Not doing an OOT bag?

heartbeat · June 20, 2010

I have changed my mind with this so many times. At first i really wanted to do them but after figuring out the cost was like 20+ per person my lovely FH convinced me that these were just not in our budget. So then i got over my self and decided that i would not be doing them but after searching on here i have found some smaller ones which seem to be less expensive (originally i wanted monogram and customize everything) so i'm back to do small and simple ones now

*kellis* · June 20, 2010

We did do OOT bags for the people that were staying at the resort(so only about 6 bags total). I had a good time stamping designs on the bags so they matched the escort cards and we probably spent about $15 for the contents in each which wasn't bad considering there weren't that many but I think looking back I wouldn't have bothered. We spent precious time the week of the wedding stuffing them and then they all ended up in my MIL's room because of the valet not knowing she had brought some of our things in her car. Her room happened to be on the opposite side of the resort and we didn't have time to go get them before the rehearsal the day before so my MOH and I ended up having to walk all around the resort the morning of my wedding fetching the bags and delivering them to everyone. Some like my parents appreciated it but barely anyone used anything in the bag except maybe the water and alka seltzer. Plus somehow my mom's father didn't even end up getting his until the day they left.

So all that to say, they were a cool idea but not worth it. Put the money toward something else, you're not being selfish at all.

Mkandola · July 20, 2010

I think that thought Welcome bags are definitely optional, it is definitely at nice gesture for your guests. It is one of those things that you need to make room for in your budget, because we are asking a lot of our family and friends to be there! If you think that your guests wont use the items that you are purchasing for the bags, then don't put them in the bags! I am only choosing items that I know will be useful for my guests.

In terms of personalizing the bags, I won't be making them different from one another, but I will attach a separate thank you card addressed to each individual.

But in the end, it is up to you, and what you think works best for your family

YrishCathe · July 21, 2010

I saw in one of the posts here that a bride just bought small tequila bottles when they got to mexico and placed one in each room with the welcome letter. I think that giving one thing such as a local snack or tequila bottle or hot sauce to welcome the guests in the rooms would be a nice surprise. But if its not in your budget don't do it-Most people don't know what they are! They'll be too busy wanting to go out into PARADISE!

I'm still deciding if I should get one or not now.... You girls are making me think... I'm leaning towards buying just one thing with a welcome letter.,

nessa0308 · July 21, 2010

Do whatever you are comfortable with. They can be an added expense sometimes and I think a welcome letter is sufficient. There is no "rule" that says you have to!

Jen1407 · July 21, 2010

We decided rather than putting together OOT bags we would give everyone a travel mug along with a welcome letter. I am hoping the hotel can put them in our guests rooms before they check in we will have to see if this is even possible.

JesseLyn10 · July 25, 2010

If I can make a suggestion about something that my guests didn't bring but wish they had - bug spray and after bite. I didn't do OOt bags but these 2 items were in great demand.

Mrs.S2B · July 25, 2010

I am stuck on this too. I was only going to do a welcome letter, but then after looking through this site I felt like I should do something. I think my decision will be to just do a welcome letter and then if I find something cute in town I'll pick it up. We have more than 50 guests and that's going to cost us a lot! We are trying to do a lot of nice, fun things for the wedding to show our appreciation. I think a letter from the heart is really special

lisadias · July 25, 2010

I am still up in the air on this one but i think i am leaning towards NOT! I plan i giving starfish wine stoppers and a maraca per couple already plus an organza bag with petals on the seat for the ceremony with hand held battery operated fan. Also plan on maybe giving out pre travel brochures and a welcome letter in their room. i think that is enough but I am loving all the cute things i see to put in the bags but i think this is more for me then them lol Budget is getting a little much so leaning more towards not!