Weddings Favors That Won’t Go to Waste

One of the things that makes your wedding day so special is the guests who come to celebrate with you and your partner. You want to thank them for coming and taking part in your big day. Wedding favors are the traditional way of thanking wedding guests for coming, but we love seeing all the creative ways that couples choose to thank their friends, family, and guests.

However, you’ve probably heard horror stories of brides who spent hundreds of dollars on wedding favors only to see guests leave them behind on the tables. Heck! We have seen this happen on a wedding day! You want to make sure you choose wedding favors that won’t go to waste on your big day. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 

The Golden Rule of Wedding Favors

So, here is the Golden Rule for picking out unique wedding favors: the key is to choose something edible, alive, useful, or a gift.

Edible favors, like gourmet treats or small jars of honey, are always a safe bet because who doesn’t love a snack? Living favors, like succulents or herb plants, are nice because guests can take them home and watch them grow. And useful favors, like candles or reusable bags, are practical things people will use. How about a gift for your guest, such as a personalized drawing or photo? Sticking to these favors means your guests are more likely to appreciate and keep what they get.

1. Edible Items

Who doesn’t love a donut or a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie? Your guests will appreciate having a quick snack after celebrating and dancing, so edible wedding favors are always a hit. These treats might not even make it to the car!

When offering edible items as wedding favors, having a few extra bags or boxes nearby is a good idea. That way, guests can easily take any leftover treats home with them.

Candy Bars

Set up a candy bar with to-go containers and let your guests create their wedding favors with their favorite candies. This is a fun and interactive way to ensure everyone gets something they’ll enjoy, and it’s even great for weddings where kids are invited.

Desserts

Donuts and cheesecake bites have become popular choices for wedding favors. They’re the perfect size for a late-night snack or to satisfy a sugar craving.

Hot Chocolate Bars

Hot chocolate bars are cozy options, especially for fall or winter weddings. Guests can take a mix of cocoa, marshmallows, and other toppings to enjoy later.

Wine Bottles

Red or white? Wine bottle favors are a timeless and elegant choice. Offering red and white options lets guests pick their favorite or swap with others. Encourage them to save the bottle and toast to you on your anniversary, making it a fun reminder of your wedding day.

Bakery Extras

Many bakeries can create small treats besides the traditional wedding cake, offering a sweet and convenient favor option. How about a pre-boxed breakfast item that guests can take back to the hotel and have in the morning? Think about donuts or cinnamon rolls!

2. Living Favors

Living wedding favors, like plants or herbs, are a fantastic way to give your guests something that lasts beyond the wedding day. These eco-friendly gifts are a meaningful reminder of your special day. Small potted succulents, mini herb gardens, or even seed packets are popular choices that guests can nurture at home. These living favors add a touch of nature to your celebration and allow your guests to take a piece of it, creating a lasting connection to your wedding day.

• Potted Succulents: Compact and easy to care for, succulents make great, long-lasting gifts.
• Mini Herb Gardens: Small pots of herbs like basil, mint, or thyme can be used in cooking and provide a fresh touch.
• Seed Packets: Offer packets of flowers or vegetables that guests can plant and watch grow.
• Custom Seasonings: Create “his,” “hers,” and “theirs” seasoning blends tailored to your tastes. This personalized touch adds a unique and practical element.

3. Useful Favors

When it comes to wedding favors, going for something practical is a win. Useful gifts are great because they’re things guests can actually use in their everyday lives. Think cozy blankets for those chilly nights, hangover kits to help them recover after the celebration, or mugs they can enjoy their morning coffee with. Practical favors like these ensure your gift is appreciated and remembered long after the wedding.

Hangover Kits or Hangover Station

If you have an open bar or offer spirits, some guests might not feel their best the following morning. This makes a “feel better tomorrow” bag a wedding favor that will go home with your guests. 

Some companies make hangover bags or kits that you can order online. These come with all the standard items, but the price point might be more than you want. 

If you have the time, you might consider making a hangover station! You buy small baskets or solid-colored small lunchboxes to store the items. You guests could choose the following:

• A small bottle of water
• Package of Advil or Tylenol
• Granola bar
• Breath mints
• Trial-size face wipes
• Trail size Shout wipes for stains you missed last night
• Roll of Tums
• Lip balm
• Trail-size lotion

Allowing your guests to make their own bags will mean everything will get used!

Blankets

If you’re getting married in the fall or winter, you might consider blankets as a party favor, especially if your wedding is outdoors with heaters. You can find blankets in various materials, sizes, and price points. You might consider offering your guests a choice of colors and materials so they get a wedding favor they’ll use for years. 

If the wedding is indoors, you can leave the blankets on a table and encourage guests to take one to stay warm in the car on the ride home. If you expect your guests to use the blankets during the reception, you need one for each guest, but if the guests pick them up at the end of the night, you probably only want one blanket per couple. 

Personalized Cups or Mugs

This wedding favor can be used during the reception, and your guests can take it home. If you go with mugs, you can hand them out with after-dinner coffee or later in the evening when everyone needs a pick-me-up. Personalized cups are great for mixed drinks, tea, sodas, and other drinks. 

When designing your personalized cups or mugs, choose a simple and elegant design or create your own! You could opt for something special, such as the partners’ names and the wedding date. There’s always the option of something cutesy on the mug. It’s a good idea to order mugs or cups in individual boxes to make it easier for your guests to carry home or pack in their suitcases. 

3. Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts add a fun and memorable touch to your wedding favors. Consider offering guests a caricature drawing, a handmade sketch, or a photo from a photo bus or booth. These unique keepsakes are entertaining and provide a lasting memory of your special day. Whether it’s a playful caricature, a custom piece of art, or a snapshot from a photo booth, these personalized gifts give your guests something truly one-of-a-kind to take home.

Watercolor Portraits

Handmade sketches, like watercolor portraits, offer your wedding favors a unique and personal touch. Having an artist create custom portraits of your guests during the wedding adds a special element to your event, and the guests get to take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art. These watercolor drawings capture the moment in a beautiful, artistic way, making them a memorable and cherished favor. It’s a thoughtful way to give your guests something meaningful and personalized they’ll treasure for years.

Caricature Drawings

These humorous drawings remind everyone of being on vacation, having a good time, and relaxing. Everyone loves having their caricature drawn with their head five times larger than their body while they wobble on a surfboard or roller skates. 

You can hire a local artist to come to your venue and draw the caricature during the downtime of the wedding. Your guests can take a break from dancing to have their drawings done. If you do a cocktail hour, this is a great time to have the drawings done for your guests. They’ll take their drawings home and keep them as a fond memory. 

Photo Bus

Consider a photo bus if you’re looking for a fun and unique wedding favor! Nothing is more fun than popping on silly outfits and taking your picture. During cocktail hour or when there is a gap of dance time during the reception, this is a great opportunity for guests to mingle with each other. Guests should include the bride or groom in the photos to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Vols Towel Favors

Bring some Tennessee spirit to your wedding with custom V-O-L-S towels inspired by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ famous Terrible Towel. This is a perfect wedding favor for weddings during football season. Drape these bright orange towels over each guest’s chair, and when you make your grand entrance at the reception, encourage everyone to twirl them in the air to cheer you on. It’s a fun, energetic way to celebrate your big day and show some love for the Volunteers. Go VOLS!

Bonus Tips: Destination Wedding Favors

For a destination wedding, consider favors that tie into the location or help your guests enjoy their stay. Local specialties, like regional snacks or mini bottles of local spirits, make great mementos. Travel essentials, such as sunscreen, bug repellent, luggage tags, or a map of the area, are both thoughtful and practical. You could also offer a small guidebook with tips on local attractions or restaurants. These destination-themed favors add to the experience and make your guests feel well-prepared.

Professional Wedding Photographer

No matter what wedding favors you choose, your friends and family will love sharing and celebrating your special day with you. Use these ideas to provide favors that don’t go to waste.

Here is a pro tip! Ensure your wedding DJ or wedding coordinator announces to your guests that there are favors! This is especially true if your favors are not physically on the tables. It’s easy for guests to overlook these items and forget them on their way out after your epic exit. Sending guests home with a treat is a great way to end the wedding reception.

As a professional wedding photographer, I have seen (and taken home) some amazing wedding favors. We love all the personalized ideas that our crafty couples come up with. If you need a wedding photographer for your wedding day, please consider Erin Morrison Photography. I would love to be a part of your day and partake in all your cheesecake bites 😉