Your Guests Don't Want Another Tote Bag: A Guide to Welcome Gifts They'll Actually Use

As a destination wedding photographer, I’m in a unique position. I get to see everything that happens behind the scenes, from the planning stages to the very last moments of the wedding weekend. And that includes seeing what’s left behind in hotel rooms after the farewell brunch. And I’m here to tell you an honest, friendly truth: it’s almost always the welcome bags.

I know your heart is in the right place! You’re asking your favorite people to travel thousands of miles for you, and you want to greet them with a thoughtful gift to show your gratitude. The welcome bag has become the standard way to do this. But after seeing dozens of custom-printed tote bags and personalized koozies left behind, I think there’s a better way. Let’s talk about shifting your budget from "stuff" to gifts your guests will genuinely love and appreciate.

The Problem with the Standard Welcome Bag

You know the one I'm talking about. It’s a canvas tote bag with "Jen & Mike's Riviera Maya Fiesta, August 2025" printed on the front. Inside, there's a bottle of water, a bag of Lay's potato chips, a can of Modelo, a map of the resort, and maybe a little bottle of Advil. While the intention is wonderful, the contents are often things guests could easily get themselves, and the tote bag itself is destined for the back of a closet.

The reality is that your guests have limited luggage space for the trip home. As much as they love you, they probably won’t use a tote bag with your names and wedding date on it again. It’s not that they are ungrateful for the gesture; it's just not practical. I believe the money, time, and effort you spend creating these bags could be used in a way that makes an even bigger and more memorable impact.

Alternative #1: The Gift of a Shared Experience

Instead of giving everyone a bag of things, what if you gave them a memory? Take the money you would have spent—let’s say $75 per guest—and pool it together to host an incredible welcome event. Imagine greeting your guests on their first evening not with a bag in their room, but with an invitation to a private sunset catamaran cruise. That’s an experience no one will ever forget.

There are so many possibilities. You could host a group tequila or mezcal tasting led by a local expert, complete with amazing appetizers. You could set up a private, high-end taco bar by the pool for a fun and casual welcome lunch. Or you could even arrange for a professional cigar roller to come to your welcome cocktail hour. These shared experiences create a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere from the moment your guests arrive and are far more valuable than any physical item.

Alternative #2: One Single, High-Quality Gift

If you love the idea of giving a physical gift, the key is to focus on quality over quantity. Ditch the collection of small, forgettable items and invest in one single, beautiful, and genuinely useful product. Instead of that printed canvas tote, what about giving each couple a gorgeous, unbranded Turkish towel? It’s something they can use at the pool all weekend and then take home as a high-end beach towel, bath towel, or even a stylish throw for their sofa.

Other ideas along these lines include a bottle of truly excellent, top-shelf tequila or rum that they can’t easily find back home. Or, you could give each guest a gift certificate for the resort’s best coffee shop to cover their daily caffeine fix. A premium, reef-safe sunscreen from a brand like Supergoop or Coola is another fantastic option. The goal is to give them something that feels like a luxurious treat, not a party favor.

Alternative #3: The Gift of Total Convenience

Sometimes, the most valuable gift you can give someone is making their life easier. Think about the stressful parts of travel and see if you can eliminate one for your guests. What if, instead of a welcome bag, you used that budget to pre-arrange and pay for everyone’s round-trip airport transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned shuttle? This removes a huge logistical headache and is an incredibly thoughtful and practical gesture of hospitality that everyone will appreciate.

This idea of providing convenience can take many forms. You could pre-pay for a valuable resort amenity for each guest, like a day pass to the spa’s hydrotherapy circuit or a credit for a poolside cabana rental. Another fantastic idea is to host a farewell breakfast on the final day, giving everyone a chance to gather one last time and enjoy a guaranteed, easy meal before the chaos of checking out and heading to the airport. These acts of service show you’ve truly thought about their comfort.

Your gratitude is the real gift. How you choose to show it should be as unique as you are. By focusing on creating memories, providing quality, or offering convenience, you can give your guests a welcome gift that they will be talking about long after the tan lines have faded.

If you’re looking for a photographer who cares about the big picture and the thoughtful little details of your wedding weekend, I’d love to talk.