or seltzer, include that instead of a plain bottle of water to let your personalities shine through.
