Hello all! I am back from my travels for a while. It was a nice break, but it was tough being so far from technology. I almost forgot how to type.

Upon my return, an interesting issue came about. I had a bride email me that she wanted to have welcome bags delivered to her guests’ rooms after they arrived to the hotel. I think this is a wonderful idea! Nothing says “we are excited that you are celebrating with us” better than a personalized gift with information about the wedding and a welcome note.

The issue this bride had was that the hotel wanted to charge her a fee for delivering the bags. She didn’t want to pay for this service and then asked to have the bags handed out at the front desk as guests arrived. Her catering manager cautioned her against this, and I have to say that I agree with the catering manager.

Keep in mind that every hotel is different, but this particular hotel has huge check in traffic on the weekend. The front desk is always buzzing with kids and guests coming and going. The likelihood of a gift bag being overlooked is pretty good when there is so much going on.

On the flip side, I know that when I check into a hotel, I have a ton of stuff in my hand — my purse, my carry on-bag, my sunglasses, my cell phone (I am always checking email). The last thing I want is another item to carry. Also, it is just so exciting to walk into the hotel room, drop my bags and see a beautiful gift bag waiting for me.

So let’s discuss the fee. Usually the gift bag delivery fee is very small. I have seen as little as $1.00 each up to $3.00 each. That fee is typically used to give a gratuity to the person making the deliveries. I think it is a worthwhile investment.

If you are absolutely opposed to paying the delivery fee, consider giving out the gift bags at the rehearsal dinner. It will be much less chaotic.

If you have questions on this or any other wedding related topic, please post for me here or send me an email to susan.southerland@pwg.com. Also become a fan on Facebook by clicking here and follow me on Twitter by clicking here.

Your partner in perfect planning,
Susan

Hello All,

I apologize for being the absentee blogger for the past week. I had an amazing trip to Costa Rica where I was checking out a beautiful venue for destination weddings. I was also doing research on honeymoon packages. What a glorious place (and very, very affordable).

I will be writing a week of blogs on weddings and honeymoons in Costa Rica. I am gathering my photographs, so look for it in about a week. The topics will include the legalities of a Costa Rica Wedding, floral ideas, vacation activities and an interview with a Shaman who does spiritual wedding ceremonies (she was brilliant!)

If you want to get a sneak peek at some of the photos, become a friend of mine on Facebook by clicking here

Stay tuned!

Your partner in perfect planning,

Susan