I have to be honest. I’m a little torn on the whole wedding favor thing.
As a guest, one side of me says “Yay! I love getting little presents!” while the other side says, “If I get one more candle with names and a wedding date on it, I’m gonna scream.” The thought behind wedding favors totally makes sense, but do you want them or not?
Photo: Mod Wed Photography
Some couples are opting to not have favors at all.
That is totally ok!! Rather than spending a portion of their wedding budget on favors, couples are instead choosing to enhance the wedding experience for their guests. Extending the time the bar is open, providing a photo booth or other fun interactive activities, or having an upscale dining experience will delight your guests as much as (or even more than) getting a favor.
On the other hand, favors are a fun little treat to show guests that you are glad they came to celebrate with you. The trick is to make your favors special or useful. Forget about personalized and focus on personal! Here are a few fun and practical favor ideas that any guest would be happy to have!
Photo: O Grace Photography
Photo: Mod Wed Photography
Photo: We are the Parsons
Unique Pint or Cocktail Glasses
Attach a tag to the glass and these can be your escort cards. Guests can use them for drinks at the bar and then take them home afterward!
Photo: Mod Wed Photography
Folding Fans, Umbrellas or Blankets (things that take your guest's comfort into consideration)
If your wedding is outside, your guests may not have come prepared for weather, especially if they are out of towners. What a wonderful welcome to have a fan waiting at your seat for an afternoon summer wedding on the lawn! Or, give party goers a chance to kick off those 5 inch heels for a pair of comfy flip flops to dance the night away... Your guests will thank you!
Photo: McClanahan Studio
Tiny Booze Bottles
Who doesn’t love travel sized alcohol?! Bonus: these can double as escort cards
Anything Edible
Homemade cookies, your favorite coffee or tea, or late night snack boxes will definitely perk your guests right up!
Photo: Sergio Photographer
Bouquets of Flowers
Instead of having one giant floral centerpiece at your reception tables, have your florist create an arrangement using small bouquets. Then at the end of the night, your guests can each take one from the center of their table!
Photo: Laura Segall Photography
Photo: Laura Segall Photography
Charitable Donation
Write a nice note to your guests letting them know you have donated to your favorite charity in their honor and what that charity means to both of you.
Photo: Jane Jordan Photography
