reception bag essentials

As I've already mentioned, T and I will be traveling to quite a few weddings this summer and into the fall. And because we're making the trip and staying in the couples' hotel choices overnight, here's what I'm hoping to find handed to us in a sweet little bag from reception when we check in...

bottle of water 
Water is essential. Whether or not your hotel is in an area where guests can drink the tap water and not fear getting sick, be nice and include this. Two bottles would be a plus.

candy
I don't care whether it's a custom-molded chocolate bar, truffles from your favorite sweets shop, or a good old Hershey's bar, but there had better be something tasty and sugary in there.

granola bar
If your guests are running late and don't have time to grab a snack before the ceremony or breakfast before they head out of town, it's nice to have something small at the ready!


"things to do" pamphlet
One wedding last summer brought us to the lovely town of Clinton, NJ. While it was an adorable town, we had no idea where we were. Luckily, the bride and groom had put together a pamphlet of their recommended restaurants, movie theaters, shops, etc., so we had some idea of where to go without spending too much time on Google.

small sewing kit
This should also be included in a basket in the bathroom at your reception venue, but it is a plus to have one available when you get to the hotel. Safety pins, bobby pins, and hair ties are nice extras.

essential information
If you have a shuttle running only one trip from the hotel to the venue each way, or you are expecting certain guests (like your college friends) to be in a specific spot for a photo op at the reception, make sure to include this information. Not everyone is good about reading (and keeping) emails, and I've definitely been guilty of reading an email on my iPhone and then forgetting about it because I got distracted.

image via

Those are the essentials. If you want to go the extra mile, include items like small toys for children (if they're coming), flip flops (his and hers) for a destination beach wedding, extra snacks, sunscreen, ibu profen or Tylenol in a small pack, postcards from the city or town where your wedding is being held or where you met, mints, regional favorites (like maple syrup if your wedding is in Vermont). Your guests are going to be excited to spend the day with you, but don't forget about the little things - they definitely make a difference!