Your wedding day wouldn't be nearly as much fun or memorable without all your loving friends and family who traveled near and far to celebrate with you. Express your thanks with wedding favors that are meaningful and will be appreciated by your guests. Don't waste money on tchotchkes your guests will almost certainly throw away, or leave on the tables. Giving wedding favors is an age-old tradition that has evolved tremendously over the years. Today, couples are using their creativity and presenting favors that are thougtful and personal. There are no set rules of etiquette in presenting favors, but here are a few guidelines to help you get started.
Are wedding favors necessary?
While wedding favors are not as crucial as say, the wedding cake, they are a wonderful way to thank your guests and give them a lasting memory of your wedding. A couple should definitely think about giving favors if their budget allows for them. Favors do not need to be extravagant or expensive…it really is the thought that counts.
When choosing a favor, be original and pick a favor that is meaningful to you and your family. Or if you have a wedding theme, favors are a great way to complement your theme. Personalized favors are extremely popular because it is a fun way to add your personal stamp to the wedding day. You can also look to the favors you have received attending other recent weddings to gauge current trends and fashions and get ideas, but also definitely try to be unique with yours!
How much should I spend on bridal shower and wedding favors?
Look at your budget, figure out what you can afford and then what you want to potentially present to your guests. Many couples present an inexpensive, yet personal, favor to each guest, while other couples present a more elaborate favor to each couple or family. Creativity is key here…check out our Fresh Wedding Favor Ideas series for some ideas. However, whether you decide to give one favor per guest or per couple, be sure to have extra wedding favors on hand. Some guests may want (and take) more than one or you may have unexpected last-minutes guests in attendance. Many couples also send favors to friends and family who were not able to attend your wedding.
If you are giving one favor per guest, present each gift at each place setting or as part of the table centerpiece. If you decide to give each couple a favor, label the wedding favors with the couple’s or family's name and place them on a table so that guests can pick them up upon entering the reception.
I would really like to give wedding favors, but my budget is pretty tight. Any suggestions?
Wedding favors can be a single flower that is meaningful to the couple or a handmade paper booklet of how the couple met. The true value of wedding favors is the inherent significance behind the gift and the lasting memory guests will have of the wedding. We suggest browsing our favors sorted by price if you are constrained by a budget. Putting inexpensive custom labels, personalized ribbon or hang tags on almost anything will add the personalized touch to your wedding favors. If personalization isn’t something you want, a small gift wrapped in pretty boxes or accented with beautiful ribbon can often make a big impact. Place card holders can also double as wedding favors. Simple picture frames or place card holders are practical favors that guests can take home and enjoy.
Should I give favors to children?
Children are usually given the same wedding favor as adults, but many couples have opted to give special favors that children particularly will enjoy. Present a bag of the couple’s favorite candy in a clear cellophane bag with a personalized label that says “Life is Sweet” or something similar, or give personalized cookies, whether creative, classy or elegant, that you know the children will enjoy. Our adorable wedding bubblegum buddies are always a favorite among the little guests.
On that same note, if you are having trouble finding wedding favors that are pleasing to both men and women, consider giving each gender different favors.
How should I present wedding favors?
Wedding favors can be just as much a part of the table decorations and overall theme of the reception as flowers, settings and linen. It is your way of saying thank you to each person attending your wedding, so the presentation as well as the gift itself should reflect your intentions. Some thoughtfulness and creativity can speak volumes. For some presentation ideas, visit our article on ideas for presenting and displaying wedding favors.
Traditional favors or unique favors?
This question is again completely up to the couple. Jordan almonds beautifully wrapped in tulle or Italian favor wraps with personalized ribbon are just as classy and meaningful as personalized mint tins. As long as the wedding favors show a couple’s personal style, anything goes!
Ultimate advice on wedding favors etiquette.
Plan ahead! Whether your guest list is an intimate twenty or an ambitious three hundred, finding the perfect wedding favors takes time. Give yourself or whoever is in charge of the wedding favors plenty of time. Make sure to research the different retail stores, online sites and other options you have. Your perfect dream wedding favors can and will come true if you put your thought into it and plan accordingly. Wedding favors can be a wonderful way to share your love and add that special finishing touch to your wedding day. After all, it's all in the details.