Wedding Favours and how to pick them
Your engaged!! Woohoo!!
You’ve probably already fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole, started a notes app full of ideas, and realised there are alot of decisions ahead. one of those smaller but surprisingly tricky details? Wedding favours.
Do you need them? What should they be? Will people actually take them home… or leave them on the table?
Let's break it down and make wedding favours feel fun instead of stressful!
First Things First: Do you have to have wedding favours?
Short answer: Nope!
Longer answer: Wedding favours are a lovely tradition, bu they’re totally optiona. Favours are essentially a small thank you to your guests for celebrating with you. If they fit your budget, vibe, and vision… amazing! If not, you're not breaking any wedding rules by skipping them.
Soem couples choose to:
Put that budget into food, drinks, or entertainment
Donate to a charity in place of a favourDo something experimental (Like a Photo Booth or late night snack)
There is no right choice, just your choice!
What makes a good wedding favour?
The best wedding favours usually tick at least on of these boxes:
Useful - If guests can actually use it, it’s more likely to come home with them. Think candles, coasters, soaps, bottle openers
Edible - Food favours are almost always a win because (because well… food… duh!). Popular ideas include sweet bags, mini jam jars, biscuits or brownies or olive oil, spice blends even local treats!
Personal - Your names and wedding date? Cute! A giant photo of your faces? Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea! Subtle personalisation goes a long way.
How to pick wedding favours that Actually make sense
Start with your wedding style. Ask yourself:
Is our wedding formal or relaxed?
Moder or rustic?
City, countryside, beach or destination?
Your favours should feel like they belong at your wedding! For example:
A chic city wedding - minimalistic candles or sleek packaging
A countryside barn wedding - Local honey or wildflower seeds
A destination wedding - Something inspired by the location
If it feels cohesive, it’ll feel intentional.
Be honest about your budget
Favours can range from a couple of pounds per guest to a lot more. Decide early:
How much are we confortable with spending per person?
Is this a priority for us?
And remember, simple doesn’t mean cheap. thoughtful packaging and presentation can elevate even the most budget friendly favour.
Think about Your guests
This one is important! Ask yourselves:
Will guests need to travel home?
Are there lots of kids?
Will people want to carry this around all night?
Tiny bottles of limoncello are adorable… but not ideal if half your guests are flaying home with hand luggage only! When in doubt, go small, light and practical.
Consider a Shared favour
If individual favours feel overwhelming , shared favours can be gorgeous alternative. Ideas include:
A bowl of sweets for each table
A loaf of bread or cake per table
A bottle of wine or infused spirits to share
It still feels generous and thoughtful, without needing 100 identical items.
Popular wedding favour ideas (That guests actually love)
If you’re feeling stuck, here are some tried and tested favourites:
Candles
Chocolates or sweets
Mini alcohol bottles or cocktail kits
Wildflower seeds
Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate sachets
Charity donation cards
Pro tip: If you would be happy to receive it at someone else’s wedding, you’re on the right track.
Presentation matters more than you think
Even the simplest favours can feel special with thoughtful presentation:
Name tags or place cards attached
A short thank you note
Beautiful packing that matches your colour pallet
It doesn’t have to be expensive, just intentional.
To Finish off the Question, should i have a Wedding Favour?
Wedding favours are one small part of a very big and exciting picture. If they bring you joy, include them. If they cause stress, skip them guilt free. Your guests are there for YOU, not the gifts on the table. Pick something that feels like you as a couple, fits your day, doesn’t blow your budget and you honestly can’t go wrong!
Love Totally Absolutely Engaged x
