| There are so many details to consider when | | | | gift baskets whenever possible. I once attended |
| planning a wedding. One thing that may not | | | | an autumn wedding in Pennsylvania, that included |
| immediately come to mind is how you wish to | | | | the following in the baskets: bags of pretzels, |
| welcome your guests when they arrive. A great | | | | fresh apples, local apple cider, chocolates, maps of |
| way to extend a warm welcome is to create | | | | local attractions, and a few small bottles of a local |
| unique gift baskets for all of your wedding guests. | | | | scented hand cream. Also in the welcome baskets |
| Generally the best way to handle the gift baskets | | | | were an itinerary of the weekend's events, as |
| is to have them made and awaiting the guests at | | | | well as some helpful tips such as a list of nearby |
| the front desk of their hotel when they check in. | | | | restaurants, drugstores, and even a mention of a |
| When you have reserved a block of rooms for | | | | nearby jewelry store in case any of the ladies |
| your wedding, most hotels are willing to hand out | | | | wanted to have their wedding jewelry freshly |
| gift baskets as people arrive (their computer | | | | sparkled before the big event. Having some useful |
| should tell them that the person checking in is | | | | tips that will really answer all the questions that |
| there as part of a wedding block). The hotel may | | | | your guests may have (like "where can I get a |
| charge for this service, but it should be a nominal | | | | manicure and have my wedding jewelry |
| fee. Just be sure to find out in advance. | | | | cleaned?") will really make them feel pampered. |
| Then you have the question of what items to | | | | Other things to include in wedding welcome |
| include in the gift basket. It can really be an | | | | baskets might include some miniature toiletries. |
| entirely personal choice. Most couples will either | | | | Find out what is provided at the hotel, as there is |
| base the contents of the welcome baskets on | | | | no point in being redundant, but a few nice lotions |
| the location of the wedding or simply on what | | | | or decorative soaps are always lovely. Think |
| they think their guests will find most useful. Of | | | | about the things that will make your guests most |
| course, you do not want to limit yourself to only | | | | comfortable in their hotel rooms. A fuzzy pair of |
| practical items; a few little luxuries are always | | | | socks if they are staying at a chilly New England |
| appreciated by guests. | | | | bed and breakfast, an assortment of tasty teas |
| Let's say that you are having a beach wedding. | | | | and hot cocoas, or even a copy of the Sunday |
| This would be a sample of what you may wish to | | | | New York Times if your guests will be checking in |
| include in the gift baskets: a handful of sunscreen | | | | over the weekend. The chances are that you |
| wipes, a couple of bottles of water, salt water | | | | know your guests well enough to know which |
| taffy and other snacks, postcards with stamps | | | | little luxuries will be the most appealing. Whatever |
| showing the location (not the free ones from the | | | | particular items you end up including in the |
| hotel, please), a pretty painted paper fan, and | | | | baskets, your guests will be sure to appreciate |
| perhaps a cute pair of flip flops for each guest. | | | | the lengths to which you went to make them feel |
| It is fun to feature local treats in your wedding | | | | welcome at your wedding. |