Wedding Favors: Tips & Ideas

Wedding Favors: Tips & Ideas

In other cultures and countries Wedding Favors are/were used to present status of the couple or to wish good fortune to guests. We typically use them as an extra “Thank You” for attending the wedding. Even in the US, Wedding Favors are not as common as you may think but it has been a growing trend and most couples at least consider the idea during their planning and budgeting.
Ideally, you don’t want to spend more than 2-3% of your budget on Wedding Favors. If your budget is $10,000 then $200-$300 would be a good budget for favors. Obviously this can vary depending on budget and how important it is to you, but this is a good starting point. If your budget is $10,000 and you are inviting 200 guests than you are looking at $1.00-$1.50/person. So think within your means.

Try to avoid things that will “clutter” your guests’ homes. Although it is the thought that counts, you don’t want to waste your time and money on gifts that will get thrown away or left at the reception.

If you plan on having a lot of kids at your reception, consider doing separate goodie bags for them. Include things that will keep them entertained but be quiet, like bubbles and then add some candy, bubblegum, etc.

Here are a few different favor ideas at different price points:

$ Lottery Tickets – For as little as $1.00/person if everyone is given one ticket. At the end of the day they won’t have to take something home and find room for it on a shelf or throw it in a drawer, and they may win something!

$ Bags of Candy – Cellophane bags can be as little as $1.00/dozen, buy your candy in bulk and some ribbon to tie them together and Walla! You’ve got an inexpensive favor coming in at less than $1.00/person. *

$$ Bags of Candy Variation – Add custom made candy to the bags. You can get M & M’s specially made to match your wedding colors and be imprinted with your wedding date or something cute on them. *

*You can also print little gift tags to tie on with the ribbon, that have your Wedding Date or a cute poem as well; which would add a little something extra and not stretch your pocketbook.

$ Flip Flops – This is becoming a trend for outdoor receptions especially. Let your guests kick off their heels and dance the night away! We found them for $1.00/pair when bought in bulk.

$ Frames – Double Duty!! You can get small frames and put their Seating Cards inside of them. Add something cute to the card telling them the frame is theirs to keep. We found them for $1.00/pair when bought in bulk.

$$ Cake Pops or Cookies – A sweet treat your guests can enjoy at the reception or take home for later. You can typically get a dozen (maybe ask for a baker’s dozen?) for $10-$15. Check out Mommynac’s Sweets and Snacks.

$$ Homemade Jam – This is a fun DIY idea, especially since we’ve got Palisade Peaches to work with. Buy whatever fruit is in season and in bulk. You can cover the lids with fabric and tie them on with a ribbon. Plus this can be something fun for you and your “Husband to Be” to do together, or a variation of a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party.

$$ Custom Koozies – Firstly, know your guests. Is this a gift that they will use? You can get them personalized with something cute, funny or just your wedding date for your guests to enjoy.

$$$ Photo Booth – Double Duty!! Have your guests take pictures in the photo booth, provide costumes, mustaches, etc. for them to pose with. Then have one strip go in a guest book for the Bride and Groom (provide scrapbook paper and different colored pens) and you keep the other strip. A fun memory you can hang on your fridge.

The possibilities are truly endless for those on a budget and those who are not. Be sure to check out our Pinterest Page and follow us for ideas and trends for Wedding Favors and everything else Wedding related.