Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding favours are a well-known tradition, but they are not required and may not be expected by your guests. Couples may opt out of wedding favours for various reasons, including the cost and time it takes to create or purchase them. However, some couples may want to give their guests a memorable gift. Wedding favours can be a small gesture of appreciation for your guests' attendance and support, and there are many affordable options available. On the other hand, some couples may prefer to focus on enhancing their guests' experience by providing a memorable reception with good food, drinks, and entertainment. Ultimately, the decision to have wedding favours is a personal choice, and there is no right or wrong answer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Necessary | No, wedding favours are not necessary. |
| Cost | The cost of wedding favours can add up, with couples spending between $299 and $529 on average. |
| Time-Consuming | DIY wedding favours can be time-consuming to make. |
| Wasteful | Many wedding favours get left behind, thrown away, or forgotten about. |
| Memorable | Some couples want to give guests memorabilia to remember their special day. |
| Tradition | Wedding favours are a long-standing tradition, dating back to the 16th century. |
| Alternatives | Couples can choose to enhance the guest experience or make a donation in their guests' honour instead. |
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What You'll Learn
Wedding favours are not required
Wedding favours are entirely optional. They are not required, and your guests are unlikely to expect them. Many people choose to skip them, and those who attend your wedding will be none the wiser.
The tradition of wedding favours dates back to the 16th century, when newlyweds would send their guests home with a small knot made of ribbon and lace to represent their love. Over time, candied almonds and bonbonnieres—small porcelain boxes filled with treats—became common gifts from couples to their wedding guests. However, this custom is not obligatory and can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you have a large number of guests.
If you are considering providing favours, it is worth noting that many guests do not take them home, and those that do are often forgotten about or thrown away. You may prefer to focus on enhancing the guest experience in other ways, such as providing a unique dessert presentation, an open bar, or late-night snacks. You could also consider donating to a charity or non-profit organisation in honour of your guests, or providing useful items for out-of-town guests, such as a thoughtful guest room bag.
Ultimately, the decision to provide wedding favours is yours, and there are many options available to suit your style and budget. However, it is important to remember that your guests are already spending time and money to attend your special day, and your hospitality and the experience you provide may be more than enough to show your appreciation.
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They can be a waste of money and resources
Wedding favours can be a waste of money and resources, and many couples choose to skip them. Firstly, they can be expensive, especially if you have a large number of guests. According to The Knot's Real Wedding Study, couples with 50 or fewer guests spent $299 on favours, while those with over 100 guests spent $529. This is a significant expense, especially when you consider the other costs associated with a wedding.
Secondly, wedding favours often go to waste. Many guests leave them behind or forget about them once they get home. This is a waste of money and resources, especially if the favours are personalised or elaborate. Some couples choose to DIY their wedding favours, which can be time-consuming and stressful, and still end up going to waste.
Thirdly, wedding favours are not a necessity or a tradition for many cultures. While they can be a nice gesture, they are not required or expected by guests. Couples can choose to focus on other aspects of the wedding, such as providing a memorable experience for their guests, rather than spending money on favours.
Finally, some couples may prefer to use the money they would have spent on favours for other purposes. For example, they may choose to enhance the guest experience by offering a tableside flambé dessert presentation or late-night snacks and an espresso bar. Others may prefer to donate the money to a charity or non-profit organization in honour of their guests.
Overall, while wedding favours can be a nice touch, they are not essential and can often be a waste of money and resources. Couples should feel free to prioritize other aspects of their wedding that are more important to them and their guests.
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They are a nice gesture and show appreciation
Wedding favors are a wonderful way to express gratitude and appreciation to your guests for their attendance and well-wishes on your special day. They serve as a tangible reminder of the joy and happiness shared during the celebration. By offering a small token of your appreciation, you can create a lasting impression and make your guests feel valued and appreciated. Favors can be a lovely memento of your wedding day and a way to thank your guests for their support and presence. They can be personalized to reflect your style, theme, or interests as a couple, adding a unique touch to your wedding. A carefully chosen favor can leave a lasting impression and act as a reminder of the special day your guests helped create.
When considering wedding favors, it's important to think about something that your guests will appreciate and that reflects your personality as a couple. It could be something edible, such as personalized chocolates, cookies, or local treats, which are always a popular choice. Perhaps you could offer a small plant or packet of seeds, symbolizing the growth and prosperity of your love, which guests can take home and nurture. For a more practical option, consider a favor that guests can use again, such as a personalized bottle opener, a scented candle, or a beautiful bookmark.
If you want to add a unique and creative touch, consider DIY favors. For instance, if you're skilled in the kitchen, you could make your own jams or bake cookies, adding a personal recipe card as a keepsake. For a summer wedding, create personalized fans or offer pretty parasols for an outdoor ceremony, providing both functionality and a memorable keepsake. You could even donate to a charity close to your heart on behalf of your guests and include a note explaining the gesture. This idea can be especially meaningful if you and your partner are passionate about a particular cause.
Whatever you choose, ensure it aligns with your wedding theme and budget. Presentation is also key—beautifully packaged favors with thoughtful tags or notes can elevate the gesture. Wedding favors are a lovely way to say thank you, and with a bit of creativity, you can find or create something that will leave a lasting impression, reflecting your gratitude and personal style. It's a chance to surprise and delight your guests, leaving them with a memento that will forever remind them of your special day.
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They can be edible treats or non-edible memorabilia
Wedding favours are not a requirement, but they are a nice gesture to show your appreciation for your guests' attendance and support. They can be edible treats or non-edible memorabilia.
If you're opting for edible treats, there are many options to choose from, such as chocolates, dessert donuts, candy, cookies, or even a late-night snack like coffee and donuts or fries and a drink. You could also provide a personalised cocktail or a universal crowd-pleaser like bottled or jarred infused olive oils or pickles, which will last longer than baked goods.
Non-edible favours can be a fun way to add a creative touch to your wedding. Temporary tattoos, personalised fortune cookies, and shot glasses are some unique options. You could also consider practical items like coasters, bookmarks, or playing cards that are not specific to the wedding, as guests may not want items with your names or the wedding date on them.
When deciding on wedding favours, it's important to consider your budget and the time and effort required, especially if you're thinking of creating the favours yourself. You may decide to allocate your budget to enhancing the guest experience in other ways, such as a flambé dessert presentation or an open bar.
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They can be DIY or purchased
Wedding favours are not a requirement, but they are a nice way to thank your guests for their attendance and support. They can be a fun and thoughtful way to add a personal touch to your wedding, but they can also be a strain on your budget and resources.
If you're thinking of DIY wedding favours, consider the time and effort that will go into making them. Edible wedding favours are a popular choice for DIY, as they are both affordable and provide a sweet treat for guests. Cake pops, cookies, and chocolate are all easy to make and can be personalised with colours or sprinkles to match your wedding theme. You could even include a recipe or a note with a meaningful message. Other DIY ideas include personalised mixtapes, bath bombs, or small ceramic dishes.
Purchased wedding favours can be a less stressful option if you don't have the time or inclination to make them yourself. There are many retailers that sell wedding favours at affordable price points, and you can also buy DIY kits if you want to add a personal touch without starting from scratch. Popular purchased favours include personalised items like magnets, wooden place settings, or embroidered handkerchiefs. Edible treats like chocolates, truffles, or jars of honey are also a safe bet, especially if they tie into your personal story, like a favourite recipe or a shared hobby.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding favours are not necessary. Couples who choose to skip them can use the money to enhance the guest experience, such as by providing a tableside dessert presentation or an open bar. However, some couples may enjoy the idea of giving their guests memorabilia to remember their special day.
Instead of providing wedding favours, couples can make a donation to a charity or non-profit organisation in their guests' honour, or provide guest room bags for out-of-town guests. Couples may also choose to focus on the wedding experience, such as by providing a photo booth with unlimited photo strips, a candy buffet, or late-night snacks and desserts.
Wedding favours do not have to be big or expensive. Couples can provide small, edible treats for guests to take home, such as dessert donuts, chocolates, or cake pops. Other ideas include tea bags, badges, or a small gift that aligns with the wedding theme, style, or season.
