Australia |
UK |
Canada |
New Zealand
The welcome bag note is a small piece of paper that does a lot of heavy lifting. It sets the tone for your entire wedding weekend, tells guests they matter, and hands them the practical information they actually need. If you’ve been staring at a blank card wondering what to write, you’re in the right place. This post is the companion piece to our full wedding welcome bag guide and gives you 20 ready-to-use wording examples you can copy, tweak, and print.
- Every welcome note needs four core elements: names, gratitude, a weekend overview, and a contact for questions.
- Optional extras include local recommendations, a funny story, and a personal sign-off quote.
- Tone categories covered below: formal and elegant, warm and heartfelt, casual and friendly, funny and playful, and short and sweet.
- Keep the note to 100-200 words; longer than that and guests skim it.
- Custom printed note cards (not plain hotel paper) are the one stationery item worth the upgrade.
- Proofs are ready in 1-2 business days; order 4-6 weeks before the wedding if possible.
What Every Welcome Bag Note Should Include
Before you worry about tone, nail the basics. A welcome note that leaves out key information frustrates guests, and a note packed with fluff that skips the logistics misses the point entirely. Here is what every note needs and what you can skip if space is tight.
| Element | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Your names | Yes | First names only is fine. “From [Name] & [Name]” at the close works well. |
| Thank-you for attending | Yes | Especially for destination or out-of-town guests who traveled to be there. |
| Weekend overview or itinerary pointer | Yes | Either list the key events or point to a separate itinerary card in the bag. |
| Contact person for questions | Recommended | A coordinator name or trusted family member, not you (you’ll be busy). |
| Local tips or recommendations | Optional | Great for destination weddings; skip if the bag already has an info card. |
| Personal story or shared memory | Optional | Adds warmth but keep it to one or two sentences so it doesn’t derail the note. |
| Closing sign-off | Yes | “With love,” “Cheers,” “See you at the altar,” and “All our love” all work depending on tone. |
If your bag already includes a separate printed itinerary card, your welcome note can be shorter and more personal. Think of them as two distinct items: the note is the emotional hello; the itinerary card is the logistics document. We cover both in our wedding welcome bag checklist, including what goes on each piece.
Formal and Elegant Welcome Note Wording Examples
Formal wording suits black-tie receptions, grand venues, and couples whose entire stationery suite has leaned traditional. The language is warm but measured, titles are avoided, and the tone feels like a handwritten letter from a gracious host.
Example 1: Classic formal welcome
It is with the greatest joy that we welcome you to our wedding weekend. Your presence here is the most meaningful gift you could give us, and we are truly grateful you have traveled to share in this celebration.
Please find enclosed a schedule of events for the weekend. Should you have any questions, our coordinator [Name] can be reached at [number].
We look forward to celebrating with each of you.
With warmth and gratitude,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 2: Formal with a brief personal touch
We are so honored you have joined us for what promises to be an extraordinary weekend. The journey to this day has been filled with love, laughter, and the unwavering support of the people in this room and beyond.
We hope the contents of this bag bring comfort and joy during your stay. A full weekend itinerary is enclosed. Please do not hesitate to contact [Name] at [number] with any questions.
With all our love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 3: Formal destination wedding
We are deeply grateful you made the journey to be with us. This destination holds a special place in our hearts, and it means everything to share it with you.
Inside this bag you will find a few comforts for your stay, along with our schedule of events and recommendations for exploring the area. Our team is on hand throughout the weekend to assist with anything you may need.
With sincere appreciation,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 4: Formal with religious acknowledgment
We are blessed to begin this chapter of our lives surrounded by the people we love most. Your presence at our celebration is a gift we do not take lightly.
We invite you to enjoy the weekend with open hearts and easy spirits. All the details for our events are enclosed. Please reach out to [Name] at [number] if you need anything at all.
In love and gratitude,
[Name] & [Name]
Warm and Heartfelt Welcome Note Examples
Heartfelt wording works for the majority of couples. It is sincere without feeling stiff, personal without veering into informal, and it translates across family and friend groups with ease. These examples work for indoor ceremonies, garden weddings, vineyard settings, and most hotel receptions.
Example 5: Classic heartfelt welcome
We are so happy you are here. This weekend is everything we have been dreaming about, and knowing you are part of it makes every moment sweeter.
We have packed this bag with a few of our favorite things to help you settle in. A full schedule of the weekend’s events is enclosed. If you need anything, please reach out to [Name] at [number].
We cannot wait to celebrate with you.
With love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 6: Heartfelt for out-of-town guests
We wanted this little bag to feel like a warm hug the moment you arrived. Inside you’ll find a few snacks, some local favorites, and everything you need to know about the weekend ahead.
If you have questions at any point, please text [Name] at [number]. We are so glad you are here.
All our love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 7: Heartfelt with shared memory
When we think about the journey that brought us to this day, we think about all of you. Every laugh, every dinner table, every adventure you were part of is woven into who we are and why this moment feels so full.
Thank you for being here. We cannot wait to make more memories with you this weekend. A schedule of events is enclosed.
With so much love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 8: Heartfelt minimalist
This weekend is about celebrating with the people who matter most to us, and you are absolutely on that list. We hope you enjoy every moment.
Our full schedule is enclosed. Please reach out to [Name] at [number] if you need anything.
With love,
[Name] & [Name]
Casual and Friendly Welcome Note Examples
Casual wording suits relaxed outdoor celebrations, backyard weddings, beach ceremonies, and any couple who writes “we’re more laid-back than that” in their venue brief. The tone is like a text message from a very organized best friend.
Example 9: Casual and warm
We are SO glad you are here. Seriously. This whole weekend is going to be amazing, and having you here makes it even better.
We threw some good stuff in this bag to help you settle in. Check out the schedule we tucked in there too, so you know exactly where to be. Questions? Text [Name] at [number].
See you soon!
[Name] & [Name]
Example 10: Casual with snack callout
We packed this bag with love and also snacks, because honestly snacks fix most things. There’s also a schedule of the weekend in there, so you always know what’s happening next.
If you need anything, [Name] is your person. Reach them at [number].
Can’t wait to see you!
[Name] & [Name]
Example 11: Casual for a close group
If you are reading this, you made it and we love you. The drive/flight/ferry was worth it, we promise.
This little bag is our way of saying thank you for showing up for us. Everything you need for the weekend is inside, including the schedule. Text [Name] at [number] if anything comes up.
So grateful to celebrate with all of you.
[Name] & [Name]
Example 12: Casual for a destination group
Thank you so much for making the trip. We put together this bag with some things we love about [Location] and a few essentials for the weekend. Check the schedule card inside so you know where to be.
Questions? [Name] is your point of contact: [number].
This is going to be the best weekend!
[Name] & [Name]
Funny and Playful Welcome Note Examples
Playful wording is a risk worth taking when it actually sounds like you. If your wedding vibe is “semi-formal party with your best friends,” funny wording lands well. Keep it short so the joke doesn’t drag, include the logistics, and make sure the humor doesn’t alienate guests who don’t know you as well.
Example 13: Lightly funny opener
(If you are reading this, you already knew that. Please enjoy your complimentary snacks.)
Seriously though, thank you for being here. This weekend is going to be a lot of fun, and we’re so glad you are part of it. Full schedule is enclosed. For questions, contact [Name] at [number].
See you on the dance floor,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 14: Survival kit theme
Contents designed to get you through: one beautiful ceremony, one excellent dinner, one (potentially chaotic) dance floor, and one very emotional speech by [Name]’s dad.
You are going to need all of it. We love you. Thank you for being here. Schedule enclosed.
Best of luck (and cheers),
[Name] & [Name]
Example 15: Self-aware funny
We are not sure if that is how you are supposed to start one of these notes, but here we are. The point is: we are so happy you are here, we packed you snacks, and there is a schedule tucked in there somewhere.
Questions? [Name] at [number]. Complaints? No, we are kidding. Text [Name].
We love you and cannot wait to celebrate together.
[Name] & [Name]
Example 16: Funny for long-distance guests
Either way, we are beyond grateful. We put together this little bag as a thank-you for making the trip and a welcome to [Location]. Schedule inside. [Name] at [number] for questions.
This is going to be an incredible weekend. Let’s go!
[Name] & [Name]
Short Welcome Note Examples for Minimalists
Sometimes less really is more. These examples work when your bag already has a detailed itinerary card, when your guest list is exclusively close family and friends who don’t need the logistics spelled out, or when you simply prefer a clean and elegant note with breathing room. Four sentences can be exactly right.
Example 17: The two-liner
Everything you need for the weekend is in this bag.
With love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 18: Minimal with contact
Full schedule enclosed. Reach [Name] at [number] with any questions.
Love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 19: Poetic minimal
Thank you for coming. We look forward to celebrating with you this weekend.
All our love,
[Name] & [Name]
Example 20: Short and joyful
Thank you for sharing this weekend with us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Love,
[Name] & [Name]
Destination wedding guests often appreciate a note that acknowledges the extra effort of travel. If your guest list includes international travelers, our guide to destination wedding welcome bag notes covers wording for multilingual groups, time zone arrivals, and longer stays.
How to Design and Print Your Welcome Note Cards
The wording is sorted. Now comes the printing, and the card you print it on matters more than most couples realize. Hotel notepads and plain white cardstock read as afterthoughts. A custom printed note card that matches your invitation suite tells guests this bag was assembled with care, not assembled at 11 p.m. the night before the wedding.
Card size and format
Most welcome notes fit comfortably on a 4-bar card (3.5 x 4.875 in) or a standard A2 note card. If you need more room for logistics, step up to a 5 x 7 in card, which gives you space for a full weekend itinerary on the reverse. Folded cards give you front, inside-left, inside-right, and back, so you can keep the front design clean and the wording inside.
Paper and print method options
Paperlust prints welcome note cards and custom inserts in several methods depending on the look you want:
- Digital print is the most affordable starting point and works beautifully on matte, premium, or linen stock. Full color, fast turnaround, no minimum order penalty.
- Flat foil adds a metallic finish in gold, rose gold, silver, copper, or one of 11 additional colors. There is no custom die involved, so minimum orders are low and pricing stays reasonable. This is the most popular upgrade for couples who want their note card to match a foil invitation suite.
- Letterpress on Wild Cotton cotton stock (300gsm or 600gsm) is the most tactile option. The deboss impression you feel when you run your thumb across the text is the signature of the format. Lead times are longer (around 20 business days), so plan early.
- Metallic print uses a dry toner pigment process for a subtle golden or silver shimmer without the mirror-bright shine of flat foil. Good choice for couples who want something elevated without the foil price point.
- White ink on dark or colored stock prints clean and striking. Sage, navy, burgundy, and black card stocks are all available.
Matching your invitation suite
If you ordered invitations through Paperlust, your welcome note card can use the same design system, the same font pairing, and the same print method. A suite that flows from invitation through to welcome note reads as intentional and considered. Browse the full invitation collection to find a starting point: wedding invitations.
Proofs and timeline
Designer proofs are delivered within 1-2 business days of placing your order, with two rounds of revisions included at no extra charge. If your welcome bag assembly timeline is tight, a 24-hour rush print option is available for an additional fee. Orders over $350 USD ship free via DHL Express.
For destination weddings or guests spread across multiple countries, take a look at what else typically goes into the bag: the wedding welcome bag checklist breaks down every category by guest type and budget.
Design your welcome note cards with Paperlust
Custom printed note cards to match your invitation suite. Flat foil, letterpress, or digital from $2.04/card.
Browse wedding stationery
Order a $5 sample pack to see the paper quality
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a wedding welcome bag note say?
Every welcome bag note should include your names, a thank-you for attending, a brief overview of the weekend or a pointer to the enclosed itinerary, and a contact person for questions. Optional extras include local recommendations, a short personal story, or a quote that reflects your relationship. Keep it to 100-200 words so guests actually read it.
How long should a wedding welcome note be?
Most welcome notes run between 80-200 words. Short is fine, especially if your bag includes a separate itinerary card that covers logistics. A well-written four-sentence note with a warm closing is more memorable than a two-page letter that guests fold up and forget about.
Do you need a welcome note for a local wedding?
Not strictly, but it is a nice touch even when most guests are local. For local weddings, you can skip the logistics-heavy language (no need to explain shuttle pickup times for people who live five minutes away) and focus on a personal thank-you and an enthusiastic welcome to the celebration. If you are giving bags to out-of-town guests only, a welcome note becomes more essential.
Should the welcome note mention what is in the bag?
You do not have to list every item, but a brief mention works well for destination weddings or when the bag includes items guests might not recognize. Something like “we packed a few local favorites and some essentials for the weekend” is plenty. For detailed bag contents and how to organize them, see our wedding welcome bag checklist.
Who should guests contact for questions mentioned in the note?
Do not list your own phone number. You will be getting ready, doing portraits, or managing a dozen other things on the day. A wedding coordinator, a trusted family member, or your maid of honor or best man works well. Make sure the person you name knows they are the point of contact.
What is the best way to print a wedding welcome bag note?
A custom printed note card is the best option. It can match your invitation suite, arrive pre-folded, and feel intentional rather than improvised. Digital print is the most affordable; flat foil adds a metallic touch that photographs beautifully; letterpress on cotton stock is the most tactile premium option. Paperlust designer proofs are ready within 1-2 business days, so you don’t need to order months in advance.
Can I handwrite the welcome notes instead?
Absolutely, if you have the time and the guest count is manageable. Handwritten notes on a quality card stock feel personal and genuine. If you go this route, order blank note cards that match your stationery suite so the handwriting has a beautiful backdrop. For 50+ guests, printed notes with a handwritten signature in the closing line is a smart middle ground.
What is the difference between a welcome note and a welcome letter?
A welcome note is short (80-200 words) and focuses on warmth and a brief logistics pointer. A welcome letter is longer (200-500 words) and typically covers your love story, the location, the weekend schedule in detail, and local recommendations. Letters work well for destination weddings with 3+ night stays; notes work for weekend weddings where a separate itinerary card handles the logistics.