Alternative wedding gift baskets for guests
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Betrothed couples who invite wedding guests from out of town often have a gift basket waiting for the guests at their hotel. These baskets usually contain snacks and beverages to refresh visitors from their long trip and to serve as a gesture of thanks for travelers who have spent time and money to attend the wedding. Adding personalized or regional touches to create an alternative to the traditional basket will give your guests something unique to your wedding.
Regional Basket
Your guests might never have been to the part of the country where you are marrying. Creating a basket filled with items symbolizing the region will introduce them to the area. For example, a regional basket for a New England wedding might include items such as small maple candies or a container of Vermont maple syrup to take home. Add a small bottle of cranberry juice, which was first made by settlers in Massachusetts in the late 1600s. Including local maps and postcards allows guests to explore the area on their own and or to write home about their experiences. If your budget allows, consider purchasing a small artisan keepsake such as a key chain or a coffee mug with the name of the town where you marry. Remember to keep the basket small so that your guests will have space in their luggage to take it home.
Activity Basket
Weddings set in rural locales might offer charm but few amenities such as cable television, access to the Internet or cellular service. Providing hotel guests with a small activity basket cures some of the culture shock of a picturesque, yet quaint, location. In a small basket or bag, include items such as local magazines or newspapers, short-story books, crossword puzzles or CDs of music you create just for them. These items are easy to pack and will occupy guests during their return trip, whether they are traveling by plane, train or automobile. Add other items such as brochures and coupons for area restaurants and attractions to give your guests ideas of places to visit. If the wedding is in your hometown, include a list of favorite spots that you and your soon-to-be spouse frequent.
Beach Bag
Weddings that take place near a beach lend themselves to giving your hotel guests a beach bag. Set aside the traditional "basket" and buy canvas bags at your local craft store to hold the items. Include trial-size containers of sunscreen and body lotion for before and after the beach. Inexpensive beach towels, visors and small handheld battery-operated fans will keep your guests comfortable while on the sand. If creating a basket for a family, add a few beach toys, such as a small shovel and pail or an inflatable beach ball. Finally, adding a list of local beaches along with directions and parking information will help your guests enjoy a day basking in the surf and sand.
Picnic Cooler
Some wedding guests spend several days at the hotel before or after the wedding festivities and might tire of eating out for every meal. Providing your out-of-town guests with their own picnic cooler solves that problem. Guests can fill the cooler with ice from the hotel, then pack their favorite food and drink. Purchase collapsible coolers so they are easier for your guests to carry home. Start them off with items such as disposable cups, plates, utensils and napkins- add a few non-perishable snacks and beverages to the cooler. Finally, add a list of local markets and area picnic locations in case your guests decide to picnic during their stay. Include any pertinent information such as park entry fees or parking costs.
Source: www.ehow.com
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