Alternatives to OOT bags?

[KJT1985]

I keep going back and forth on the OOT bag idea. I love them but they certainly cost a decent amount of money to do well and they'd take up so much room in our luggage. I really like stress free traveling and being able to go as light as I possibly can. My fiance doesn't care too much but I know he'd rather not spend the money. I still feel like we need to do SOMETHING for our guests. However, I'm totally at a loss as far as OOT bag alternatives. Any ideas

[debbmach]

I agree with you. I'm not a big fan of the OOT bags either. What FI and I have decided to do is give everyone Bubba Keg's (perfect for filling up with drinks and keeping them cold) with a personalized label, and sending everyone a welcome letter thanking them. Not sure if we'll do anything else.

[sweetiecat]

You could do an excursion, snorkeling trip, or something similar with the guests, but that is likely as pricey, if not more expensive, than the OOT bags - it would certainly take less room though! How about a (personalized or not) luggage tag or passport holder for each guest before they leave for the trip?

 

Really, I think that if you give everyone a heartfelt thank you for attending and make time to spend with each group of guests while you are they, they will appreciate that more than anything else.

[KJT1985]

The bubba kegs are neat but not all guests drink (my parents mostly) and I thought about the excursion but we're staying at an AI and alot of those things are already included. Anything that's not would end up costing more than doing OOT bags. I do like the passport cover idea! I'd have to check into shipping them to Canada from the states since most are guests are coming from Toronto.

 

I've also been concerned with getting whatever we decide on to the guests. A few guests are staying at a different resort and most are arriving at different times so I feel like it'd be a pain to get them to everybody unless we did it at the wedding itself. Sending something ahead of time is a really neat idea though - it'd free up the room in my luggage and hopefully make the guests excited beforehand...

[sweetiecat]

I just wanted to add that I took an insulated mug with me when I went to an AI in Jamaica and ended up using it mostly for ice water on the beach/in the room, since the cups they serve water/soda/alcohol in are very small. So it's still an option for non-drinkers, but I cannot imagine trying to pack them and take them all with you.

[carolina24]

I know that several brides have bought things from wal-mart and the dollar tree for OOT bags. How many guests do you have? It can definately get expensive, but I feel like it's such a nice gesture to make since everyone's traveling so far for the wedding, imo.

[KJT1985]

We're having 30-35 guests. Even little things at a $1 each add up REALLY quickly. If I did them i'd want to make it worth it and am just not sure I want to sink $300+ into this...

[RaychelRae]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJT1985 I keep going back and forth on the OOT bag idea. I love them but they certainly cost a decent amount of money to do well and they'd take up so much room in our luggage. I really like stress free traveling and being able to go as light as I possibly can. My fiance doesn't care too much but I know he'd rather not spend the money. I still feel like we need to do SOMETHING for our guests. However, I'm totally at a loss as far as OOT bag alternatives. Any ideas

I totally agree! Especially as our guest list keeps growing and growing. I would LOVE to do them for everyone, but feel like it's one of the first, and most obvious places, we would cut so as to stay within our budget.

[FutureMrsRell]

I couldn't agree more. First of all, most of the things a normal oot bag consists of, people will have already packed. Why spend money and take up space on something they've already packed? I LOVE the idea of mugs! We are going to do them, but instead of us packing them all, we are going to give out the ones we can before we leave. Our wedding is in early June so I think we are going to give them out on "Cinco de Mayo" =)

[Sheree10]

I understand! I'm already an overpacker when going away for the weekend, much less for a week in the Caribbean! I really wanted to do oot bags but it will be one of the first things cut if we have a large number of guests. The luggage requirements have changed and on most if not all airlines you now have to pay to bring a second suitcase. I have to pack regular clothes plus all the wedding stuff, that's a lot! SO I will limit what I bring.

 

Since you're getting married in JA maybe you can get only a few items for your oot bag on the island or just get nicer favors. If I cut out the oot bags I will give guests a gift bag at the end of the wedding night instead which will include a few items from the island( things like a small bottle of rum, small souvenir, and some local candy). This way it will save on bringing all of the stuff with you and the guests will get local items- things they can't get in the US.