Giving out wedding favors is always a sweet gesture that lets guests know their presence on your special day is appreciated. From edible goods to custom-made paraphernalia, they have the potential to be a fun, on-theme detail. However, most couples don’t realize they aren’t *actually* necessary. The decision to include them (or not) depends on your style and how you’d like to allocate your budget!
Moreover, most favors are more likely to be abandoned on tables than come home with your guests (take it from a wedding planner). The truth is that random items often amount to unnecessary clutter rather than something guests actually want. That doesn’t have to be the case, though! If you’d like to make wedding favors part of your day, some thoughtful planning is all it will take. Here are a few suggestions for items your guests will love!
Ideas for Wedding Favors
Chocolates
You can’t go wrong with something edible! Mini boxes of chocolates are bound to disappear from the favor table by the end of the night, and they’ll be a sweet reminder of your appreciation to your guests the next day. Add a bow or custom label to bring in your wedding theme for that extra touch.
Custom Koozies
Have koozies custom-made in your wedding colors (you can include your name and wedding date if you’d like!). Your guests can always use these for their next trip to the beach, so they’re perfect for a summer wedding. Another alternative is reusable plastic cups! You can have these custom-made so that your guests can take them home and reuse them again and again.
Mini Champagne Bottles
What could be cuter than mini bottles of champagne or your favorite liquor with mixers? These will set the celebratory tone for the night (and we don’t know many people who would turn down champagne). Similar to the chocolates, you can customize them with thank you notes, or even custom labels, to tie it all together. Keep in mind that these favors are most appropriate for a 21+ wedding. If kiddos will be present, sparkling grape juice is a family-friendly alternative.
DIY Bouquets (Using Flowers from Your Centerpieces!)
These are a great way to repurpose the gorgeous flowers from your centerpieces and avoid creating excessive waste. Ask your florist to set out paper and ribbon that your guests can use to “DIY” bouquets at the end of the night. It’s a fun activity for all ages and makes cleanup a breeze! And it gives guests something unique to take home with them, that they will rave about to their friends!
Throw Blankets
Are you hosting an outdoor wedding in the fall or spring? Help your guests combat the chill with blankets or shawls that have been custom-tagged with their names, or even include your monogram on it. It’s a thoughtful touch that lets your guests know you’ve considered their comfort. Plus, everyone can always use an extra throw blanket around the house!
Dancing Shoes
We all know that uncomfortable stilettos and dress shoes tend to come off once it’s time to get groovy. Flip-flops tagged with your guests’ names make great wedding favors that show you’ve anticipated this! They’ll ensure an active dance floor well into the night, too.
Alternative: Enhance the Guest Experience
Instead of using your budget to purchase favors your guests may or may not take home, why not give them a unique experience right then and there? Most forget to take photos, so hiring a photo booth company or caricature artist will ensure they don’t leave without a keepsake. Hiring a cigar roller is another option if you’d like to treat your guests to a VIP experience! Or, you could host an afterparty at a favorite local bar for those who aren’t quite ready for the night to be over. The ideas are endless! Ultimately, it’s all about your vision.
As you start to map out your guest gifts, keep a few things in mind. First, can it be easily transported home? Most people will have smaller bags or clutches, so you need to consider if it’s an easy item to take home. And second, is it something they can reuse or utilize on-site?
In the grand scheme of planning, wedding favors may seem like a drop in the bucket—and they aren’t something you’re obligated to include. However, if you choose to make them a part of your day, they have the potential to make a positive impact on the guest experience!
Danielle Caldwell Events plans bespoke weddings in NYC and the greater metropolitan area. If you’re ready to discuss planning your special day, we would love to hear from you!
