Weddings are full of traditions, but when it comes to wedding favours, the question arises: are they truly necessary? While many couples still feel the pressure to include a small gift for each guest, it’s important to remember that favours are no longer a must-have. In this guide, I’ll explore the pros and cons of wedding favours, share real-life examples, and offer alternatives that can still make your guests feel appreciated. Whether you’re leaning towards personalised keepsakes or opting for something more meaningful, it’s all about what fits best with your budget and vision for the day.
Why Wedding Favours Are No Longer a Must-Have at Weddings
The Evolution of Wedding Favours: From Tradition to Trend
When I first entered the wedding industry, wedding favours were seen as a must-have. If you were getting married, you had to give your guests something to take home. I remember when I was planning my own wedding, I thought we’d have to include favours. After all, how could we not? It’s tradition, right?
But when I really thought about it, the pressure started to fade. In fact, the more I spoke to couples, the more I realised that wedding favours aren’t really the tradition they used to be. Sure, they’ve been around for centuries—since the 16th century in France and England, in fact. In those days, bonbons (small boxes filled with sugared almonds) were handed out as a symbol of good fortune and health.
As the years went on, wedding favours evolved. They became items like engraved wine glasses, scented soaps, and candles—nice gestures, but not always appreciated. These days, it’s not uncommon to see couples choosing quirky, personalised gifts like mini succulents, local delicacies, or custom-made keepsakes. But here’s the thing: most guests don’t expect these anymore. A token of appreciation can be a thoughtful gesture, but not having them doesn’t mean your wedding will fall short.
Do Guests Actually Expect Wedding Favours?
This was one of the first questions I asked myself when I was planning my wedding at Vogue Ballroom. The short answer: no, they don’t. And honestly, no one seems to mind. Sure, there might be a few guests who would be disappointed if there’s nothing, but the reality is, people remember the experience—the ceremony, the reception, the food, the music—not the little gift they received.
In my experience, the guests who received wedding favours at my own wedding—well, they didn’t even mention them! What they remembered was the stunning venue, the delicious food, and the fun they had dancing the night away.
The Case for Wedding Favours: Why Some Couples Still Choose Them
A Personal Touch: Showing Appreciation Through Favours
For many couples, wedding favours still serve as a small token of gratitude for the time and effort guests put into attending the wedding. Whether it’s the travel to get there, taking time off work, or spending money on gifts and outfits, guests often go above and beyond to be part of the celebration.
A thoughtful wedding favour can be a way of saying, “We appreciate you being here and making our day extra special.” I’ve seen couples who are deeply sentimental about the tradition of gifting, and they want to offer something personal. For example, a couple I worked with in 2022 included small custom-made photo frames as favours. Each frame had a photo from their engagement shoot, and it was a meaningful, personal touch that was loved by their guests.
Wedding Favours as Memorable Keepsakes
While I’ve seen couples skip wedding favours, I’ve also worked with couples who made their favours unforgettable. Personalised gifts can serve as a beautiful memento, reminding guests of the special day long after the wedding. Take, for example, a couple I worked with in 2019. They gifted their guests personalised love storybooks, which not only reflected their journey together but also served as a charming keepsake.
Such gifts carry more meaning than the typical store-bought favours and are something guests will treasure. I’ve had couples tell me that guests often kept the gifts as souvenirs. And while some guests might not remember the small details of the wedding, a personalised favour can remain in their home for years, reminding them of the memories they made at your wedding.
The Drawbacks of Wedding Favours: Is It Worth the Effort?
The Cost Factor: Are Wedding Favours a Luxury You Can Afford?
Let’s face it—weddings can get expensive, and when you’re already budgeting for everything from the venue to the catering, the last thing you might want to do is add another expense. On average, couples spend around $2 to $3 per favour, but depending on your guest list, that adds up quickly.
A couple I worked with recently, for example, had a guest list of over 150 people. They were originally planning to spend around $500 on wedding favours. However, after weighing the costs, they realised that money could be better spent elsewhere, like upgrading their food or hiring an extra bartender for the reception. In the end, they skipped the favours altogether, and no one seemed to mind. Instead, they invested in creating an amazing atmosphere and experience for their guests.
Time and Effort: DIY Wedding Favours Can Be a Huge Undertaking
If you’re thinking about DIY wedding favours, I can tell you from experience: they take a lot of time. I once worked with a couple who decided to make their own jam as favours. Sounds sweet, right? But the couple didn’t realise how much effort was involved in sourcing ingredients, cooking the jam, sterilising jars, and then packaging everything neatly. By the time the wedding day arrived, they were running on fumes from staying up late for weeks on end, working on their favours.
While DIY can add a personal touch, it can also be a stress-inducing undertaking that takes you away from other crucial wedding tasks. If you’re already juggling other responsibilities, like seating arrangements or vendor communication, taking on the added stress of creating your own favours might not be worth it.
Waste and Environmental Concerns: Are Wedding Favours Contributing to the Problem?
The environmental impact of traditional wedding favours is something that more couples are considering nowadays. The reality is, many favours are single-use or end up in the trash, which creates waste. I’ve had couples ask me how they can reduce their environmental footprint while still giving their guests something meaningful.
One solution I often suggest is opting for eco-friendly wedding favours. For example, small plants, such as succulents, are becoming increasingly popular. They’re not only cute but can also be kept long after the wedding. Other eco-friendly options include reusable tote bags, bamboo cutlery, or even edible favours like homemade cookies, which guests are more likely to consume instead of throwing away.
Wedding Favour Alternatives: What Can You Do Instead?
Charitable Donations: A Meaningful Alternative to Wedding Favours
As much as wedding favours have become a tradition, more couples are choosing alternatives that leave a lasting impact. One alternative gaining popularity is making charitable donations in lieu of giving out physical favours. Not only does it feel good to give back, but it’s also a way to make your wedding even more memorable for your guests.
I worked with a couple last year who chose to donate the money they would have spent on favours to a charity close to their hearts—an animal shelter. They placed cards at each guest’s seat explaining the donation and shared a little about why the cause was important to them. The feedback from their guests was overwhelmingly positive. In fact, many people appreciated the thoughtful gesture and the couple’s decision to invest in something more meaningful.
If you’re considering this route, be sure to choose a cause that resonates with both you and your guests. It’s a great way to make your wedding day memorable while also supporting a cause that’s bigger than the event itself.
Wedding Experience Enhancements: Give Guests a Memorable Experience Instead
Another trend I’ve seen gaining traction is investing the wedding favour budget in enhancing the guest experience. Instead of a small token to take home, couples are using the money to offer guests unique experiences during the wedding. A great example of this is a couple I worked with in Melbourne last year who opted for a fun late-night snack station—complete with a food truck serving hot fries and sliders. The guests loved it, and it kept them fuelled for more dancing.
Other experience-focused alternatives include photo booths, cotton candy carts, or even specialty coffee bars. These types of activities get guests involved, keep them entertained, and offer them something they will truly remember, rather than a small item they’ll likely forget by the end of the night. These interactive experiences not only elevate the event but also provide guests with a souvenir (like photo booth pictures) that they can keep for years to come.
Personalised Thank You Notes: A Simple, Heartfelt Alternative
I can’t emphasise enough how much a heartfelt thank-you note can mean. Sometimes, simple gestures truly are the best. After the wedding, couples often find themselves with a bit of time and a few quiet moments to reflect on the event. Sending a personal thank-you note to each guest can be a meaningful way to express your gratitude without the need for physical favours.
One couple I worked with in 2020 sent handwritten thank-you cards to each of their guests. They took the time to personalise each note with a mention of the guest’s relationship to the couple and a small detail about the wedding day that they shared. It wasn’t a grand gesture, but it made their guests feel truly appreciated, and it also showed a personal touch that a store-bought favour could never match.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Favours (If You Decide to Give Them)
Practical Favours Your Guests Will Actually Use
If you’ve decided that wedding favours are still on the agenda for your big day, then you’ll want to make sure they’re something your guests will actually use. I’ve worked with a couple who chose to give out stylish, reusable wine tumblers with their names and wedding date engraved on them. Not only were these a hit at the wedding, but guests continued using them long after the event.
Practical favours, such as bottle openers, candles, or small potted plants, have the advantage of not only being functional but also something your guests will genuinely appreciate. You might even find that the favours you give end up in the homes of your guests, reminding them of your day each time they use them. After all, who wouldn’t love a practical item that is both useful and tied to a beautiful memory?
Take, for instance, a couple I worked with recently. They gave out hand-poured soy candles with a personalised label. Guests loved them, and I’ve even seen them lit in homes months after the wedding. Quality over quantity is a great rule to follow here—something that feels useful, yet elegant, will leave a lasting impression.
Edible Wedding Favours: A Delicious Way to Thank Your Guests
When in doubt, go edible! Edible wedding favours have been a crowd favourite for years, and it’s easy to see why. After all, everyone enjoys a sweet treat, and there’s something about enjoying a gift you can eat that makes it even more enjoyable. I’ve worked with a couple who opted for locally made chocolates with custom packaging. The guests devoured them, and it became a talking point at the reception.
Edible favours can range from handmade cookies or biscuits to mini bottles of local spirits or jars of honey. You could even hand out gourmet lollies or artisanal jams, giving guests a taste of something local to your area. If you’re hosting a destination wedding or a wedding in a picturesque part of Australia, why not offer a delicacy that represents the local culture?
I’ve also worked on weddings where the couple provided small jars of preserves or honey made by local farmers in the area. Guests loved the idea of supporting local businesses, and they took the jars home as delicious keepsakes. These thoughtful favours went down a treat, and they added a unique, meaningful touch to the celebration.
The Power of Personalisation: Make Your Wedding Favours Truly Unique
Personalised wedding favours are a fantastic way to make your day stand out. Customising your favours adds a personal touch, showing your guests that you took the time to choose something special for them. Personalised favours can also serve as a beautiful memento, often with the couple’s names, wedding date, or even a special message or quote.
A couple I worked with in 2021 decided to hand out personalised keychains with their initials and wedding date, and they were a hit. Each keychain was designed to reflect their personalities and hobbies, from the colours of the wedding to the couple’s love for travel. Guests enjoyed them, and many mentioned how they’d keep the keychain on their keys as a reminder of the fun day.
When it comes to personalisation, the options are endless. Customised items like engraved wine glasses, personalised candles, or even monogrammed handkerchiefs or tote bags can leave a lasting impression. The key here is to ensure that your favours reflect who you are as a couple. It’s these small touches that truly elevate your wedding.
Wedding Favour Trends: What’s Popular Right Now
Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours: How to Go Green Without Sacrificing Style
In recent years, eco-friendly wedding favours have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. With growing concerns about environmental sustainability, many couples are choosing to make their wedding day as green as possible. From plant-based favours to reusable products, there are plenty of ways to show appreciation to your guests while also being mindful of the planet.
One wedding I worked on in Byron Bay had a beautiful selection of eco-friendly favours. The couple handed out small potted succulents in biodegradable pots, and they were a huge hit. Not only did they look great on the tables, but guests were also able to take them home and keep them for years. The couple included a small note on each pot explaining how to care for the plant, which was both informative and personal.
Other eco-friendly options include reusable tote bags, bamboo straws, or even a plantable seed packet with wildflowers or herbs. These gifts are thoughtful, sustainable, and still chic, making them perfect for couples who want to honour both their guests and the environment. As a bonus, they align with the growing trend of conscious consumerism.
Rustic and Luxury Wedding Favours: A Growing Trend
When it comes to wedding favours, there’s a growing divide between rustic and luxury options. Depending on your wedding style, you may want to opt for favours that reflect your theme, whether it’s rustic charm or luxurious elegance.
Rustic favours are perfect for couples planning a countryside or barn wedding. Think wooden coasters, hand-carved wooden spoons, or even little jars of homemade jam. These types of favours have a charming, homespun quality that makes them perfect for rustic-themed weddings. A couple I worked with in the Yarra Valley chose rustic-style favours like mini bottles of local olive oil and hand-stitched linen napkins, and they were a hit.
On the other hand, luxury wedding favours are perfect for couples who want to impress their guests with something extravagant. Items like personalised champagne flutes, bespoke chocolates, or luxurious candles are just a few examples. I once worked with a couple who gave out engraved crystal champagne flutes as favours. These elegant keepsakes not only felt high-end, but they also served as a beautiful reminder of the special day.
Whether you choose rustic or luxury, the key is to align your favours with the overall feel of your wedding and ensure they reflect your personal style as a couple.
So, Are Wedding Favours Necessary?
It’s All About Your Priorities and Budget
Wedding favours are a personal choice. They’re not a requirement, and they shouldn’t be the source of stress in your wedding planning. Whether you decide to include them or not, what matters most is that your day is meaningful to you and that your guests feel appreciated.
If you’re considering giving favours, think about what aligns with your wedding style and your budget. Will your guests use or cherish the favours? Do they reflect who you are as a couple? It’s important to weigh all the options carefully.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Wedding favours are an optional tradition, not a necessity. While they can be a lovely gesture to show appreciation, guests are more likely to remember the experience of the wedding rather than the small gift they receive. Many couples are opting out of favours due to cost, time constraints, and environmental concerns. If you do choose to give favours, practical, edible, or personalised gifts are the most appreciated. Alternatively, charitable donations or wedding experience enhancements can replace favours altogether. Your wedding should reflect your personal style, and favours should only be included if they truly add value to the day.
