CANADIAN OOT BAG info...where to shop!

[Camy47]

I was struggling with the exact same thing last month so you are not alone! I wanted to keep the bags a surprise, but I didn't know if I would have time to get them assembled between our arrival and our Welcome Dinner (only about 2 hrs). I also thought that if we handed them out in advance they might not have the same impact as distributing to everyone at the resort!

 

So after a lot of debate with my FI, and one of my bridesmaids hitting me in the head, I decided to pre-assemble as much as possible at home and distribute when we arrive! My BM pointed out that although I wanted to keep things a secret, I was insane to try and do everything myself! After all, that's what my BM's are for! Soooo, I've had 2 of my BM's come over the past two weekends to help me pre-package everything. I bought really cheap candy bags and created a 'Wedding Week Survival Kit', 'Wedding Hangover Kit', 'Snack Attack Snack Pack', and a portfolio with all my misc. items. I'm also finding this easier to pack since everything is now the same size and lots of the bulky packaging is gone. When we arrive I'll grab my bridesmaids once again to throw one of each item and the travel mugs in each welcome bag! Hopefully this should go pretty quick with everyone helping.

 

Of course I couldn't let my bridesmaids miss out on the fun....so I made up some extra special bridesmaid goody bags that I will add to theirs! *mua ha ha*

I'll try and post some pictures later tonight of my finished OOT bags.
 

Originally Posted by MJKH 

Sorry, I go back and forth between calling them oots/welcome bags/wedding survival kits...I lump all of the elements of the bag together at this point!

 

I know...I think we could go back and forth on the merits of both...especially when space is a concern travelling down...AND, other than my FI and the girls on BDW, nobody knows about our welcome bags...which is another decision i'm waffling on.  Today I was thinking "ummm, are we crazy to think that between our arrival at the resort and suppertime, my FI and I can get all of the bags put together and distributed????"  Maybe I need to get my BF on board too.

 

Is it just me or is everyone agonizing over decisions like these??? I'm driving myself crazy...123 days to go! 

 

 

[MJKH]

Oooo - Camy47...I can't wait to see what went in what kit!  Sounds fab : )  

 

I think in the next couple of weeks I'm going to start bringing everything back upstairs again to take stock of what we have and figure out what, if anything we need.  It's been so fun scrounging for deals and getting ideas from you all.  I can't wait to start ripping open all of the packages and putting the kits together.  As of right now, the kits are coming with us to Mexico for distribution while everyone is out at the welcome supper.  

[Manda123]

I agree with the other girls; I think handing them out down there will have more of an impact. Wouldn't you be a little disappointed if you get down there and realize that some people didn't even bring the items after all of the time/effort/money you put into it? As Tori said, some people maybe wouldn't really get the purpose of OOTs until they are down there. The logistics are definitely tough, especially if you have a lot of guests, but I BET it is worth it. Have you seen any other past brides talk about what they preferred?
 

Originally Posted by MJKH 

Ok, so just indulge me for one more minute...IF we decide to distribute the oot items at home ahead of time, what do people think about keeping everything in its packaging, putting all of the items out in big pretty baskets, giving everyone a bag and having them take items that they think they will actually use (i.e., the tylenol over the ibuprofen)...rather than putting them in baggies and having folks get things they wouldn't ever use???

 

[Camy47]

Here are some pics of my 'almost complete' OOT bags! Thanks to everyone on here for all the great tips and advice....you will see that I used lots of your suggestions!!!

 

Portfolio contains: Welcome letter, DND door hangers, logo magnets, photoshare cards, 4 postcards, schedule of events, Spanish for Dummies card, bookmarks and Guest room list

 

Other OOT items: La vie en rose bathing suit bags, playing cards, tip/key holders, bubba kegs

 

Survival Kit includes: first aid kit, sunscreen, kleenex, hand sanitizer, OFF bug repellent wipes, Shout towelettes

 

Hangover kit includes: Tylenol, pepto type pills, breath drops, pack of gum, drink mixes for bottled water, wet wipes

 

 

I also put together pre-departure welcome packets which I'm mailing this week:

[tamandrob]

Great job everything looks awesome! I may have to borrow your snack pack idea, I just love it! Thanks for sharing!

 

Originally Posted by Camy47 

Here are some pics of my 'almost complete' OOT bags! Thanks to everyone on here for all the great tips and advice....you will see that I used lots of your suggestions!!!

 

Portfolio contains: Welcome letter, DND door hangers, logo magnets, photoshare cards, 4 postcards, schedule of events, Spanish for Dummies card, bookmarks and Guest room list

 

Other OOT items: La vie en rose bathing suit bags, playing cards, tip/key holders, bubba kegs

 

Survival Kit includes: first aid kit, sunscreen, kleenex, hand sanitizer, OFF bug repellent wipes, Shout towelettes

 

Hangover kit includes: Tylenol, pepto type pills, breath drops, pack of gum, drink mixes for bottled water, wet wipes

 

 

I also put together pre-departure welcome packets which I'm mailing this week:

 

[MJKH]

Wow-wee...great job Camy!  You've probably said this somewhere already, but are your bag labels the postcards from Vistaprint folded in half?  They look outstanding : )

[Camy47]

Thanks!!! And yup....postcards from Vista!

 

If anyone is interested I will be selling a set of all my extra bags/labels in about a week. Just waiting for a few final RSVPs.
 

Originally Posted by MJKH 

Wow-wee...great job Camy!  You've probably said this somewhere already, but are your bag labels the postcards from Vistaprint folded in half?  They look outstanding : )

 

[bride6262]

WOW LOOKS AWESOME!!!

 

 

Originally Posted by Camy47 

Thanks!!! And yup....postcards from Vista!

 

If anyone is interested I will be selling a set of all my extra bags/labels in about a week. Just waiting for a few final RSVPs. 

 

 

[lindsayraz]

looks fantastic! love the colourful floral design!

[Manda123]

Love it, Camy!

 

Question - how did you make your luggage tags? Did you laminate them yourself? Did you write everyone's info in first?

 

Also - I'd love to see what info you have on your pre-travel brochure. I'm getting mine together this weekend. Can you post a pic up close? Or, if you get a chance, share the template?