Crafting Wedding Favor Bags: A Simple Guide

Wedding favour bags are a great way to add a personal touch to your special day and thank your guests for their attendance. There are many options to choose from, including organza bags, burlap bags, paper gift bags, and more. You can fill them with treats such as chocolates, candies, small gifts, or even DIY creations. Making your own wedding favour bags can be a fun and creative way to prepare for your wedding and add a unique touch that your guests will surely appreciate.

Choosing the right material for your bag

Organza Bags

Organza bags are a popular choice for wedding favours as they come in a variety of colours and designs, making them easy to match with your wedding theme. They are often used for small gifts such as sugared almonds, chocolate, or rock sweets. Organza is a lightweight, sheer fabric that gives the bags an elegant and luxurious look. These bags usually come with a drawstring closure, making them perfect for displaying the treats inside.

Burlap/Hessian Bags

Burlap, also known as hessian, is a durable and rustic-looking fabric often used for wedding favour bags. It is made from jute plant fibres and has a natural, earthy tone that adds a charming touch to your favours. Burlap bags are perfect for holding treats, small gifts, or even DIY soap bars. They usually come with a drawstring closure and can be customised with tags or stickers.

Paper Treat Boxes

Paper treat boxes are a great option for wedding favours, especially if you want to include small items such as candies, cookies, or other treats. These boxes come in various colours, designs, and shapes, such as triangles or pillows. Many paper treat boxes also include ribbons, wooden beads, or other decorative elements that enhance their visual appeal. They are a perfect choice if you want to create a stylish and elegant presentation for your wedding favours.

Muslin Drawstring Bags

Muslin is a lightweight and breathable cotton fabric that is ideal for wedding favour bags. These bags often feature a simple "Thank You" message printed on the front, making them a thoughtful way to show gratitude to your guests. Muslin drawstring bags are perfect for holding small gifts such as candies, chocolates, or even handmade coasters. They are a budget-friendly option that adds a touch of simplicity and elegance to your wedding favours.

Eco-Friendly Bags

If you are conscious about the environment, you can opt for eco-friendly wedding favour bags made from biodegradable materials. For example, there are favour bags made from paper or cardboard that are recyclable, reusable, and compostable. You can also find bags made from natural fibres such as jute or cotton, which are sustainable and biodegradable. These bags are not only kind to the environment but also offer a rustic and natural aesthetic to your wedding favours.

Picking a design that matches your wedding theme

Colour Scheme

Match the colour of your favour bags to your wedding colour palette. This will instantly tie the bags into your overall theme. For example, if your wedding colours are blush pink and gold, opt for favour bags in these shades. You can find organza bags in a variety of colours, including pink and beige, to suit your theme.

Materials and Textures

Consider the materials and textures that reflect your wedding theme. For instance, a rustic-themed wedding might call for burlap or linen favour bags, while a more elegant affair could be complemented by satin or silk pouches. If you're having a beach wedding, consider natural materials like jute or cotton.

Patterns and Prints

Incorporate patterns or prints that tie into your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a floral-themed wedding, opt for favour bags with a delicate floral print. Or, if you're going for a more whimsical vibe, choose bags with a fun pattern like polka dots or stripes.

Personalisation

Personalise your favour bags to make them even more special and memorable. You can add custom tags, stickers, or labels that feature your names, wedding date, or a heartfelt message. This is a great way to tie your bags into your theme, especially if you include themed illustrations or motifs. For instance, a tropical-themed wedding could have favour bags with palm leaf prints and a fun tagline.

Seasonality

Take into account the season of your wedding when choosing your favour bag design. For a winter wedding, consider cosy fabrics like cotton or velvet, while a summer celebration might call for lightweight materials like organza or linen. Autumn-themed weddings could feature favour bags with leaf prints or warm-toned colours.

Presentation

Think about how you want to present your favour bags on your wedding tables. You can tie them with ribbons or twine that match your colour scheme. Adding a thank-you note or a small bunch of dried flowers can also enhance their appearance and tie them into your theme.

Selecting treats to fill the bags

• Personalised treats: Opt for customised treats such as chocolates or cookies with your and your spouse's initials, the wedding date, or a heartfelt message. You could even include treats that represent your unique love story, like a map of where you first met or a shared favourite snack.
• Sweet treats: Delight your guests' taste buds with an assortment of small candies, chocolates, or other confectionery. You can choose luxury chocolate foil hearts, sugared almonds, chocolate-covered nuts, or even personalised M&Ms.
• Savoury treats: Offer something savoury for guests to munch on, such as pretzels, crackers, or flavoured popcorn. A creative idea is to present salted watermelon—a refreshing and unique combination of sweet and salty.
• Local treats: If you're tying the knot in a destination that is special to you, incorporate local treats or souvenirs into your favour bags. For example, fill the bags with local coffee beans, honey, or other regional delights.
• Seasonal treats: Consider the season in which your wedding is taking place. For instance, if it's autumn, send your guests home with painted mini pumpkins. In the winter, provide homemade hot chocolate kits with all the sweet essentials, including marshmallows.
• Healthy treats: For health-conscious guests, include treats like homemade granola bars, fruit snacks, or individually packaged nuts. You could even offer small jars of local honey, which is both a tasty and wholesome option.
• Interactive treats: Engage your guests with interactive treats such as DIY cocktail kits or mini herb garden kits. These kits can be personalised with a note of thanks and will provide a fun activity for your guests to enjoy after the wedding festivities.

Remember, the treats you choose should align with your wedding theme and your guests' preferences. By selecting a variety of treats, you can ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy, leaving a lasting impression of your special day.

Adding a personal touch with a handwritten note

A handwritten note is a perfect way to express your gratitude and add a unique, personal touch to your wedding favour bags. It's a simple yet meaningful gesture that your guests will surely appreciate and treasure. Here are some tips to make your handwritten notes special:

Choose the right paper: Opt for a nice, high-quality paper that complements your wedding theme. It could be a simple cardstock or something more elegant like a deckled-edge paper. You can also choose coloured paper that matches your wedding colours.

Penmanship matters: Take your time to write neatly and clearly. If you're not confident in your handwriting, consider practising beforehand. You may also want to use a nice pen, such as a fountain pen or a calligraphy pen, for a more elegant look.

Personalise the message: Write a heartfelt message that conveys your appreciation for your guests' presence on your special day. You can also add a personal touch by addressing each guest by name and maybe including a fond memory or a shared experience.

Add some decoration: Embellish your notes with small illustrations, stamps, or stickers that match your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you could use stamps with floral or leafy designs.

Timing is key: Plan ahead and start writing your notes early to avoid last-minute stress. It's a good idea to set aside a dedicated time for writing, so you're not rushed. This will also ensure that you have enough time to proofread your messages and make any necessary corrections.

Presentation is important: How you present your handwritten notes can also make a difference. Consider using decorative envelopes or tying them with a ribbon that matches your wedding colour palette. You could also add a small sprig of greenery or a dried flower for a natural touch.

By taking the time to write personalised, handwritten notes, you'll be creating a meaningful keepsake for your guests, making your wedding favour bags even more memorable.

DIY tips for decorating the bags

There are many ways to decorate wedding favour bags. Here are some DIY tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Bag

The type of bag you choose will depend on your wedding theme and your personal preferences. Some popular options include organza bags, burlap bags, paper gift bags, and drawstring pouches. Consider the colour, size, and material of the bag to ensure it aligns with your wedding aesthetic.

Personalise with Tags and Labels

Customise your bags with personalised tags or labels that feature the couple's names, wedding date, or a heartfelt message. You can use printable labels or tags, or create your own using an app like Canva. This adds a special touch and makes your favours more memorable.

Embellish with Ribbons and Twine

Decorate your bags with ribbons, twine, or string. You can tie bows, create elegant handles, or simply use them to secure the bags. Choose colours that complement your wedding theme, such as rustic jute twine for a countryside wedding or satin ribbons for a more formal affair.

Add a Creative Touch with Stamps or Paint Pens

If you want to add a unique design to your bags, consider using stamps or paint pens. This is a great way to incorporate your wedding motif or a special message. For example, you could stamp each bag with a small illustration that represents your love story or write a heartfelt message on the front of each bag.

Include Decorative Elements

Enhance your bags with decorative elements such as lace, dried flowers, or sheet music. For instance, you could attach a small piece of lace to the front of each bag or use dried flower petals as a creative closure for the bags. These additions will make your favours stand out and delight your guests.

Combine with Themed Treats or Favours

Finally, consider combining your decorated bags with themed treats or favours. For example, if you're having a beach-themed wedding, you could fill your bags with sand dollar cookies or seashell chocolates. Or, if you're having a garden wedding, you could include small potted plants or packets of seeds as favours.

Frequently asked questions