Planning a wedding this summer? Whether you're a couple or a planner, you already know that details matter and welcome gifts are one of the first things your guests will experience. At Lavender + Pine, we’ve seen firsthand what’s making a statement at countless weddings here on the East Coast this season, and we’re breaking it all down for you.
Let’s take a look at the summer 2025 wedding welcome gift trends that are stealing the show.
1. Elevated Essentials with a Local Twist
Gone are the days of tossing water bottles and granola bars into a kraft bag and calling it a day. Today’s welcome gifts are curated to reflect the feel of the event and local elements are key. We’re seeing:
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A LOT of artisanal snacks from the region (hello, Nantucket Crisps, Cape Cod kettle chips and our favorite NYC favorites by Levain Bakery)
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Locally made self-care items like soaps and candles have been a popular add on
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Custom maps or welcome booklets with local places to visit
Skip the Blog & Shop: East Coast welcome gift boxes The Taste of New England
This approach not only impresses guests but also sets the tone for a weekend that feels intentional from the start.
2. Sustainable and Reusable Packaging
Sustainability is trending across the board and gift packaging is no exception. Couples are requesting:
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Keepsake boxes, wood crates, or custom totes instead of disposable bags
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Recyclable or compostable filler materials (or no filler materials at all!)
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Reusable water bottles, glass water bottles like San Pellegrino or even tumblers with monogramming
Guests appreciate when their gifts are thoughtful and eco-conscious. (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a pretty box they can repurpose?)
3. Personalized Moments
We’ve always believed the magic is in the details. This year’s gifts are all about subtle personalization:
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Name tags on each box or bag for an elevated and personalized experience
- Adding family crests, monograms or custom artwork to French macarons, chocolates, cookies and fun products like handheld fans and embroidery on hats!
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Custom welcome letters with itinerary details
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Signature items that reflect the couple’s story (e.g., “his & hers” snacks or hometown favorites)
Planner tip: Even if you’re managing 150+ guests, there are creative ways to personalize without going over budget and we can help streamline that process.
4. Beauty Meets Function
The best welcome gifts strike a balance: they're visually beautiful and actually useful. Some of the most popular inclusions this season:
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Mini wellness kits (think under-eye patches, SPF wipes, essential oils, aesthetic hand sanitizers like Noshinku or Touchland)
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Hangover recovery kits with a luxe twist like providing everything inside a nice Calpak mini cosmetic case
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Fresh florals or sprigs of herbs for a scent experience (Obviously we'll add lavender sprigs wherever we can!) but a few other favorites are mint and eucalyptus.
And everything’s being styled to perfection. Think curated color palettes, layered textures, and hand-tied ribbon details.
5. Real-Time Gifting That Doubles as Content
We’d be lying if we said Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok weren’t influencing welcome gift design. Guests love unboxing moments and couples want their gifts to photograph beautifully. We’re seeing:
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Flatlay setups in hotel rooms
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Custom stickers and tissue seals
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Branded moments like monogrammed tags, crest-stamped boxes and embroidery on everything
Want your wedding gifts to go viral for the right reasons? Focus on thoughtful, well-composed presentation. It matters.
Need Help Designing Yours?
Whether you’re a couple or a planner juggling five events this season, we’ve got you. At Lavender + Pine, we offer:
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Full-service custom gift design
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Welcome gift fulfillment and delivery
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A curated shop of pre-filled boxes for quick gifting wins
Want to learn more? Explore custom wedding gifting services
If you’re planning a late-summer or fall wedding and haven’t booked your gifting partner yet, now’s the time. We’re accepting a few more custom projects for 2025 — and we’d love to work with you.
Photo Credits:
- Levain Bakery | Nantucket Crisps
- Quilted Koala (Tote) | Path Water (Custom Bottles)
- Krista Jean Photography (Calligraphy Tags) | Photo by Lavender + Pine with crest artwork by Tulaloo
- Cora Jane Photography (Both Photos)