Do you have to...

no they don't expect one. It is an added expense. I'm trying to keep my realtively inexpensive, but it is hard.

It is totally up to you if you do them. I'm only doing them because all of FH's family, including himself are from oot.

Not necessary but we are doing them. I bought baskets at the 99 cent store and am going to fill them with stuff that each person likes. People do not expect them so if you dont want to do it then thats fine

Not necessary. While we are having a fair amount of OOTers, most are staying with friends or relatives on LI due to the holiday weekend. We only have one couple that has booked a hotel room.

Then again, we are a bit older, all of my friends and a lot of my family have kids, there is no after party and some have work the next day.

Not necessary. I've never attended an OOT wedding where I received one.

More than 1/2 my guests will be coming from OOT (my whole family in fact), and I'm on a super-tight budget, so I cannot afford to do it for everyone.

no, they are not necessary. I didn't do them. just didn't have the time or the money.

eta: our guests were staying at 'deluxe' hotels, to they already supplied everything in the rooms

here it is

Newlyweds
A lollipop-- to help you lick your problems, no matter how many there may be.
A rubber band-- to help you to remember to be 'flexible' in all things.
A Snickers Bar-- to remind you that laughter IS the best medicine.
A paper clip to help you 'hold it all together.'
A stick of gum-- to help you stick together
A safety pin-- to help you 'pin-point' your problems, the better to solve them!
A piece of string-- to help you 'tie-up' those loose ends.
A Lifesaver-- to keep you from drowning in everyday problems.
A lemon drop-- to remind you that 'when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.'
A penny-- to give you extra cents (sense) to know which battles are worth fighting, & which are better ignored.'
A candy kiss-- to share with each other
Button - to remind you that sometimes you need to 'button your lip'
Tootsie Roll - to help you roll with the punches.
Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint to each other.
Puzzle piece - because you are an important part in each others lives.
Eraser - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes.
Chapstick - keep your lips kissable
Confetti - to remind you to always add sparkle to your lives.
Toothpick - to always pick out the good in your mate

I dont think they are needed, but I am doing them.

I kinda feel like its the least I can do to make someone feel welcome, especially after they are spedning so much money to fly in, rent a car, etc just to attend my wedding.