We’re aware that your list of wedding to-do’s may already seem never ending, but if you can squeeze one more item into your timeline that is sure to be a memorable one for your guests, it’s a Chicago themed wedding welcome bag. Whether guests are local or from out of town, welcome bags are a fun way to kick-off the weekend and are sure to be remembered and appreciated by all. Because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bag full of goodies?! While there are endless possibilities when crafting your welcome bags, we wanted to tell you about a few of our Chicago-themed favorites, as well as some tips on how to get ahold of them!
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW, SOMETHING… DIFFERENT
Slap Map and Big League Pins
If you can include one thing in your welcome bag, may we please suggest Slap Map. It’s trendy, functional and uber environmentally friendly, which we love! Basically, we’ve fallen hard for Slap Map and we think you should too. There is so much customization available here for your big day! Whether you want to give guests a map of the entire city or details about the different locations for your ceremony, reception and after party, this wearable gift will go a LONG way. Bonus, it’s pretty cute for guys and gals, so go check it out. https://www.slapmap.com/
Big League Pins are another unique idea that we think your guests will love. You can select from any of their “in-stock” designs or create a custom pin with your wedding hashtag, special phrase or a meaningful location to both of you. They'll definitely create some buzz and encourage guests who may not know one another to get talking! https://www.bigleaguepins.com/
CHEERS
Goose Island, Revolution, Off Color, Half Acre and Lagunitas
“I hate free drinks,” said no-one ever! Including an adult beverage or two for your guests, especially after a long day of traveling or preparation, has always been a winner in our book. Some locally sourced drinks will definitely set the tone for your weekend and get the party started! If guests are spending a few extra days in town and looking to experience even more of the city, try incorporating a map or address to some breweries, most offer tours or tastings multiple days of the week! Take a look at Timeout Chicago’s 2018 list of the best Brewery Tours in Chicago to help you decide https://www.timeout.com/chicago/bars/best-brewery-tours-in-chicago
Intoxicakes
While not a traditional “drink”, these cupcakes CANNOT be left off of our list. We were torn on how to describe these. Are they a drink or dessert? We ultimately decided that with a tagline of, “A Cocktail In Every Cupcake” they belonged under the beverage section! Cupcakes inspired by popular cocktails, Intoxicakes have an elevated flavor profile and beautiful designs. Our advice, incorporate your signature drink with your dessert! https://www.intoxicakeschicago.com/
CHEERS, WITHOUT THE BEERS
Filberts Soda, Goose Island Sodas, Dark Matter Coffee, Bow Truss Coffee
We get it, not EVERYONE parties like we do, and that’s OK! You may have guests who cannot, choose not to or are too young to indulge in alcoholic beverages. Don’t worry we’ve got you covered here too. Greet your older guests with a fresh coffee blend from Dark Matter Coffee or Ipsento Coffee, both local roasters. Be sure to include some fizz and pop for the kiddos too. While we definitely have a fondness for Goose Island’s sodas we also love the history behind Filbert’s established in the Bridgeport neighborhood in 1926. Bonus – it comes in 30 different flavors!
DOWNRIGHT INDULGENT
ECBG and Flower & Fig
Go indulgent or GO HOME! This is our motto at Wedicity. It’s hard to narrow down our favorites in this category, but we’ve tried.
Let’s start with ECBG Cake Studio because we were just blown away by the beauty that owner Erin Martin has created here. Her custom cakes and cookies are beyond your wildest dreams. And if cake isn’t your thing (we don’t want to know you) she also offers an array of mini desserts and cookies to choose from. Whether you're going for a Chicago-specific theme or want to incorporate your wedding colors, crest or initials, we recommend you take a look at her sweets gallery ASAP and start getting some inspiration!
Flower & Fig is another company we have our eye on. Forget what you remember about your childhood lollipops and welcome your senses to the beauty of a hand-poured, small-batch treat that comes in a variety of flavors and textures. Each creation has a distinct flavor profile, such as Lemon Lavender, and contains edible flower petals. These sweet treats will add elegance with a fun twist to your welcome bag.
Hot Dogs & Pizza
Perhaps not as elegant as a custom cake or cookie, but definitely fun! Anyone from Chicago knows we make deep dish pizza like no other and we absolutely DO NOT put ketchup on our hot dogs. However incorporating either of these local foods may not give your welcome bag a very long shelf-life. So educate your guests on the “Chicago way” with the candy version! You can get these from any major party store or order them off of Amazon and if guests want the real thing, you can always direct them to a nearby Giordanos or Lou Malnati's!
Cracker Jacks, Brownies and Wrigley Juicy Fruit Gum
These treats gained recognition through their invention or introduction at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893. Including them will tip your hat to some fun “foodie” history Chicago has to offer and satisfy your guests midnight check-in munchies! We found the original Palmer House Hilton Brownie recipe here: http://www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com/recipes/ where the brownie was first created in the late 19th century. You can bake them yourself or place an order with the hotel if you want to save on time.
Garretts Popcorn, Jays Potato Chips and Frango Mints
These snacks are Chicago classics dating back to the 1900’s and you really can’t go wrong by including them in your welcome bag. If you have to choose one, we’d recommend Garrett’s Popcorn because you can customize the tin size, design and flavor for your guests.
So, that’s it! Our tried and true list of what to include in your Chicago wedding welcome bag. We’d love to hear your thoughts on what you think should or shouldn’t be included. Oh, and if you finished reading this list and feel like you just CANNOT handle ONE MORE TASK before the big day, may we suggest having your planner take this one off your hands? We’re not sure if you’ve heard, but we do have a thing for details....and helping you with all of them!
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