Wondering what to put in your wedding welcome bags? Trying to reduce the amount of wedding supplies (and money) that end up in the trash? Let us be your Larry David mini bar. We're filling that wedding welcome bag with foodstuffs and wedding weekend supplies that guests actually want.

Again, we enlist our friends at Be Inspired PR to round up top things to include in your welcome bags from event industry pros. Stash these snacks, gifts and kits and you'll be sure they won't get thrown out.

We elaborate on each welcome bag item below. But first, here's a quick checklist of goodies that not only aid in your guests' wedding enjoyment but get them excited for the events ahead!

  1. The schedule and itinerary (since your guests likely won't bring their invites with them!)
  2. A hangover relief kit.
  3. Sweet treats and gifts local to your wedding destination.
  4. A first-aid kit.
  5. Sleepover goodies for your girls.
  6. A custom map.

Make sure you include an itinerary.

“For weddings with events that span the entire weekend, I always suggest including a brief itinerary of the weekend's celebrations within the welcome bag. Many guests forget to bring their invitations with them. So, a quick recap of times and locations can be very helpful.” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

Put together a hangover kit.

In the spirit of celebrating, if you'll be offering any sort of bar service at your wedding celebration, I strongly recommend a hangover kit in the welcome bag as well. This might include helpful amenities like Advil, hydration packets, or breath mints so your guests can feel fresh and ready for the next event!” – Alexandra Denniston, Owner & Lead Planner, Eventlightenment Planning

Incorporate something from key locations.

“If you are having a destination wedding, we love incorporating something from your hometown, your fiancé's hometown, and something from your wedding location. Things that are always a hit; something sweet like toffee, something salty, and something unique from your wedding location. For us, that would be sea salt, custom wine or hand-blown glass. Both from local vendors!” – Erica Trombetti, Infinite Events

Emergency kits are always beneficial.

“That age-old saying of speaking to your people's pain points and providing solutions works for welcome bags too! Tylenol, Advil, and a mini first aid kit for small cuts and bumps. Or, even a blister kit for new shoe wearers will be lifesavers for guests. For a great night's sleep, you can even throw in ear plugs and a sleeping mask in case the hotel's AC sounds like a jet engine taking off.” – Ashley Lachney, Owner of Alston Mayger Events

Robe by Loulette Lingerie via Bridal Musings

Girl's night goodies for your bridesmaids.

“After all of the lead-up, time and planning that has gone into your big day, there is no better way to thank your bridal party than with a welcome wedding bag! One of the most treasured moments from your wedding memories will be spending the night before with your best friends. Take your #bestie sleepover to the next level. Gift your bridal party with matching PJs, throw a disposable camera into the mix and you will have unforgettable moments captured that you can look back on for years to come.” – Kristy Breed, Director, Le Rose Stories

Three Little Words invitations photographed by Claire Eliza via Bridal Musings

Add custom items whenever possible!

“The contents of your welcome bag should reflect your event, as well as provide useful, personalized items for guests. It's a nice way to kick off the festivities and show your appreciation! If you're having a destination wedding, for example, you could include a custom map of the city with some of your favorite places. You could also add in some locally made products, such as gourmet treats. The key to creating the perfect welcome bag? Make sure every item inside has relevance and purpose for the union ahead.” – Anna Rodenbeck, Founder & Lead Coordinator, Whitehead + Co.

Bonus tip: Don’t forget to consider the actual bag itself.

“Welcome bags are a lovely idea. But, make sure that they are practical and filled with useful items for the wedding. And, that the bags themselves can be reused in the future.

Here are a few tips! If most of your guests are coming as couples, focus on joint welcome bags, as they probably share most things already anyway. Choose items useful for the wedding, the weekend and to take home as a memory. I would recommend that the bag be either a basket, tote or clutch. Of course, personalization is lovely but maybe don't have your names as a couple printed on everything. Your friends and family love you but will probably not want to use a basket, hat or fan with your names plastered on it. Be more discreet. Instead opt for maybe the venue name or the date discreetly placed on the item.” – Charlotte Ricard-Quesada, La Fête

These tips were gathered with help from Be Inspired PR, a PR + Social Media Agency for wedding, wellness and lifestyle clients. With over 10+ years of experience, we’re here to take our clients to the next level! Find oodles of stylish wedding inspiration on their Instagram and Pinterest.