Giving guests wedding favors will never be passe. But spending hundreds of dollars on a throwaway gift is. So bestow a lasting impression with a wedding favor that's absolutely fabulous -- and that won't break the bank. Wedding favors can be inspired by the season in which you're marrying, the setting, or even your passions and obsessions. Whether it's a DIY gift, such as a jar of homemade jam, tiny potted plants bought at a nursery, or an indulgent treat like chocolate truffles, make sure it's something special and memorable. Finish off your wedding favor by personalizing it with a quote, poem, picture, or a fun favor tag.
Ways to Package
From pretty brown boxes and clear cellophane bags to tiny tin pails and slim silver canisters, how you wrap up your wedding favors makes as much of an impact as what's inside the package. Visit a neighborhood fabric store for ribbons to match your wedding day colors and personalize the gift with a monogrammed sticker or unique favor label.
How to Distribute Them
Place your token of appreciation at each place setting on each guest's napkin, or set up a table with a framed card that says "Please Take One," "Be Our Guest," or simply "Thank You" for when guests exit the reception. You can instruct the waitstaff to pass the favors on silver trays before the meal or in between courses. Attach favors to the escort cards; this works especially well for small items or for favors that double as escort cards. Or personally hand out favors to guests as they leave the reception. This is a big undertaking -- especially tracking down those who might slip out early -- so be sure you are up for the task. This method works well when the guest list is small or when the wedding reception takes place at home.
The Cost
Wedding favors can start as low as $1 per guest (remember, prices are better when you buy in bulk) but the cost can creep high into double-digits. An economical alternative: If you wish to give more expensive, high-end favors but need to find a way to cut costs, give one gift per couple by placing the favor between their two dinner plates, and tagging it with the couple's names. We're not saying favors aren't worth the price (in fact, we encourage couples to give them), but if you're going to spend a good percentage of your budget on them, make sure they are fun and functional -- and won't be left behind.
Our 20 Favorite Wedding Favors
- Tiny tin pails adorned with a starfish magnet and filled with salt-water taffy -- ideal for waterside weddings.
- Collections of family recipes in small boxes stenciled with guests' names.
- Hometown goods such as locally baked cookies, maple syrup, oranges, or candies.
- Artfully decorated jars of jam will "Spread the Love" to family and friends.
- Lobster crackers are fun and functional.
- Small stacks of postcards asking guests to "Keep in Touch!"
- Frosted snowflake cookies -- perfect for winter weddings.
- Christmas ornaments in ivory, silver, or gold tied with a velvet ribbon.
- Miniature heart-shape, hand-painted boxes with a single delectable truffle tucked inside.
- Tins of mints labeled, "Mint to Be Together."
- A classic like Jordan Almonds packaged in a new way -- grouped in mini birds' nests or placed inside artfully decorated pill boxes.
- Sparklers, especially for an outdoor Fourth of July celebration, will allow guests to illuminate the skies once the sun goes down -- and light up your grand exit.
- Caramel apples wrapped in cellophane and personalized leaf-shaped tags are the perfect treat for a Halloween wedding.
- Flip flops, a pair for every guest, bundled in a basket. (It's a good idea is to ask for guest shoe sizes on the reply cards -- this way, you can ensure you have a pair for everyone.)
- Chinese take-out boxes filled with candies and tagged with "Life Is Sweet."
- Glassine bags or tiny terra-cotta pots filled with herbs or flower seeds.
- CDs of the wedding-day music or favorite tunes personally created by the couple.
- Personalized luggage tags to send guests home in style.
- Maracas are so festive they are sure to enliven even the liveliest of parties.
- Mini photo albums in fun colors are gifts everyone will use.
-- Allison Micarelli
RELATED LINK: Want to give back? Give charitable favors!