OOT bags, yes or no?

[jessjol]

Hi Everyone;

We are getting married at Secrets Maroma Beach in August with around 30 guests.  I am very torn about the OOT bags.  Initially I was not planning on doing any.  It seems like a lot of stuff to haul down, and to be quite honest, I am not sure that people would even need or use any of the stuff that we would put in them.  Plus, our hotel charges something like 4 dollars a bag to put in the rooms!

 

But, now I found this website and have seen so many of the wonderful things that people are doing!  It makes me want to do it but not go overboard.  I have also seen that some brides are giving people their bags BEFORE they go, which I think seems very smart.  Not all of our guests are local but many are which would substantially cut down on the suitcase hauling, haha! 

 

I am very indecisive. 

 

Any input?  If yes, what SHOULD I be putting in there?  I am not the best bride, haha.  I am doing a lot of this probably later than I should be and am now questioning every decision I make!

 

Thanks in advance! 

Jess

[terrihugg]

Hi Jess,

 

I feel you on the OOT bag dilemma. For a while I was torn on getting them because our group was filled with veteran travelers so a lot of them would know what to bring already. I made a very very simple OOT bag maybe two weeks before we left. I did one bag per couple and all the singles received their own bag. I included a beach mat, an electronic fan, bottle of sunblock, welcome note, and our magnet favor. I was worried about not having enough in them, but found that simple was the way too go since most people didn't expect to get anything at all. EAch guest received one at check-in. I got rave reviews for them despite the small selection of items included. 

 

We thought about giving them out before leaving but it wasn't really feasible considering I did them only two weeks before leaving. Plus, not everyone was local and we wanted everyone to enjoy the surprise of getting a treat when checking in. We fortunate though, because we didn't have too many to carry since we only had 25 guests. We were able to put all of them in suitcase. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[jessjol]

Thank you, Terri!  I loved your magnet; it was hilarious and super cute!

 

I also really loved what you put in your bag.  The fan and beach mat were super fun and practical, and the sunscreen was nice too!  I think I am going to go with them; I should only have around 20 or so so hopefully it won't be too bad!  Thanks so much again!

Jess
 

[agm04]

Originally Posted by terrihugg 

 

Hi Jess,

 

I feel you on the OOT bag dilemma. For a while I was torn on getting them because our group was filled with veteran travelers so a lot of them would know what to bring already. I made a very very simple OOT bag maybe two weeks before we left. I did one bag per couple and all the singles received their own bag. I included a beach mat, an electronic fan, bottle of sunblock, welcome note, and our magnet favor. I was worried about not having enough in them, but found that simple was the way too go since most people didn't expect to get anything at all. EAch guest received one at check-in. I got rave reviews for them despite the small selection of items included. 

 

We thought about giving them out before leaving but it wasn't really feasible considering I did them only two weeks before leaving. Plus, not everyone was local and we wanted everyone to enjoy the surprise of getting a treat when checking in. We fortunate though, because we didn't have too many to carry since we only had 25 guests. We were able to put all of them in suitcase. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where did you get these beach mats?!  cute idea.

 

I would say that no, they aren't NECESSARY.  If your budget is tight I think it's fine to skip them - I doubt that anyone is going to complain about not getting one!  I just think they're fun and a nice little treat.  I am probably more excited about them than my guests will be.

[Kel123073]

I am in the process of putting mine together now!  I started in January slowly getting things at Target, etc.  This way it isn't so exspensive all at once... Towards the end there is lots of last minute stuff so I kinda am glad I got the bulk of stuff already... Now it is just lots of little details!

 

Either way it is fine, I have a group of about 30 and I am doing one per room which is feasible...I just thought it was a nice touch!

 

I love the bags above!  super cute...Great Job

[terrihugg]

I got my beach mats from a seller on Amazon. Here's the link:http://www.amazon.com/Carry-Straw-Beach-Price-Mats/dp/B003N6JD8S/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1368456620&sr=8-16&keywords=beach+mats

 

He sell them in different bulk prices. You can search his store to find the different options. The mats were great quality and they got shipped to me in less than a week. the only downside is that their shipping cost is pretty high. 

[agm04]

Ok thanks!  I actually just need a couple to go along with my shoes optional sign at the ceremony and am having a hard time finding them locally.  Will keep this in mind!

[forevertogether]

I still torn about this too!!! I'm worried about traveling with all of the items... And also having to spend part of my wedding vacation putting these together! Decisions, decisions!!! AHHHHH!!

[kaleighd]

I'm torn too, mostly about the fact that's have a super long flight.. Decisions decisions

[kmk2016]

We weren't going to do it- but now we are definitely adding them to our budget. As with you- once I started to check out all the ideas here I was sold! Haha!