Photo courtesy of Paris Mountain Photography
Brides ask me about welcome baskets all the time. Do I…Should I…How do I? And here’s what I tell them. Yes, yes, and it’s easy. Let’s throw one together for all you brides with fall weddings this year, shall we? It’ll be fun, and we’ll invite your bridesmaids to help. Shoot, we’ll make it a party!
- Your baskets don’t have to be expensive, just cute. And they don’t all have to match. Find them at your local craft store, like a Michaels or an AC Moore!
- While you’re there, pick up some coordinating ribbon and tissue paper to line the baskets
- Go to your local Chamber of Commerce. Get free maps of the city and local interest brochures. Your guests will appreciate it!
- Stop by a Sam’s Club or Costco and pick up those 6 ounce bottles of water. Always welcome!
- Purse-sized packs of tissues. Everybody sheds a tear at a wedding, right?
- Hit the grocery store for small packs of snack crackers and cookies
- Mints are always nice. Try our “Mint to Be” tins. So cute, with heart-shaped mints!
Now comes the good part – you need to make your baskets personal and special. So I want you to bake some cookies. And to make it even better, use our maple leaf cookie cutter to shape your cookies. A simple butter cookie recipe will do just fine. Wrap two or three of your cookies in plastic wrap, tie with a bit of ribbon, then pop them into your basket along with the cookie cutter favor. Is this not the greatest idea? And I guarantee that every time they use that cookie cutter, they’ll think your thoughtfulness! No kidding!
Photo Courtesy of Paris Mountain Photography
Now comes the fun part! With bridesmaids gathered ’round, and perhaps a few snacks and libations scattered about, assemble the baskets! Line the baskets with tissue, fill, and finish it off with a personal note from the bride and groom tied with a sweet bow on the handle or rim. Tah Dah! You’re done.
Now, how to present? Are they staying in hotels? Have the baskets at the front desk for check-in. Having a special welcome party? Make sure you have a table by the door with the baskets displayed as guests exit. And for little money and lots of fun, you’ve let your dear guests know how much you appreciate them.
Hope you liked my suggestion! 
