Welcome Bags: Edibles and Yumminess

If you get too into the welcome bag project, you might start confusing a welcome bag for a wedding-survival-kit. Yes, it's nice to include maps, first aid supplies, and sewing kits, but these bags are supposed to be happy surprises full of treats to get guests excited about your wedding. Don't forget about the treats!

Here are some edibles and refreshments that real Disney couples have included in their wedding welcome bags:

• custom m&m's in favor tins
• custom water bottles
• Disney fruit snacks
• hershey kisses in tulle
• candy fish (tropical theme)
• wine or champagne
• snack bags like pretzels & cheetos
• mini muffins
• gum
• Kool Aid/ Crystal light singles
• single pot coffee packets
• Lifesavers mints
• Mickey mints
• Mickey pasta
• Mickey coffee
• Gold Fish Mini Packs
• Disney pez dispensers
• Breakfast bars/Granola bars
• chocolate covered pretzels
• Jumbo lollipops
• chocolate chip cookies
• Mickey shaped cookies (homemade or bought @ Disney)
• Mickey shaped Rice Krispy treats (homemade or bought @ Disney)
• tea bags
• Pirates of the Caribbean Chocolate Cannonballs
• Mickey Microwave popcorn
• Goofy Game Pieces Candy
• Disney conversation hearts
• sparkling cider
• personalized candy bars
• Florida oranges
• personalized bags of hot chocolate

Some budget tips - If you have a Costco membership or know someone with a Costco membership, you'll get more for your money buying your snacks/beverages here. They also have some Disney merchandise most of the time, but they aren't going to have the park exclusive snacks. Don't try to save money by buying park exclusive snacks from eBay, because there's no way to tell how long someone has had that food. Putting expired or stale snacks in the welcome bag is a bad way to start off your wedding!

Have you ever noticed that a lot of those park treats really do seem to taste better than the things you can make at home? I used to think it was just atmosphere, but then I found out that a lot of the yumminess is coming from this amazing bakery called Selma's. You can't order Disney treats directly from them, but you can order other good stuff, like treatsickles....mmmmm... Everything on their website is sold in bulk and although it might seem a little pricey, spending a little under $2 per guest on something really special might be better than buying lots of ho-hum snacks to fill up those bags...

Treatsickles = deliciousness

Giveaway

Naturally, I included some yummy goodness in this week's giveaway. First off, we have customized lollipops from Etsy seller Crafty Gio. These lollis say "Thank You", but they can be customized to say anything you like. Aren't they cute? Bonus: These babies are easy to pack and they don't melt, so they're an in-park lifesaver for parents with kids who are mid-meltdown.

I'm also including four samples of delicious chocolate covered oreos (Disney wedding themed, of course!) from Etsy seller Serena's Party Boutique. She's come up with some great designs just for couples having a Disney wedding and she's ready to work on some custom orders. I love the look of these, because they're so fun and festive but they aren't too much. These would also be perfect for favors at an at-home Disney reception, don't you think?