Giving out wedding favors is the perfect way to thank guests for being part of your celebration. One of many wedding traditions from around the world, this practice began in 16th-century Europe, where newlyweds offered their guests sweet treats in little porcelain or crystal boxes.
While wedding guests always appreciate delicious bites to eat, today’s possibilities range far beyond edible treats, whether you present the favors before the ceremony begins or later on at the reception, they should enhance the experience of your special day.
Like women’s engagement rings, wedding favors don’t need to be expensive, but they should have a high-quality feel — after all, they express your regard for your loved ones. For inspiration on how to pick these gifts, check out our tips.
1. Share Your Story
When you want to share meaningful, personal symbols of your love story, give favors your guests can appreciate. If you met your mate at Yellowstone National Park, you could give each attendee a commemorative keychain from the park, engraved with an expression of joy. If you’re having a beach wedding, seashell-themed coasters could make lovely keepsakes. Attaching a handwritten note to the package is a thoughtful touch.
2. Give Seeds or Plants
As small, sustainable gifts, wildflower seeds, ferns, and mini succulents celebrate life, nature, and a future of growth. You can place seeds in customized envelopes that feature your monogram or a cheerful sentiment. If you’re gifting plants in small pots, add name tags or stickers that say “thank you” to each one.
3. Consider Edible Wedding Favors
When you want to pass on sweet feelings, tasty favors are still a wonderful way to celebrate your big day. Decorated sugar cookies and savory snacks can be memorable small indulgences. Champagne-flavored lollipops and gummy bears make lovely treats. If you give out chocolate kisses, you can personalize their colorful foil wrappers with your initials. You can also share your good taste by packaging small bottles of honey, olive oil, or hot sauce to match yourwedding theme.
4. Make Beautiful Notes
If you want to give each guest personal attention, you can give them a short, handwritten note that expresses your love for their character or personality. You could also provide each guest with a package of nice stationery in your wedding colors to encourage correspondence.
5. Bring Out the Fun
Who doesn’t love a bit of whimsy at a wedding? For example, you could give your guests decks of customized playing cards and bubble vials with heart-shaped wands. When things get lively, these gifts will add to the fun. Pick cards with romantic designs, and when you leave the reception, have your friends blow bubbles as you wave goodbye.
6. Take a Picture That Lasts
Sentimental, experiential wedding favors will create fond memories of your special day. To make it happen, hire an artist to create custom sketches of guests. You can also set up an instant photo booth and provide frames for the prints. These images will be priceless reminders of a happy and special time.
7. Place Plain Gifts in Custom Packaging
If you want your guests to enjoy your wedding favors for years to come, keep the branding subtle. Wedding-themed memorabilia can be a bit much in someone else’s house, so put your initials, wedding date, or message on the packaging instead. This way, your friends can use your presents anytime as a fond reminder of your love.
8. Get Creative
To really impress your guests, give them unique handmade wedding favors. You could make your own beeswax candles and decorate them with pressed flowers or make small lavender sachets. Look at Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. If you don’t have time to do things yourself, commission a crafty person on Etsy to complete the project.
9. Plan Ahead
When you’re picking out wedding favors, don’t wait until the last minute. Your guests will be able to tell if you’ve rushed through the process, so select your gifts with care. As you consider what your guests will like, let your wedding destination, venue, and theme influence your choices.
10. Make Practical Items Special
Your guests will love gifts like soaps, champagne flutes, or bottle openers that look and feel good to use. You can also give presents they can use on-site, like tissues, fans, or slippers. If you treat these items as little luxuries, they’ll never seem generic. Well-designed, attractive essentials will become favorites when you embrace subtle design and leave your monogram on the packaging.
11. Stay on Budget
Whatever favors you choose, be sure to include every guest on your special day. Come up with a budget that accounts for a few extras. If you’re having an intimate wedding, you might have room to spend a bit more per gift, but if you’ve invited 100 people or more, feel free to keep things simple but exquisite. Even small tokens, like a decorative box of matches, can carry lasting charm when they’re made well.
Create Joyful Memories With Thoughtful Wedding Favors
When you honor your guests with wedding favors, they will appreciate your generosity and enjoy their role in your ceremony. As they experience the day’s events, they will fill their hearts with well-wishes for your journey through life with your mate.
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