Even the bag can be part of the gift.

Guests will appreciate maps, visitor publications like the Best Read Guide and the Chamber of Commerce guide or maybe even bus schedules if they have time to explore the Island on their own. Some couples like to include a welcome letter that lists their favorite Vineyard spots, whether it’s an ice cream parlor or a beach.

And then there are the snacks. First-time visitors are often surprised that their accommodations don’t include 24-hour room service or that they can’t run to an all-night convenience store when they get peckish.

Chilmark Chocolates, Murdick’s Fudge, Cape Cod Potato Chips, lobster-shaped lollipops, and Chilmark Spring Water fill many a bag. Fresh fruit makes a healthy snack any time of day and a small split of Champagne is a special treat.

Some brides have their caterer create crustacean-shaped cookies or they pick out their favorites at the Black Dog Bakery or Scottish Bakehouse. Janice Casey, owner of MV Gourmet Café & Bakery, says they make sugar cookies in the shape of the Island and white chocolate shells that can go in gift bags.

Goodies obtained from a late night visit (late by Vineyard standards, that is; they close at 12:30 a.m.) to Back Door Donuts, behind the Oak Bluffs location of MV Gourmet Café & Bakery, could satisfy the cravings of guests with a sweet tooth. On the morning after, wedding guests may find that Sunday brunch seems far off; a donut or a cinnamon roll might tide them over.

For more elaborate goodies, brides can go online and find lobster-shaped shortbread, milk chocolate beach stones, and M& Ms that can be personalized with the wedding colors and date.

Don’t forget cookies.

Then there are ways to let guests tell others about their visit. Photographer Alison Shaw will assemble a selection of her greeting cards individually selected by the bride and include a personalized message. Or the bride can pick up postcards around town — applying the stamp is a nice gesture and makes it more likely that a guest will have a chance to send it.

The bag itself can be a gift. Many brides choose an L.L. Bean canvas tote that can be personalized with the wedding date and couple’s names but a recyclable paper bag is just as popular. At Vineyard Haven’s Crocker House Inn, Jynell Kristal sells a line of beach bags, totes, wristlets, and key chains that come with a choice of Islander ferry or beach motif ribbon trim. She can add a lobster wine glass to the bag or customize the entire contents.

Often brides plan to deliver their gift bags in person the day before the wedding but wedding planner Lynn Buckmaster-Irwin of Weddings on the Vineyard advises against it, saying the bride will be busy enough then. “That’s the day for mani’s and pedi’s, not running around to inns.” She cites one wedding where the bride asked guests to choose from one of four inns; instead they were spread over 15 locations.

It’s best to ask a friend or family member to handle the bag drop or hire a professional. Vineyard Coach and Concierge is one car service that also does deliveries. Remember to make a nametag with the name of the guest and the inn’s name for each bag, Ms. Buckmaster-Irwin says. That way if there are some left over after the drop, you’ll know who is missing munchies.

Catch your guests a cake, delivered to
their inn by snack time.

In the case of the fish, there’s no need for a gift bag. Just wrap it in newspaper.