“I love you a bushel and a peck” and surely your out-of-town guests will be singing the same praises once they lay eyes on your lovely welcome baskets. The welcome basket is a great way to familiarize your out of towners with the “Windy City” and give a token of thanks for traveling. We polled Chicago’s finest planners for useful tips on welcoming your guests to town. Whether you want a thoughtful basket already layed out for you or true Chicago gifts to go the DIY route, keep reading.
Photo courtesy of Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event
Debi Lilly, of A Perfect Event knows a thing or two about making your out-of-town guests swoon, after all she has crafted events for Oprah, Debra Messing and Cartier. With customizable options the welcome basket, monogrammed hatbox or tote {ahhh endless possibilities} can fit any budget. Lilly and her team will then fill with the sweet and savory delights known to Chicago, from Garret’s Popcorn, or Frango Mints, to Quaker Oats Granola. “What wedding guest doesn’t love a thoughtful, personal Wedding Weekend booklet sharing times, addresses, our wedding planner contact information for last minute questions, and favorite spots around town (near hotels) for everything from a cup of coffee, a new weekend read, and more?” Lilly suggests adding pertinent wedding information to your welcome.
Photo Courtesy of Soirée Weddings & Events
Want to deliver the best in healthy treats? To keep your well-traveled guests sustained while they are taking in all sites Chicago has to behold Tiffany Munster owner of Soirée Weddings & Events suggests KLUTCHclub.com boxes. The monthly subscription service offers their boxes for hotels and/or bridal party presents. The themed boxes offer holistic treats, fitness and wellness products. She suggests arming your wedding tourists with local resources, maps to favorite destinations (the Bean, Navy Pier, and Museum of Science and Industry), restaurants, and a timeline of wedding events.
Photo Courtesy of Michelle Durpetti Events; “Survival Kit” from Sugar Chic Designs
Putting together your own basket? The ladies at Michelle Durpetti Events think you should sweeten your guests journey with a one of kind treat. They turn to Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Chic Designs and Nicole Greene of Truffle Truffle, to create delicious sweets and custom packaging to include in baskets. Your out-of-towners will be able to get some shut eye when you include custom hotel door hangers. Owner Michelle Durpetti tells us “We have worked with Erickson Design to create the most adorable door hangars for a destination wedding that we did last year that had the message “Shhh….we are resting up for Kim & Andrew’s big day!” and on the back side it said “please do not disturb…we are recovering from Kim & Andrew’s big day!” I just loved it…”. Well rested and well fed, your visitors are sure to remember your hospitality.
Photo Courtesy of Goddess and Grocer
Have local flavor bursting from your welcome basket to set the tone of a food-centric affair. Lauren Housley owner of Ryan Alexander Events suggests packing your baskets with goods that tell your story and easily set the tone for your day. She is currently working with a couple (non-Chicago natives) originally from Brazil and Indiana, who met in New Hampshire. “For their Welcome bag we are going to be featuring a maple syrup from New Hampshire and a pair of Brazilian Flip Flops” shares Housley. For a foodtastic basket brimming with Chicago taste sensations, Goddess and Grocer is the one stop shop with their new ”Chi Town is My Town” basket. There will be something for everyone is this appetizing welcome: Goddess cookies, Rare Bird preserves, Milk & Honey granola, Co-op honey, Intelligentsia coffee, Smoke Daddy BBQ sauce, Nicole’s crackers, Plocky’s chips, Frontera salsa, Balducci’s pasta sauce, Vosges exotic candy bar, Terry’s Toffee, Sweet Margy candied nuts, Chocolate Potpourri chocolate-covered pretzels, assorted truffles from Rich Chocolates & more. Your newcomer’s to town will get a taste for Chicago without ever leaving the hotel.
Chicago is abounding with treats to stock pile your bushel with, whether you go sweet verse savory or practical verse lavish. Take time to put your personal touch on this small token of thanks, your day is a depiction of your love and so should your warm welcome. What local Chicago goods will greet your out of town guests? Tweet us your favorite local products @beuweddings, include #BeWelcomed in your tweet.
Love the ideas…keep up the great work Ladies!!!