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Let’s talk about favors. Whether it’s bridal or baby showers, engagement or wedding party favors, a favor is how we thank guests for sharing their time with us. This tradition goes back to the 17th century where guests would receive small boxes filled with sugary treats and candies. Some cultures consider favors as a symbol of good luck, fertility, wealth, and happiness. Today, the tradition continues and the options are almost limitless.
In this blog, we offer some of the most unique and best wedding favor ideas tour guests will love to receive at your wedding reception.
Are wedding favors still in? Absolutely!
Wedding favors are a fun way to show your guests appreciation for their attendance on your special day. Some are absolutely Pinterest-worthy. When it comes to your favors, do not simply give generic, small items that will be placed unused in a drawer, or worse, left on the tables at the end of the night.
There are some fabulous wedding favors now that will be very much appreciated. Those with a special meaning, with thought and intention given to them, are the perfect favors.
If you are a gift giver and want to lavish your guests with a favor they will love, we have some useful gifts (and affordable) wedding favor ideas that will not simply be left on the table at the end of the night.
Welcome Bags
Welcome wedding favor bags are a great idea and a very personal touch for your guests, especially if you are having a destination wedding. If you have guests that are coming from a distance, and or staying overnight, this is a very nice gesture.
Included are essentials like water bottles, hand sanitizers with custom labels, ibuprofen, and mints. If your wedding is on an island, think tote bags with coconut water, sunblock, aloe, hand fans, beach towel, or a hat. Hotels will provide toiletry essentials, however who doesn’t love some pampering with luxe products?!
Consider offering destination wedding favors like a pretty basket with hand towels (your colors, of course!), soothing shower steamers, lotions and oils, lip balm, face masks, and artisanal soaps. These are practical wedding favors that your guests will love and appreciate.
If you are having a local outdoor wedding, consider offering umbrellas as a sunshade (or the perfect gift if it’s raining). This is a practical favor that can be used over and over again! Useful wedding favors are always appreciated.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized items are unique and fun! Trending now are personalized matchboxes, wildflower seed packets, and soaps, but let’s not forget options like mini champagne bottles, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate with your own custom label message.
Other ideas include a deck of playing cards, puzzle, luggage tags, or even temporary tattoos! These can be personalized with your wedding theme, initials, or even customized for each guest for the ultimate personalized touch.
Another great way to have personal favors is to have a photo booth. Guests can take pictures all night and capture the memories of the good time had by all! This is an easy way to give your guests some extra fun and less stress on you making sure to have a gift for each individual attendee.
Succulents or Mini Potted Plants
Succulents or mini potted plants are a unique and eco-friendly wedding favor idea that your guests will love. These plants are easy to care for and make for great decorations for any home or office. You can tie in your wedding colors in the pots, containers, ribbon, or tags. Be creative with your theme, for instance a rustic burlap container for a rustic country wedding or a clear container with small shells for a beach wedding. Also consider a packet of seeds they can plant and grow at home; a sweet way remember your day!
Customized Candles
Customized candles are very elegant wedding favors. You can choose from a variety of scents, like one from your wedding bouquet or wedding month flower, and have them customized with names and wedding date. Candles are also a practical gift and a great idea for those who don’t want to break the wedding budget yet make a lasting impression.
Candles are that special touch to incorporate your a little part of your special day into a lasting memory for your guests.
Local or Artisanal Edible Gifts
Some of our favorite wedding favor ideas are when you shop local! If you want to showcase the best of your local area or hometown, local or artisanal food items are the perfect way to do it! Popular choices are gourmet popcorn, artisanal cheeses, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, and small-batch jams and jellies. Local bakers can make custom cookies with your favorite flavors, individually wrapped which is a very unique touch.
What is your state or city known for? Show it off! Maybe some Philly soft pretzels when it’s a Philly thing! Edible wedding favors and sweet treats are not only delicious but also support local businesses. Sports themed favors can be very popular wedding favors! Think of what your city or hometown is known for and wow everyone.
Beverage Wedding Favors
For guests who love to indulge in their favorite libations, miniature bottles of alcohol make for fun and unique small keepsakes. You can choose from a variety of spirits and have them customized with your names and wedding date. If you are having a signature drink, offer mini bottles with the alcohol ingredients and recipe to make one at home (see DIY below!).
For a modern affair or more intimate wedding, a bottle of wine (to include a custom label with a special message of course!) with wine glasses would be a great option. A bottle of your favorite spirit paired with personalized shot glasses, stemless wine glasses, or bottle openers can be used long after the bottle is empty.
DIY Kit Wedding Favor Ideas
If you’re feeling crafty, consider putting together DIY kits as wedding favors. This could include things like a DIY cocktail kit (like mentioned above!), a make-your-own-s’mores kit, or even a soap-making kit. If your big day is near or on a holiday, holiday gifts like a DIY Christmas ornament, Halloween cookie cutters with a dough recipe, Fourth of July sparkler packs, ceramic lucky 4-leaf clover coasters to paint near St. Patrick’s Day, etc.! Unique gifts like these give your guests a fun activity to enjoy after the wedding.
Unique wedding favors are a great way to provide your guests with a small token of appreciation for sharing your wedding day with you. The best wedding favors are the ones you put thought into! There are many creative ways to offer a small gift to top off your memorable wedding. Start by thinking about the theme of your wedding and stay consistent with that. If you can’t think of anything, ChatGPT is always there to help you! Don’t forget about AI wedding planning tools!