The first question we always get about wedding favors is, “do we need to have them?” The answer is absolutely not. You’ve just gifted your guests a delicious meal, a night on the dance floor, and handwritten thank-you cards are sure to follow. However, if it’s important to you, we want to help you do it right.
The second question is usually, “what should we give?” We have one simple rule we live by when it comes to party favors:
If they can’t eat it and or drink, don’t give it.
I know a monogrammed bottle opener sounds like a fabulous thing to commemorate your special day, but let’s face it, your guests are going to toss one in their bag and forget all about it. But locally-made chocolates or a mini bottle of your favorite champagne? That will be a gift to remember.
Our Favorite Treats (and the Ones Guests Go Crazy Over)
Graham’s Chocolate Covered Oreos [Chicago Favorite]
Naper Nuts and Sweets Popcorn [Chicago Favorite] (pictured is Garrett Popcorn Shops Popcorn)
Cake Pops
Custom Wine Bottles
Honorable Mentions: Macaroons, His & Hers Spices with an Attached Recipe, Truffles, His or Hers favorite candy, Mrs. Prindable Gourmet Apples, Home Made Lollipops.
His & Hers Favorite Candy His & Hers Hot Chocolate Recipe Homemade Lollipops
Ok, But I Really Want It Monogrammed
Two words: custom stickers. Websites like Zazzle and Etsy make it super easy to customize an inexpensive, but classy sticker to paste onto the favor of your choice. Check out the way these Zazzle-made stickers tie together the cake pop bag below.
In Lieu of Favors
Maybe you’re drawn to favors because you have some money left in your budget to put toward a little something extra. Beyond the physical gift option, we have some other ideas.
Donation Cards
Make your wedding a philanthropic event by donating the extra money to your favorite charity in lieu of giving favors. Share this with your guests by printing small cards that might say, “In lieu of favors, we have made a donation to ________.” You can also share on this card if you made the donation in honor of someone in your lives.
Photobooth
What could be more fun to take home than a strip of silly photos labeled with your wedding date? Book a photo booth with the extra cash to give your guests an added experience. Plus you can customize the photo strips with your names and the date of your wedding to commemorate the event.
Do NOT Place Them On The Tables
Unless you are doing donation cards, which can be nicely coordinated with the table decor, do not place your party favors at each guest’s seat. The moment your guests get up to dance, they will forget all about the favor waiting for them at the table and you’ll be left with a lot of extras at the end of the night.
We recommend using converting your place card table or gift table to the favor table as the night comes to a close. It’ll already be set up near the entrance/exit to your reception so guests will be able to swipe a treat on their way out without having to think too hard about it.
Lastly, don’t forget to point your guests toward your favors with a simple sign. Letting them know they can enjoy a sweet treat as thank you is a nice personal touch.