From the save-the-dates to the last dance, every couple wants a perfect wedding.
The most delicious food, a gorgeous venue, the dream dress — so much fun to plan.
But, there’s one more little thing to remember:
Wedding favors!
The favors are the last thing guests see and the one thing they’ll take home with them. Make them memorable.
When it comes time to pick out gifts for your wedding guests, there are three main things to keep in mind:
Go for gender-neutral favors: Everyone will get one, so make sure it’s something that both men and women can appreciate.
Favors should go with your theme: Having a seaside wedding? Go beachy. Having a traditional affair? Choose favors that have an elegant look and feel.
Give something your guests can use or enjoy: Make your favors something that your guests will definitely want to take home.
Check out this list of seven of the best wedding favors for 2019, 2020 and beyond.
Related: Keep your to-do list organized with a DIY wedding binder.
1. Mini Champagne Bottles
Mini-bottles of alcohol make excellent favors. Who doesn’t love a tiny champagne or wine bottle? They allow your guests to keep the party going after the reception ends, or to make a toast at brunch the next morning.
To make it more personal, customize the labels with the couple’s names and wedding date. You can even include a short note, such as “Thanks for celebrating with us on our special day!”
Make sure to get a few non-alcoholic gifts for the kids. Pick up some juice or flavored soda for the flower girl, ring bearer, and any other kids who are coming to the reception.
Tip: These make great bridal shower favors, too!
Don't forget about the flower girl's dress! Shop our collection of flower girl dresses!
2. Something Edible
Edible favors are always a big hit. Cookies, macaroons, decadent chocolates — sweet and sinful bites are loved by all!
Give your guests options by setting up a confections bar filled with various chocolates, candies, and delightful desserts. That way, your guests can create their own favors and take home the goodies that they want.
Don’t forget to provide them with favor boxes to carry their stash!
Not into sugary sweet treats? Forget the candy and set up a fruit and veg buffet instead. This might not work well for a grand affair in a five-star hotel, but it’s an adorable option for a rustic farmhouse wedding.
You can even hand out little wooden crates and let your guests stock up on oranges, peaches, pears, and whatever else is in season at your local farm.
Looking to save money on the venue? Check out these backyard wedding ideas!
3. Plants, Herbs, or Succulents
Tiny potted plants and herbs make great keepsakes. It gives your guests a fun party favor to take home that lasts long past the wedding.
Plants also give you a chance to add some regional flair to your wedding reception with plants or flowers that are local to your area. And, you can easily incorporate them into your decor. Decorate the venue with them and allow everyone to take one home when they leave.
Just make sure that the pots are small enough to fit on a kitchen windowsill. If you send everyone home with an oversized plant, some guests might not have a place to put it.
4. Personalized Wine Glasses
Personalization is always a good approach. With a personalized wine glass, your guests will think back to your big day every time they pour a glass of rosé or cab.
Customize them with the bride and groom’s initials, wedding date, or a simple word like Love.
We recommend stemless wine glasses over traditional ones, as they’re easier to transport home. And if children are attending your event, provide plastic ones.
Don't forget to get gifts for your groomsmen!
5. Regional Treats
Having a destination wedding? Are a lot of guests coming in from out of town?
Send them home with something local!
The trick is to choose something synonymous with the city or state where you’re getting married.
For example:
If you’re getting hitched in the Caribbean, you might give your guests a few little bottles of spiced rum.
Or, if you’re celebrating your big day in New Orleans, Café du Monde coffee is something that everyone can enjoy.
Whether it be drinks or snacks, every city has something special that they claim as their own.
6. Salt & Pepper Shakers
Whimsical salt and pepper shakers, like these from The Knot Shop, make great wedding favors. From love birds to seashells, it’s easy to find a pair to fit any theme.
For a DIY feel, put the seasonings in some small mason jars and tie handwritten tags around the lids. You may need some help from your bridal party, but it’s an easy (and relatively inexpensive) way to make some cute wedding favors.
7. Customized Coasters
No one likes water rings on their tabletops — and that’s why coasters are always a good option. Everyone can use them!
Coasters are very easy to personalize, too. Look for patterns that match your theme, or customize them with the bride and groom’s names. Tie four together with a ribbon or a piece of twine, and you’ve got wedding favors for the whole family!
Or Maybe … Skip the Favors Altogether! (Gasp!)
It's traditional to send guests home with a parting gift. But more and more, brides and grooms are ditching the favors and opting for an extra food course instead.
If you really want to make your reception memorable, turn the favor table into a late-night snack selection.
Sliders, mini pizzas, tacos, donuts — you can fill it with anything you like.
After a night of drinking and dancing, your guests will appreciate the late-night snack (and the carbs).
Think about a non-traditional wedding party? Learn how to host a memorable cocktail reception!
Conclusion
Like all elements of your wedding, your favors should reflect your style. Whether you want to go traditional with votives and Jordan almonds or take a contemporary approach, it’s completely up to you.
We’ve listed a few ideas to help get you started.
Treats and drinks work exceptionally well. If you’re looking for a non-edible wedding favor ideas, consider customized coasters, wine glasses, bottle openers, or shot glasses.
In the big picture of your wedding day, favors are the icing on the cake.
Whatever you choose, your guests will appreciate it. But, they’ll absolutely enjoy it if they get something that they can eat, drink, or actually use when the party’s over.
For more ideas and inspiration, make sure to follow Bella Bridesmaids on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook.