Wedding Blog
I’ve been wanting to make bags for our out of town guests for a while now. And then I found these cheap tote bags from, where else? Cheap Totes. And at 89 cents each? I think I can handle that. Then I saw that you can use a stamp to decorate them, a la Mrs. Mascara.
I know a lot of couples tend to use their initials or monogram, but I think our guests would prefer something that they feel more comfortable reusing.
As for what to fill them with, I’m still trying to decide. But I’m definitely leaning towards Texas-themed items because most of the people coming in from out of town aren’t from Texas. I also want to include food, because I know how much it sucks to be in your hotel room starving with no options, except for the overpriced mini bar.
I’m thinking of also adding beef jerky (even though I’m vegetarian, it’s very Texas, and not everyone else avoids meat).
And maybe peanuts (spicy, lime, or regular):
Maybe we’ll include something sweet, although I can’t think of a Texas candy.
What would you all want in your bags?
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Love the idea of local flavor in the bag…way better then some vending machine goodies
We’re also incorporating “Texas” items in our OOT bags. We want to include Dr. Pepper and maybe Shiner Bock. I also saw cute 100 calorie packs of Texas shaped crackers at HEB which would be a cute Texas snack.
Mmm, beef jerky and spicy or lime peanuts. Yum! If you’re going for Texas things, how about a Dr. Pepper? The only sweets I can think of that are “Texan” are pralines, which I don’t think a lot of people like.
Also, I would include map or something about the local attractions. I don’t know how long your guest will be in town but having an idea what there is to do in town is nice for out of town guest.
Tex Mex? Chips and salsa/dip for snacking? Maybe a list of all of the local bars and 24 hour restaurants that are only in Texas
@texasmeredith: So cute! I haven’t seen that!
@crebre80: I love the idea of texas only bars and restaurants! Thanks
!@Mrs. Mouse: I thought about those but was worried about people not liking them. I love them though. 
@Carebear0613: Definitely need to include a map, thanks!
Yum! I think you’re on the right track! Something salty, something sweet, and water!
mmm an area hot sauce or BBQ sauce? although I guess that’s more of a favor/gift. Fudge? You could get some from an area shop.
When I was going to school out of state, I always brought back Lamme’s longhorns in the little two-pack as thank you presents for people kind enough to give me rides to the airport. You can order them online in bulk, I’m pretty sure. And now that it’s finally cooling down here in Texas, you don’t have to worry about shipping them!
I would add some cute lip balm for the ladies (who doesn’t love lip balm?). Also, make sure no one has peanut allergies!
Snickerdoodles? Those feel kind of Texasy to me, but maybe I am making that up.
Those are so cute and such a great gift. My friend received one at a wedding and still uses it all the time- so I think it’s a great idea not to use a monogram. I love your idea of beef jerky too
I like the idea of the flavored peanuts, maybe you can include a sample of each? I don’t know much about Texas, so I can’t offer advice on sweets, but best of luck!!
P.S. We thought about BBQ sauce too, but then nixed it. We figure people are only flying in for the weekend so they will probably carry their suitcase on the plane. And BBQ sauce for sure violate the TSA liquids rules.
I used Cheap Totes too! But instead of stamps, I printed an image onto iron-on paper. And I agree about not using a monogram. We did a location themed image.
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/oot-bags-9
What about chocolate covered pecans for your Texas sweet?!
Water, for sure. Oooo, love the idea for BBQ sauce!
I’m not a jerky person, but those peanuts sound SOOO good… all flavors!
Thanks for the website reminder. I really want to do OOT bags so but haven’t started thinking about them yet. Can you include simple candy like M&M’s, those are always good on a late night.
And don’t forget personalized ribbon for wedding
favors for your wedding favors. It shows your guests that you care that they showed up for your reception.
Pecan pralines! I’m sure your guests will love them.
When ever I am doing Texas-themed goodies, I always go for Lamme’s candies. They are based out of Austin and are great. My favorite is the chewy praline, but I also think the longhorns are good.
My other go-to is “Texas-sized” Jelly beans. You could buy a big bag and break it down into smaller packages with cute labels.
Another idea is Dublin Dr. Pepper - they are a little expensive, but it’s made in Dublin, TX. Dr. Pepper used to be made by a bunch of independent shops and this one is one of the few (only?) left.
I love your bag/stamp! I am going to stay away from a theme and just go for what I actually want to eat when I’m at a wedding. Plan:
-water/propel
-apples/clementines
-cookies
-chips or crackers
-ibuprofen
How about little pecan pies or bags of candied pecans? Peach jellies?
Love the idea! I am actually thinkingof doing this myself. BTW, I am also in the DFW area. What about pralines for something sweet? That is very southern!
Oh wait! Joe T. Garcia’s salsa! Or even Gun Barrel City salsa! So yummy! Also, I jsut saw recently at my local Kroger’s that they have started making the AWESOME spicy Saltines called Texas FireCrackers. Great snack!
Definitely some sort of candy Mmm… sweets paired with those peanuts? I’d be one happy guest!
Candy suggestions:
-”texas sized” jelly beans (they come in huge bags, you could divide them)
-”texas sized” anything else (any sort of giant candy would work!)
-pecan prailines
-chili pepper dark chocolate (I think its disgusting, but lots of people like it!)
-anything with pecans (even just candied pecans)
-theres a candy bar called “cow tales” thats kind of like a looong tootsie roll with cream inside…their packaging is all texas-y I think
What about pecan rolls? You could make your own or buy them prepackaged. I’m pretty sure almost everyone LOVES those! Believe it or not, this is the first time I have heard of Lime flavored peanuts! I’m definitely curious to try!
I have to say I’ve never tried that beef before, sounds yummy! and the bags are so cute, I would love to re-use them after if I received one of those 
thank you for not putting yr name / wedding date on gifts. i totally have no idea what to do with STD magnets / coasters / favors emblazoned with the couple’s names!
I think all of your ideas are wonderful - a bag that can be reused (without embarassment), something sweet, something salty. There are bound to be some local companies that make cool yummies. I would add a few, but not too many souviniers - a magnet and a few cool postcards? Then I’d make the rest food. I love the idea that you could include snacks for the trip as well as a bbq sauce /salsa for them to bring back home. I’d also add water bottles and maybe some local beer or Tito’s (vodka handmade in Austin) for those who would enjoy it.
I definitely agree that labeling a favor with the couple’s name limits it’s usefulness unless it’s a set of matches or something that you use up rather than something that is used as a display item. I will say that Save the Date magnets are fine because you can use them on your fridge before the wedding, and then put them in a scrapbook after the weeking… or throw them away without feeling guilty. This out of town bag looks lovely. Add water or soda pop and you’ll have a happy traveller. I’ve travelled to a lot of weddings and I have noticed several things about the gift bags. You should customize the bag for the individual guests in that room. So a family of four gets enough drinks and supplies to match their group, and a single person will be fine with a smaller amount of stuff, because they can not use up as much stuff. I don’t mean that you need to include four apples and four drinks… but be realistic… an apple can be cut and shared, but a mini packet of nuts or candy is really meant for only one person.
The only suggestion I didn’t see was some kind of Tylenon, ibuprofin product. After a long night out, lots of people might need some on Sunday morning!
Just one other comment - I understand people’s desire to want to personalize the bag for one, two, or four people in a hotel room. However, from a hotel manager’s point of view, it is a giant pain. As much as the front desk agents want to make sure that you have a great wedding and your guests are happy, it is so hard to remember to look for a name on the bag for each and every guest checking in. Just my thoughts…
We are also trying to come up with lots of Texas goodies for our OOT guests. There is a place up in Dallas that makes really great brittle…or we may do chocolate covered pecans for our something sweet. We’re also considering maps, post cards, and scratch off lottery tickets to fit the Texas theme.
All of you have amazing ideas. My guests are going to be so happy!!@stine_white: Lammes is definitely the way to go, and I actually know where one of the stores is!
@Gal Around Town: I LOVE firecrackers, so yummy!@Miss bliss: I agree that’s so nice, unfortunately to do that my preferred hotel would charge $5/room because they would have to be delivered to a specific room. If they’re all the same they can just hand them out when the guests arrive.
My sister’s best friend got married last summer and they moved to Austin a few weeks after the wedding, so they had sugar cookies shaped like the state of Texas. They were a Huge hit!
I am also doing Texas themed welcome bags! I’ve decided to to have candied pecans (very texas & yummy!) A bag of Fritos, beef jerkey, and a red grapefruit since its the state fruit of texas!
If you do put in peanuts, make sure it is obvious to persons that may have bad allergies that it is a nut product. My FI ate something with peanuts thinking it was straight chocolate and had to be rushed to ER because his throat closed up. Also, I think you should do Doritos and tylenol. Great for the drinking and hangover
If you do peanuts, make sure the fact that it is a nut product is clearly advertised for those with really bad nut allergies. My FI once ate some chocolate given as a gift thinking it was only chocolate since it wasnt advertised. It was only a small portion but he had to rush to ER because his throat closed up. Also, I think that you should put Doritos and Tylenol. Great for all the drinking and fun people will have at your wedding
Maybe instead of candy, you could do a sweet baked treat from one of the many Mexican bakeries here in town. Miss Beagle did a post on Mexican wedding cookies a while back that would be a nice addition to the bag.
@Carebear0613: Maps are definately a good idea, especially for guests who are not familiar with the area!
How about slat water taffy? You can get “texas” sized ones of those, too.. And how about some sunscreen, or bug-spray? I know that humidity in Texas can be brutal..!
Hi! I love this idea and just ordered a bunch of samples on cheaptotes! Cant wait. Question: Are you using a special ink pad because its on fabric? Or will a normal stamp pad last and not bleed?
Thanks!
In our welcome bags, we put a bottle of local wine. Our guests really loved it!
I definitely second the pralines. Those are definitely Texas! Also if you call the Dr. Pepper museum in Waco, they sell these Dr. Pepper candies that are pretty good. You can get a big bag and put a few into cellophane bags in each OOT bag.
For nuts, you can make really great BBQ nuts (just dip spanish peanuts with the skin in bbq and roast on a baking sheet). I actually make these as appetizers and people really love them. To add a little spice, shake in some Tony C’s seasoning.
OH! I used to get these Margarita flavored hard candies at the west-end marketplace in Dallas. It has a green and white swirl. They are delicious and would make a great “sweet” addition.
@Aparna: You can use a normal stamp, but you have to be sure to put something on the inside of the bag so that it won’t bleed through to the other side.
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Miss Frozen Yogurt, Dallas
Age and Occupation: 28, Special Projects Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 26, Equity Trader
Engagement Date: March 19, 2009
Wedding Date: April 2010
Venue: Marie Gabrielle, Dallas
About Me: I was born and raised in Texas, and have lived in several of the cities across the state, but I currently reside in Austin. I went to college in Boston and have a special place in my heart for the Northeast. I love reading, shopping, wine, reuniting with college friends that are scattered across the country, reality TV, trying out new recipes, and attempting all the DIY projects that come along with wedding planning. I'm a "bleeding heart, save the world type" and thankfully my job allows me to work on legislation and policy to help out those in need. I met Mr. Frozen Yogurt in a bar, though he doesn't even drink! And now we are planning a modern yet vintage wedding in Dallas while dealing with the trials and tribulations of first time homeownership.
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