Image by Meraki Weddings. See more of this real wedding here. Keep scrolling for wedding favor ideas
Wedding favors–although a small wedding detail–are an easy way to add a personal touch to your special day while also thanking your guests for celebrating your love with you. Because there’s no tradition for favors, you have complete creative freedom over what you gift your guests–whether it’s symbolic to you as a couple or something that ties in with your wedding aesthetic. So, if you’re struggling to figure out what to hand out, don’t fret because we’re rounding up wedding favor ideas and alternatives.
Wedding Favor FAQs
Do you have to have wedding favors?
As mentioned earlier, there’s no tradition when it comes to wedding favors. This means that you don’t have to have them if you don’t want to. If there’s no room in your budget or you just don’t want to deal with the stress of choosing one, don’t worry about it. After an epic celebration, your guests aren’t going to be upset if they don’t leave with a present.
How much do favors cost?
As of 2021, it was found that the average cost of wedding favors is $400-$450. This typically comes out to be about one to three dollars per person. Obviously, the smaller the wedding, the less expensive the favors will be, and vice versa for larger affairs. It’s also important to remember that this is an average and it’s very possible to spend more or less.
Should you personalize the favors?
Personalizing your favors is entirely up to you. But, customizing your gifts and making them a little more personal isan easy way to ensure that your guests never forget about your wedding day.
When and how do you hand them out?
There are many different ways you can pass out your wedding favors. If you’re having a seated dinner, you can set them on their place settings—doubling as reception table decor. If you’re going for a more lowkey, casual environment, there’s nothing wrong with setting them up on a display. Your escort cards can even act as a wedding favor.
Wedding Favor Ideas
Image by Diana Ascarrunz. See more of this real wedding here
Can Koozies
For more informal celebrations, pass out customized can koozies. Add a logo, your initials, an illustration of the two of you, pictures of your dogs–whatever you want. Summer camp wedding, anyone?
Shop koozies: Cheers To The Couple Koozie; Custom State Wedding Can Cooler; Custom Pet Illustration Koozie; Venue Illustration Can Cooler
Image by Gina Brandt Photography. See more of this real wedding here
Mugs
Speaking of a camp-inspired wedding, tin mugs with you and your spouse’s names and wedding date also make for the perfect favor.
Shop mugs: Personalized Wedding Enamel Mug; Let The Adventure Begin Mug; Personalized Camp Mug
Candles
It’s no secret that pretty much everyone can appreciate a good candle, making it an easy favor idea. To personalize it, add a customized label or choose a scent that is special to you and your partner.
Shop candles: Handmade Soy Wax Wedding Candles; Bulk Wedding Candle Favor; Rustic Personalized Candles
Sunglasses
Tying the knot outdoors? If you know the weather is going to be bright and sunny, offer your guests some protection with sunglasses. Just be sure to pass them out before the ceremony.
Image by The Mclachlans. See more of this real wedding here
Succulents or plants
If you’re saying “I do” in the desert or you have a green thumb, offering your guests a plant is a cute nod to your special day or hobby. Plus, they can keep them alive for years to come, making them practical.
Shop succulents/plants: Let Love Grow Succulent Tags; 72-pack Assorted Succulents; Mini Seed Paper Plantable Cards
Olive oil
If your special day is inspired by the European countryside, this one is for you. Your guests will love cooking with it, and it’s a great nod to the culture–especially if you’re having a destination wedding.
Shop olive oil: Olive Oil Wedding Favor; Olive You Olive Oil Favors; Infused Olive Oil Wedding Favors
Cocktail kits
The party will never stop if you’re passing out mini cocktail kits. You can find all kinds of kits–from moscow mules to margaritas. All they need is alcohol!
Honey
To sweeten up the day, offer small batches of honey in mini mason jars. This is a great favor option for a rustic or garden wedding.
Shop honey: Meant To Bee Honey Jar Favors; Found My Honey Jar Favors; Honey Jar Wedding Favors
Dessert
There’s no denying that everyone loves sweets. To satisfy the sweet tooth, consider some kind of dessert. This could be baked goods, a candy bar, macaroons, etc. To make it a more interactive experience, consider doing a dessert bar where they can pick and choose what they take home with them.
Image by David Bastianoni. See more of this real wedding here
Luggage tags
Whether you’re having a destination wedding or you and your significant other just have a love for travel, luggage tags are both adorable and functional.
Shop luggage tags: Bulk Wedding Luggage Tags; And So The Adventure Begins Luggage Tags; Personalized Leather Luggage Tag
Blankets
If your wedding is in the fall or winter, you can warm your guests up with blankets. They’ll be able to cozy up at the wedding and at home, too.
Image by Joel and Justyna. See more of this real wedding here
Champagne
Send your guests off with a mini bottle of bubbles to keep the party going even after everyone has left. It’s a favor everyone will enjoy, so you’ll know it went to good use. If champagne isn’t your style, you can also opt for mini bottles of wine, beer, coffee, juice, etc.
Wedding Favor Alternatives
Not a big fan of wedding favors altogether? These alternatives are great options for those that want to forgo the gift and opt for something a little more non-traditional.
Donate to charity
If there’s a charity that you and your partner believe in, consider making a small donation on behalf of your guests. Doing so means putting money into a good cause rather than on an item your guests may forget at the end of the night.
Late-night snacks
We know we mentioned a dessert bar earlier, but why not take it a step further and offer your guests late-night snacks instead? This could be anything from your favorite ice cream truck to bringing in your favorite fast food. Your guests will appreciate the bites once the drinks are flowing.
Image by Morgan McCanne Photo. See more of this real wedding here
Photobooth
Photobooths have become increasingly popular at weddings these days, and we understand why. They’re a playful way to commemorate your special day while also acting as an instant souvenir.
Welcome bags
If you’re having a destination wedding or a full-blown wedding weekend, a welcome bag is an easy way to say thank you while also helping your guests feel comfortable throughout the trip. Common welcome bag items include local snacks and drinks, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, pain relievers, and small souvenirs such as postcards, keychains, etc.
Loving these wedding favor ideas? We’ve got even more from Etsy here!
Image by Javier Mendez Photography
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