Original wedding favors: What to give?

One of the things our couples ask for advice most is about the wedding favors. They look for ideas for original wedding favors to give their guests that are enjoyable, useful, and won’t end up forgotten in a drawer.

So, we have prepared this article to give you ideas about original and useful wedding favors to gift your guests. Moreover, all the photos we share are from real weddings of our couples. Let’s dive in!

What are wedding favors?

Wedding favors are small gifts that the couple gives to their family and friends on the wedding day to thank them for coming to celebrate their big day.

These gifts are usually placed on the banquet tables, next to each guest’s plate. However, they can also be placed on a table or in a basket (during the ceremony, the cocktail, or the party) for each guest to take their favor.

To know where each guest sits, a seating plan is created. Don’t forget to read our article on how to make the seating plan for your wedding.

Wedding favors for guests are usually the same for all guests but can have some personalization. For example, a mug or keychain with the guest’s name, one color for men and another for women, different flavors, etc.

They are also typically tagged or personalized with the couple’s names or the wedding date.

At weddings, gifts are also often given to specific guests (parents, siblings, bridesmaids…), in this case, they are gifts or presentations (different from the wedding favors) and are usually handed out personally by the couple, accompanied by a song at some point during the banquet. For example, a bouquet for the mothers or a bottle of wine for the fathers.

Ideas for original wedding favors

Here are our favorite ideas for wedding favors for guests:

Personalized with the guest’s name

One of the most popular at weddings! It can be a wooden place card, a fridge magnet, a keychain, a mug… There are countless ideas! You can personalize it with the name or even an illustration of the guest.

Soaps or scented candles

A classic but very well-liked. They can be artisanal or eco-friendly soaps or candles. Keep in mind that if they are scented candles, the aroma will be noticeable in the hall. A good idea is to personalize them and add a label with your names and the wedding date.

Utensils

Bottle openers, keychains, pens, coasters, mugs, tote bags… The most useful favors! If you prefer a favor that guests can use, this might be a good option. You can also personalize them with your names.

Gastronomic favors

¡One of the most memorable for sure! It can be a small jar of jam or honey, a small bottle of olive oil, mini bottles of cava or some special drink, the famous mini jar of Nutella, candies, chocolates, or fun M&Ms. There are endless options! It can also be a personalized cookie with your initials or the guest’s name.

Plants or seeds

If you prefer a more natural favor, you can opt for a plant or seed bombs. We recommend the plant be small (like a mini cactus). Seeds or seed bombs are usually prepared to be planted directly in a pot and after a few weeks, the plant starts to grow. It’s a great and sustainable favor option.

Favors to use on the wedding day

A great idea if you want the favors to be useful on the spot. They can be fans for the ceremony, hats, pashminas (if it’s a winter wedding), flip-flops or espadrilles for the party, a “hangover survival” kit, a refreshing drink in a beautiful bottle that they can take home as a keepsake, etc. Many will appreciate it! These favors are usually placed together on a table or basket or on the chairs at the ceremony.

Charitable favors

One of our favorite options! Besides giving guests a wedding keepsake, you’re contributing to a good cause. You can find charitable favors for NGOs, cancer or disease associations, environmental causes, etc.

Children’s favors

Don’t forget about the kids at the wedding. For them, you can choose a fun option that also serves as a toy during the wedding. Perhaps a small chalkboard with colored chalks, a puzzle, a wooden toy, a stuffed animal, etc.

Theme-based favors

If you’re having a wedding with a special theme or celebrating near Christmas, you can choose favors that match the theme. For example, if you have a wedding near Christmas, you could make tree ornaments with the guest’s name. Or if it’s a Harry Potter-themed wedding, you could give out bags of typical sweets from the series.

In addition to the general favor for guests, you can add a special personalized favor for a specific guest. For instance, a special detail for a pregnant friend, the next couple getting married, etc.

Tips for choosing wedding favors for guests:

• Personalize the favors: Whether with the guest’s name or with the initials or names of the couple. It adds a very special touch to the favor.
• Choose a small favor: It’s important for it to look nice on the tables and also for guests to easily take it home at the end of the wedding.
• Avoid plastic: There are more and more plastic-free options, and it’s a great way to help the environment. Choose sustainable, plastic-free options as gifts for the guests.
• Think of your guests when choosing the favor: It’s challenging to pick a gift that everyone will like and use, but try to think about what the majority would appreciate or personalize the gift in a way that most guests would enjoy.
• Stay within a budget: You’ll find favors ranging from €1 to €5-10 per person. We recommend not choosing a very expensive favor since you’ll likely have many guests and overall wedding expenses can add up. You can find beautiful options at a good price.

Choosing wedding favors for your guests isn’t easy, but we hope to have given you some ideas to find the perfect wedding favor.