Planning your wedding involves juggling dozens of details, from picking the perfect venue to choosing the right dress, but one of the most personal touches you can add is the wedding favours. If you think about it, wedding favours are your way of saying “thank you” to your guests for joining you on the most important day of your life. A thoughtfully chosen favour can become a memorable keepsake that guests cherish long after the day itself.
Having been in the Melbourne wedding scene for over 20 years, I’ve seen all sorts of trends come and go. When my partner and I tied the knot, we were careful in choosing favours that felt true to our personalities and were something guests could use. It’s about making that little gesture count, so let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting the perfect wedding favour.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Wedding Favours
Before you dive into a world of mini candles and chocolate-covered almonds, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure your wedding favours are not only well-loved but also memorable.
Setting a Budget for Your Wedding Favours
In my experience, wedding budgets can easily get out of hand if you’re not careful. That’s why it’s essential to have a clear budget for your favours from the outset. A common rule of thumb in Melbourne is to allocate around $2 to $5 per guest. While this can vary based on your total guest list and wedding style, it’s a good idea to keep your budget realistic, especially if you have a large guest list.
When my partner and I were planning our wedding, we stuck to a budget of $3 per guest for our favours. We made sure to account for the number of guests upfront, and it helped us narrow down our options. Whether you decide on DIY options or custom-made gifts, you’ll want to factor in both the quantity and the cost per item. Trust me, a solid budget means fewer last-minute panics!
Ensuring Your Favours Are Practical and Appreciated
In my opinion, the best favours are those that guests will actually use. I remember attending a wedding where I received a beautifully crafted bottle opener, and I still use it to this day. It’s functional, memorable, and something that’s been hanging out on my kitchen bench for years. That’s the kind of lasting impact favours should aim for.
In Melbourne, where we’re lucky enough to have so many local artisans, you can find wedding favours that are both functional and meaningful. Bottle openers, for instance, can be personalised with your wedding details and make a great keepsake. Think about things like custom keychains, mini candles, or even personalised tote bags — practical wedding favours are always winners in my book.
Personalising Your Favours to Match Your Wedding Theme
If I’ve learned anything over the years, it’s that personalised wedding favours hit the mark every time. It’s one of the simplest ways to make your favours feel more connected to your wedding’s theme or your love story.
For our wedding, we added a little personal touch by engraving our wedding date and initials on small wooden tokens. It wasn’t a big expense, but it added a layer of meaning for our guests. Think about your wedding’s theme – is it rustic, elegant, beachy, or perhaps vintage? A personalised touch can make something as simple as a bag of sweets feel like a piece of your heart.
Choosing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options
With sustainability becoming such an important focus in wedding planning these days, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly wedding favours are trending. Personally, I’m all for it. Opting for sustainable gifts not only helps the environment but also shows your guests that you’re mindful of the planet. Plus, these favours often feel more authentic.
I remember one couple I worked with in Melbourne who chose small potted succulents as their wedding favours. They were a perfect fit for their rustic, nature-inspired wedding and, because they were living plants, they lasted far longer than typical throwaway gifts. Succulents are an easy and environmentally friendly choice that your guests can enjoy for months or even years.
Considering Your Guests’ Needs and Preferences
It’s important to take your guests into account when choosing your wedding favours. You’ve likely got a diverse group coming, from little ones to elderly relatives, and maybe even guests with dietary restrictions. Tailoring your favours to the needs of your guest list can really show how much you care.
For instance, if you have guests with dietary restrictions, you may opt for custom chocolates that are dairy-free or gluten-free. For the kids, I’ve seen everything from personalised crayons to fun activity books that keep them entertained while the adults chat away. And don’t forget the older guests – something like a personalised hand fan or a small jar of local honey might be right up their alley.
Creative Wedding Favour Ideas That Will Wow Your Guests
Now that you’ve figured out your budget, theme, and how to personalise your wedding favours, let’s dive into some creative and memorable ideas that will truly leave an impression.
Edible Wedding Favours: Sweet Treats That Guests Will Love
If you ask me, edible favours are a no-brainer. Let’s face it: who doesn’t love a little treat? Edible wedding favours are always popular and, frankly, they often get devoured before the night’s over. Here are a few ideas that never fail to impress.
Personalised Chocolate Delights
I’ve seen couples personalise chocolates in all sorts of creative ways, from mini truffles to chocolate pizzas. One of my favourite ideas was a wedding I worked on where the couple gave guests handmade chocolate pizza slices with the couple’s names and wedding date. It was quirky, fun, and totally delicious. Personalised M&Ms are another fun option, where guests can grab a sweet treat with their names or a personal message printed on the candy.
Custom Candy Bags & Sweet Treats
Let’s not forget the classic sweets. From mini twist pretzels to colourful candy bags, you can always count on something sweet to make your guests smile. I once attended a wedding where the favours were bags of retro candy, filled with treats from the 80s. It sparked plenty of nostalgia, and it was fun for guests to take home a little piece of their childhood. You could even go the extra mile with personalised lollipops that had a “thank you” message printed on them.
Luxury Wedding Favours: Elegant Touches for a Refined Experience (Continued)
High-End Bath Products and Scented Candles
When it comes to luxurious wedding favours, bath products and candles are always winners. Think high-quality artisanal soaps or delicate scented candles that evoke a sense of luxury and relaxation. For one elegant Melbourne wedding I worked on, the couple gifted their guests small, hand-poured soy candles with a custom label featuring their wedding date and a romantic quote. It was a subtle yet personal touch that guests adored. The beauty of these gifts is that they offer a lasting memory of the wedding—whenever guests light the candle, they’ll be reminded of the special day.
High-end bath salts or oils can be another luxurious option, particularly if they’re artisanal or locally sourced. Think of adding a touch of luxury to your guests’ self-care routines by choosing a product that’s both unique and indulgent.
Refined Keepsakes: Brass Paperweights, Gold-Plated Bookmarks
For those who love to give practical gifts with an elegant twist, consider brass paperweights, gold-plated bookmarks, or other refined keepsakes. These are the kinds of items guests will keep on their desks or shelves, serving as constant reminders of your beautiful day. I worked on a wedding where the couple chose personalised brass keychains as favours. They were engraved with the couple’s initials and wedding date, and they served as a timeless memento. Guests appreciated their simplicity and elegance.
Textiles: Embroidered Linen Napkins
A luxury favour that adds a touch of elegance and practicality is embroidered linen napkins. These beautiful keepsakes can be personalised with initials, wedding dates, or special messages and add an understated elegance to your wedding day. Whether you use them as favours themselves or include them in a welcome bag for overnight guests, embroidered linens are a thoughtful gift that guests will cherish.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours That Give Back to the Planet
If you’re like many couples today who are focused on sustainability, eco-friendly wedding favours can be an excellent way to align your wedding with your values. Choosing sustainable gifts not only helps the environment, but it also resonates deeply with guests who are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their impact on the planet.
Plantable Favours: Seeds, Succulents & Green Gifts
One of my favourite eco-friendly wedding favours is plantable items. They’re a beautiful, lasting way for your guests to remember your wedding, and they offer the chance for your love to grow. Succulent plants, for instance, make for a charming and sustainable favour. I worked on a wedding in Melbourne’s leafy suburbs where the couple gave guests mini succulents in terracotta pots. Not only were they beautiful and rustic, but they were also practical and long-lasting. Plus, succulents are easy to care for, so most of your guests will have no problem keeping them alive long after the wedding.
Another great option is plantable seed favours. These could be small packets of wildflower seeds, herbs, or even heart-shaped seed bombs with a sweet message like “Let Love Grow.” The added benefit here is that the seeds grow into something beautiful, making the memory of your wedding even more meaningful.
Reusable & Sustainable Wedding Favours
Another eco-friendly option is reusable goods. Consider giving your guests something practical that they can use over and over. Reusable tote bags, water bottles, bamboo utensils, or stainless steel straws are all sustainable alternatives that help your guests reduce waste. For a wedding I recently helped organise in Melbourne, the couple chose eco-friendly tote bags for their guests. These were made from organic cotton and featured the couple’s names and wedding date printed in a charming design. Guests loved them and appreciated that they were receiving a gift they could genuinely use.
Donations in Lieu of Favours
Some couples are also choosing to make a donation to a charity in lieu of giving physical wedding favours. This is an excellent way to share love and give back to causes that are important to you. In Melbourne, many couples donate to local charities, such as animal shelters, cancer research, or environmental organisations, and make this donation in the name of their guests. You can let your guests know about this donation with a simple note at their place setting or in the wedding program. This thoughtful gesture not only reduces waste but also spreads goodwill.
DIY Wedding Favours: Add a Personal Touch to Your Celebration
DIY wedding favours are a fantastic way to personalise your wedding while keeping costs manageable. Not only can they add a heartfelt touch to your big day, but they also provide an opportunity to share something unique with your guests. Here’s how you can make your own wedding favours.
Budget-Friendly DIY Favours That Don’t Compromise on Quality
If you’re on a tight budget, DIY favours are a great way to keep costs down without sacrificing quality. For our wedding, we created small jars of homemade jam, which we then personalised with cute labels and ribbons. Guests were thrilled to take home a jar, and we loved that it was something we made ourselves. Whether it’s homemade cookies, jams, or even small hand-sewn pouches filled with herbs, DIY favours give you the opportunity to put your personal touch on your wedding.
Another budget-friendly option is creating your own personalised candles. You can buy simple candle-making kits or ingredients online, and with a bit of effort, you’ll have lovely, fragrant candles to gift your guests. Add a custom label or a small charm to tie it all together.
Personalised Packaging for Your DIY Favours
The key to a great DIY favour is the packaging. You don’t have to go overboard with fancy boxes or bags, but thoughtful and personalised packaging can elevate even the simplest favour. For example, if you’re making your own soap, you could wrap it in natural twine or place it inside a small organza bag. The goal is to make the presentation just as memorable as the gift itself.
For our wedding, we designed simple kraft paper bags with a custom stamp that had our initials and wedding date. They were simple, but they added a lovely, rustic touch that tied into our theme.
Wedding Favour Packaging: How to Present Your Gifts with Style
Packaging can make all the difference in how your favours are received. You can have the most unique, meaningful favours, but if they’re not packaged well, they might not make the impact you’re hoping for.
Creative Ways to Display Wedding Favours
When it comes to presenting your wedding favours, think beyond just stacking them on a table. Why not get creative with how you display them? I once worked on a wedding where the couple set up a vintage suitcase to display their favours, complete with a handwritten sign that read “Take one, a token of our gratitude.” It was such a charming and interactive way to present the favours, and it perfectly matched their vintage theme.
You can also arrange favours in a fun way, such as creating a little “favour station” where guests can pick their gifts as they enter the reception, or placing them at each guest’s seat.
Personalised Tags & Labels to Elevate the Look
No matter how simple your favours are, a little personalisation goes a long way. Think about custom tags or stickers with your names, wedding date, or a heartfelt thank you message. For an elegant touch, you can add a wax seal or tie your favours with pretty ribbon or twine. These little details will elevate the look and make your guests feel extra special.
Choose Favours That Reflect Your Style and Personality
The best wedding favours are the ones that reflect who you are as a couple and show your appreciation for your guests in a meaningful way. Whether it’s a practical item that guests will use again and again, an eco-friendly gift, or a quirky personalised token, your favours should be a reflection of your love story.
Key Takeaways for Selecting Memorable Wedding Favours
- Set a realistic budget that aligns with your guest list and wedding style.
- Think about practicality and what your guests will actually use and appreciate.
- Personalise your favours to match your theme or tell your love story.
- Consider eco-friendly options to reduce waste and give back to the planet.
- DIY favours can be a budget-friendly and meaningful option.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Wedding favours are a meaningful way to thank guests for joining your celebration and can be a lasting reminder of your special day. When choosing favours, consider factors like budget, practicality, personalisation, and sustainability. Edible favours, like personalised chocolates or mini bottles of liquor, are always a hit, as are practical items like keychains or tote bags. Luxury favours, such as engraved keepsakes and artisanal bath products, add elegance, while eco-friendly options like succulents and reusable items align with sustainability goals. For a personal touch, DIY favours can be both budget-friendly and memorable. Packaging also plays a significant role in making your favours stand out, so consider creative displays and personalised labels. Ultimately, your favours should reflect your personality and show your appreciation for your guests.
