Be honest, how many wedding favors have you actually kept? Exactly. Like personalized koozies and shot glasses, they’re meant to be a sweet “thank you.” But here’s the thing… most guests don’t actually take them home, and even fewer keep them for long. They often just end up being a waste of time and money for the couple.
When you’re planning a wedding, it’s easy to feel like favors are a required tradition. But they’re really not. If you’re looking for ways to stretch your budget or simplify your to-do list, skipping favors entirely is a perfectly reasonable choice. Guests are far more likely to remember the delicious food and desserts, the lively dance floor, or the memories they make than the trinkets at their place setting or in a basket by the guest book.
If you are set on the idea of gifting your guests with a thoughtful favor, think about choosing an item that can be enjoyed, and not just stored on a shelf or in a drawer. Edible or drinkable favors, like cookies, little jars of honey, or mini bottles of champagne are always crowd-pleasers. Items that guests can use up, like soap or candles, are also great options. If you’re feeling creative, you can also do coasters, a bottle opener, or a small succulent or plant. Your guests will be much more likely to use something that doesn’t have your names and wedding date plastered on the front of it.
What Do I Do Instead?
If you have a chunk of your budget set aside for favors, but decide against them, you have plenty of options. You can add that money into your food or bar budget (your guests would love that one), or add it to your honeymoon fund. You could also choose to make a charitable donation in guests’ names—I’m seeing this one more and more!
Whether you skip favors or redefine them, you’ll still be creating a wonderful celebration of your love. And if that means one less checklist item? Even better.