From personal to useful to just plain fun, the best gifts to include in your wedding welcome bags.
Your guests have traveled miles—sometimes hundreds or thousands—to celebrate your big day in paradise. Whether they’re coming for the first time or they’re longtime fans of the Florida Keys, your wedding weekend starts the moment they arrive on the island. And what better way to greet them than with a thoughtfully packed Key West wedding welcome bag?
Welcome bags are more than just a cute detail—they’re a warm hug after a long flight, a hint at the fun to come, and a practical way to keep your guests comfortable (and cool!) throughout the weekend. From tropical treats to local essentials, here’s everything you need to know about curating the perfect Key West wedding welcome bags that your guests will rave about long after the last piña colada has been sipped.
Why Wedding Welcome Bags Are a Big Deal (Even If They’re Small)
Wedding welcome bags might seem like an “extra,” but they make a lasting impression. Especially for destination weddings, where your guests have likely booked flights, hotels, and taken time off work to be there, a small gesture goes a long way.
A well-packed welcome bag:
- Sets the tone for your wedding weekend
- Shows guests you’re thinking about their experience
- Offers practical help (think hydration, sunscreen, directions)
- Adds personality and playfulness to your celebration
- Can be both functional and FUN (hello, key lime cookies!)
Plus, you get to have fun curating items that reflect you as a couple and highlight the charm of Key West.
Start With the Right Bag (Or Basket, Or Box)
Before you choose what goes inside, decide how you’ll package your welcome goodies. Your container should be easy to carry, cute enough to feel special, and sturdy enough to hold all the treasures inside.
Top picks for Key West wedding welcome bags:
- Canvas tote bags: Reusable, customizable, and eco-friendly. Perfect for beach days after the wedding.
- Kraft paper gift bags: Budget-friendly and easy to personalize with stickers or tags.
- Woven beach baskets: Total island vibes. Great for intimate weddings or smaller guest counts.
- Drawstring pouches: Ideal for mini kits like hangover cures or sunscreen samplers.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a custom tag with your names, wedding date, or a watercolor-style map of Key West. It’s a beautiful touch that guests will want to keep.
What to Include in Your Key West Wedding Welcome Bags
Now for the fun part: filling your bags with thoughtful, useful, and local goodies. A great welcome bag hits three marks: it’s helpful, it’s fun, and it’s a little personal.
The Essentials: Because It’s HOT Out There
Key West is known for its sunshine, salty breezes, and yes—its humidity. Make sure your guests are ready to enjoy the island comfortably.
- Bottled water or coconut water – hydration is a must
- Mini sunscreen – SPF 30 or higher, bonus points for reef-safe
- Aloe vera gel – just in case someone underestimates the sun
- Lip balm with SPF – dry lips happen fast in tropical weather
- Bug spray wipes – the mosquitoes come out at dusk, especially near the water
- Hand fan or mini mist spray – cool-down tools are always appreciated
- Custom itinerary – print or card-style with key events, times, and dress codes
- Map of Key West – include your personal recs or a QR code linking to them
Local Treats: Give Them a Taste of the Keys
Add a little island flavor to your welcome bags with goodies that scream “Key West” (and that your guests probably won’t find at home).
- Key lime cookies or pie bites – individually wrapped = travel-friendly
- Saltwater taffy or mango gummies – sweet and on-theme
- Mini bottles of local rum – check out Papa’s Pilar or Key West First Legal Rum
- Cuban coffee packs – a nod to Key West’s rich Cuban influence
- Hot sauce or conch fritter mix – fun, flavorful, and memorable
🛍 Pro tip: Source from local shops or markets and include a card with the shop name and location for guests who want to pick up more before they head home.
Personalized Touches: Make It Feel Like You
The best welcome bags aren’t just useful—they’re personal. Add a few custom or playful elements to make your guests feel even more appreciated.
- Handwritten note or postcard – even a few sentences of “we’re so glad you’re here” goes a long way
- Sunglasses or flip flops – practical, fun, and often forgotten at home
- Personalized koozies or reusable cups – great for beach days, boat tours, or rehearsal night cocktails
- Mini hangover kits – Advil, electrolyte packets, mints, and maybe a cheeky “I regret nothing” sticker
You don’t have to go overboard—a few intentional items are better than overfilling the bag with stuff people won’t use.
Where to Shop in Key West for Welcome Bag Goodies
If you’re putting bags together locally (or want to shop while you’re here), check out:
- The Key West Island Bookstore – for maps, postcards, and charming local finds
- Kino Sandals – for iconic flip flops (maybe a splurge item?)
- Kermit’s Key Lime Shoppe – for sweets, snacks, and giftables
- Local Farmer’s Markets – great for small-batch treats like jams or nuts
- Custom vendors on Etsy – especially for bag tags, stickers, or personalized items
Many wedding planners or local coordinators can also help you source and assemble welcome bags—just ask!
How to Deliver Your Welcome Bags
There are a few options for getting your Key West wedding welcome bags into your guests’ hands:
- Hotel drop-off: Most front desks are happy to distribute bags at check-in or place them in rooms—just coordinate ahead
- Welcome party or event: A great opportunity to hand them out in person
- Room placement: With some hotels or Airbnbs, you may be able to place them yourself pre-arrival
- Shipping: Send items to your planner or hotel a week or two before your wedding (check with them on policies!)
Whatever you do, don’t leave it until the last minute—these things always take longer than you expect!
Packing Tips for Maximum Impact
- Keep it light: 5–7 items is the sweet spot
- Avoid meltables: Chocolate + Florida heat = messy disaster
- Bundle by theme: Think “Island Survival Kit” or “Recovery Kit”
- Keep TSA in mind: Avoid oversized liquids or sharp objects
- Add a packing list: Include a cute insert naming everything in the bag
Get Started Creating Your Key West Welcome Bag
Your wedding welcome bags are the very first taste your guests get of your Key West celebration—and with a little planning, they can be just as memorable as the big day itself.
Whether you’re going luxe with beach baskets and local rum or keeping it simple with SPF and saltwater taffy, Key West wedding welcome bags are a thoughtful way to say: We’re so glad you’re here.🌴
Need help sourcing welcome bag items or local vendors who can help you assemble them? Check out our vendor guide here.
