Handmade Wedding Favours: Creative Diy Ideas For Your Big Day

Planning a wedding can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many couples opt to create their own wedding favours as a way to save money. DIY wedding favours are a fantastic way to add a personal and memorable touch to your celebration, and they can be more budget-friendly compared to store-bought options. From edible treats to eco-friendly plant kits, there are endless possibilities for handmade wedding favours that your guests will love. Whether you're a baking enthusiast, a gardening guru, or a crafting connoisseur, there's a DIY wedding favour idea that's perfect for your big day.

Homemade soap bars

Ingredients and Tools:

• Melt and pour soap base
• Knife and chopping board
• Aromatherapy/essential oils (skin-friendly)
• Dried flowers/leaves
• Paper or cellophane bags
• Ribbon
• Measuring jug
• Microwave-safe container
• Moulds or a shallow tray
• Cookie cutters or a template

Steps:

• Chop the soap base into small, manageable chunks and place them in the measuring jug.
• Melt the soap base on medium heat in the microwave, pausing and stirring frequently to prevent excess froth.
• Once melted, allow the liquid soap to cool slightly, then add drops of your chosen essential oils. The amount added should be such that you are able to smell it when stirring.
• Pour the liquid into moulds or a shallow tray.
• Sprinkle the top with leaves, petals, or dried flowers, avoiding the edges of the tray if you plan to cut out shapes.
• Set aside or place in the fridge until the soap has cooled and hardened.
• Press the soap out onto a board and start cutting. You can use cookie cutters or a template to create different shapes.
• Wrap the soap wedding favours in beautiful paper or cellophane bags, finishing with a ribbon and a small tag expressing your thanks or explaining what you've made.

Tips:

• If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different colours, scents, and additives to customise each batch.
• For a simple and safe process, opt for the melt and pour method instead of handling lye, which can be dangerous if not handled correctly.
• If you want to add exfoliants, consider using coffee grounds, sand, or ground pumice for a deep-cleaning effect.
• For a more luxurious feel, add moisturising agents like coconut oil or cocoa butter.
• You can also make soap using the cold process, but it will take longer to cure (4-6 weeks) compared to the melt and pour method.

DIY cocktail kits

The Classic Cocktail Kit

Choose a classic cocktail such as an Old Fashioned or a Gin Fizz and provide all the ingredients in cute, miniature bottles. Include a simple recipe card with measurements and instructions. Present the ingredients in a small gift box or bag, tied with a ribbon. This way, your guests can enjoy a drink after the wedding and remember the celebration.

The Hangover Kit

For a fun twist, create hangover kits for your guests, including items like pain relievers, vitamin C packets, and hydration mixes. You could also add a small bottle of a favourite spirit and a fun cocktail recipe to make the kit extra special. Present these items in a cute bag with a tag that says "Cheers to a great night!"

The Seasonal Cocktail Kit

Tailor your cocktail kits to the season. For a summer wedding, package ingredients for a refreshing citrus punch or a fruity cocktail. In the winter, provide spices and spirits for a warm and cosy drink, like a hot toddy or a boozy hot chocolate. Don't forget to include a festive garnish!

The Mini Bar Kit

Go big and create a mini bar kit for your guests. Include miniature bottles of various spirits, mixers, and simple syrups. Add a cocktail recipe booklet or a small cocktail shaker. This way, your guests can experiment and create their own favourite drinks. Present the kit in a stylish bag or box, perhaps with a tag that says "Let's keep the party going!"

The Infusion Kit

For a unique and interactive favour, provide your guests with a cocktail infusion kit. Include small bottles of spirits and a variety of spices, fruits, or herbs for infusion. Add a guide on infusion times and suggestions for flavour combinations. Your guests will love experimenting with their own infused cocktails at home.

Homemade baked goods

Cookies

Customised cookies are a great way to add a creative and personalised touch to your wedding favours. You can ice or stamp your names, wedding date, or a message to your guests on the cookies. For a fun activity, you could create a \"Choose Your Own Cookies\" station, where guests can select their favourite cookies to take home. Alternatively, you could provide a variety box of homemade cookies, with different flavours and decorations.

Cake Pops

Cake pops are a fun and easy-to-eat treat that your guests are sure to enjoy. You can make them from scratch or use a boxed cake mix, and get creative with the decorations. Dip them in coloured chocolate or roll them in sprinkles to match your wedding colour scheme. They are a perfect, bite-sized treat for your guests to savour.

Mini Pies or Brownies

Individually packaged mini pies or brownies are a delightful treat for a fall or winter wedding. You can incorporate seasonal flavours, such as pumpkin spice or eggnog, and let your guests choose their favourite treat to take home.

Macarons

French macarons are a trendy and elegant choice for wedding favours. They come in a variety of flavours and colours, and you can package a few in a pretty box or bag for your guests. Macarons are a delicate and sophisticated treat that your guests will surely appreciate.

Chocolate Bars

A classic chocolate bar is a simple yet effective wedding favour. You can print custom labels with your names, wedding date, or a thank-you message for a pretty DIY touch. Your guests will appreciate having a sweet treat to enjoy on their way home or after the wedding.

Baked Goods Variety Box

If you want to offer a range of treats, consider creating a baked goods variety box. This could include items such as cookies, brownies, cake pops, or even handmade candies. You can package them in a personalised box or bag, adding a special touch to your wedding favours.

Self-jarred fruit preserves

Ingredients and Materials:

• Fruit of your choice: Select a fruit that holds meaning for you and your fiancé. Consider what's in season or choose fruits that represent your home states for a unique mix.
• Sugar: Not only does sugar sweeten the preserves, but it also helps to preserve the fruit and maintain its vibrant colour.
• Pectin (optional): Pectin is a natural starch found in fruits and vegetables that acts as a thickening agent. If your chosen fruit is not high in pectin, you can add some to ensure your preserves set properly.
• Acid (optional): Lemon juice or another acidic ingredient can be added to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavour.
• Glass jars: Opt for heatproof glass jars with sealable lids, such as mason jars. Sterilise the jars before use to ensure your preserves stay fresh.
• Custom labels or decorative fabric: Add a personal touch with custom labels or fabric covers that match your wedding theme.

Preparation:

• Prepare the fruit: Wash, peel, and pit the fruit. Cut or chop the fruit as desired, removing any seeds or large chunks.
• Cook the fruit: Simmer the fruit with lemon juice over medium heat until juicy. Mash the fruit slightly, leaving it as chunky or smooth as you prefer.
• Add pectin and sugar: Sprinkle pectin over the fruit (if using) and stir well. Then, add the sugar and continue stirring until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil.
• Boil and remove from heat: Boil the mixture for about a minute to activate the pectin and ensure your preserves will set. Remove from the heat and stir in butter or other additives like vanilla extract.
• Ladle into jars: Immediately pour the hot jam into the sterilised jars, leaving a 1/4-inch gap at the top for expansion.
• Seal and store: Centre the lids on the jars and screw them on tightly. You can refrigerate the preserves for immediate consumption or process them in a water bath for longer-term storage.

Presentation:

• Custom labels: Design personalised labels with your wedding date, a sweet message, or a playful illustration.
• Decorative fabric: Opt for fabric covers that match your wedding colours or theme.
• Display ideas: Present the jars on a table at your wedding, or include them in welcome bags for your guests.

Mini bottles of homemade liquor

Mini bottles of liquor are a fun and unique way to thank your wedding guests. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create your own:

Sourcing the Liquor

If you're looking for a premium gin that's both affordable and readily available, consider Bombay Sapphire London Dry Gin. It's mixable and comes in a gorgeous blue bottle. You can try your local wine store or use Wine Searcher to find outlets in your area.

For a pretty bottle and a perfect ingredient for margaritas, go for Mini Patron Tequila Silver (50ml). You can buy it from The Party Source, Shop Wiki, or Mel & Rose.

For a light, fresh, and classy Italian sparkling wine, choose Verdi Spumante (187 ml mini size) from Grand Wine Cellar or The Liquor Barn.

For a well-loved local beverage with a kick, try Firefly Sweet Tea Flavored Vodka from BevMo!, Total Wine, or outlets via Wine Searcher if you're in South Carolina.

Personalizing the Bottles

To add a personal touch, create your own labels. You can use a custom template from Etsy, purchase sheet labels online, and print them at a local store like FedEx Office.

Alternative Alcoholic Favours

If you're looking for something a little different, here are some other alcoholic wedding favour ideas:

• Mini Bailey's Irish Cream (50ml) with a recipe card for a dessert or drink.
• Bourbon and Coke for a casual, at-home, or rustic/Western-themed wedding.
• Mini bottles of Captain Morgan Rum Cannon Blast (50ml) for a Jamaican-inspired rehearsal dinner.
• Smirnoff Green Apple Vodka (50ml) for a fall wedding with rustic charm.
• SKYY Vodka (50ml) for a modern and smooth vodka option in a cool blue bottle.
• Chambord Liqueur Royale de France (50ml) for a sophisticated couple wanting to gift a premium French liqueur.
• Malibu Original Caribbean Rum (50ml) flavoured rum bottles for a beach reception.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives

If you're concerned about guests who don't drink alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic options, here are some ideas:

• Martinelli's sparkling apple cider (8.4 fl. oz).
• Mini soda bottles.
• Coffee.
• Sparkling cider.

Frequently asked questions