Planning a wedding means paying attention to every detail, and choosing the right wedding favours is no exception. Whether you’re aiming for something edible, practical, or eco-friendly, your favours can reflect your unique style and show appreciation for your guests. As someone who’s seen countless weddings and helped couples personalise their celebrations, I’ve learned that the best wedding favours are those that truly resonate with your guests—something they’ll appreciate and use long after the big day. In this guide, we’ll explore the top ideas, trends, and practical tips for selecting the perfect wedding favour that suits your vision and budget.
Why Wedding Favours Matter: A Meaningful Thank You for Your Guests
How Wedding Favours Reflect Your Wedding Theme and Personality
Wedding favours are more than just little trinkets—they’re an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your guests and showcase your unique style as a couple. When I got married at Vogue Ballroom, we were set on creating a cohesive experience for our guests. We chose small, hand-crafted succulents in personalised pots. It wasn’t the most expensive gift, but it resonated with our theme and felt deeply personal. Plus, it added a touch of green to our celebration.
I’ve seen other couples do the same, from rustic weddings offering homemade jams in mason jars, to elegant black-tie events where guests received custom-engraved wine stoppers. What’s important is that the favours complement your wedding theme and add that extra layer of thoughtfulness. A wedding favour should do more than just sit on a table; it should tie everything together and give your guests something memorable to take home.
The Emotional Impact: Why Guests Love a Thoughtful Gift
I’ll never forget the heartfelt messages we received after our wedding when guests sent us photos of the succulents thriving in their homes. The small gesture showed them we cared and thought of them, which is exactly what wedding favours should be about.
I’ve worked with couples who gave out personalised gifts. One gave each guest a custom bookmark engraved with a quote from their favourite book. Simple but meaningful, and guests loved it! Thoughtful gifts make guests feel appreciated and serve as a reminder of the day long after the wedding is over. Guests are much more likely to cherish something that speaks to their personality rather than a generic, mass-produced favour.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Perfect Wedding Favours
Budget-Friendly or Luxury? Finding the Right Balance
When it comes to wedding favours, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some couples, like those I’ve worked with in the past, love splurging on luxury items like high-end wine glasses, while others keep it simple with DIY gifts. The key is finding that sweet spot between what feels right for your wedding and what fits into your budget.
I worked with a couple recently who had a modest budget for their wedding favours. They decided to go with locally sourced honey in small glass jars. It wasn’t overly expensive, but it was unique and tied in perfectly with their rustic theme. The best part? It was meaningful without putting a strain on their finances. Wedding favours don’t have to break the bank. You can find ways to stay within budget and still give something that’s appreciated.
The Importance of Practicality: Useful Favours Your Guests Will Actually Keep
As a wedding planner, I’ve learned that the most successful wedding favours are those that guests actually use. A few years ago, I helped a couple plan a beach wedding in Melbourne. They gave out custom-designed flip-flops and sunglasses. Not only did these items fit the beach vibe perfectly, but they were also incredibly practical. Guests kept the flip-flops for their next beach day, and the sunglasses made it easy to take fun photos in the sun.
Practical gifts tend to be the ones that make it home from the wedding. Items like bottle openers, tote bags, or even custom fans for a summer wedding are well-received because they serve a purpose. I’ve seen couples opt for practical items like reusable shopping bags that guests continue to use well after the wedding. They’re not just favours—they’re lasting reminders of a special day.
Personalisation: Making It Yours Without Overdoing It
When it comes to personalisation, there’s a fine line between a thoughtful touch and going overboard. At my own wedding, we personalised our favours with our wedding date and a small thank you message. But we didn’t overload them with details. I’ve worked with couples who went a bit too far with personalisation—like having their full names and wedding date on everything, from the favour bags to the coasters. While that works for some, others might find it too much.
It’s all about balance. I’ve found that subtle personalisation often makes the most impact. For example, a guest might appreciate a favour that has a small logo or emblem from your wedding theme—something that ties into your decor without being overly obvious. Think along the lines of custom-engraved keychains or a personalised wine glass with just your initials or wedding monogram.
Popular Wedding Favour Ideas: From Edible to Sentimental
Edible Favours Your Guests Will Devour
I’ve been to many weddings, and let me tell you—edible favours are always a hit. Who doesn’t love a little treat to take home? A couple I worked with in Melbourne had a delicious idea: mini jars of homemade jam with hand-written labels. It was affordable, personal, and most importantly, guests absolutely loved it. Some even told me they kept the jar as a keepsake once they finished the jam. That’s what I call a win.
If you’re thinking of edible wedding favours, consider sweet treats like macarons, chocolates, or even hot chocolate kits. One of my brides gave out mini bottles of champagne with a cute “cheers” tag attached. It felt luxurious and gave guests something they could enjoy after the wedding. Edible wedding favours not only satisfy a craving, but they’re also a reminder of the delicious celebration you all shared.
Practical & Reusable Favours That Guests Will Love
When it comes to practical wedding favours, the sky’s the limit. Think about items that guests can continue to use after the wedding—things like custom tote bags, candles, or bottle openers. I’ve worked with many couples who’ve chosen practical gifts, and they’ve always been a hit. One couple, for example, gave out reusable water bottles with custom labels. Guests loved how useful they were, and several shared photos of their bottles in use well after the wedding day.
Practical favours often leave a lasting impression because they serve a purpose long after the wedding. A custom bottle opener, for example, is something that guests can pull out at every BBQ or party they attend. These gifts are more than just tokens; they become functional items that fit seamlessly into daily life.
Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours: Sustainable Ideas for a Green Wedding
Thoughtful and Green: How to Choose Eco-Friendly Wedding Favours
As sustainability becomes more important, I’ve seen couples increasingly opt for eco-friendly wedding favours that leave a positive impact on both guests and the environment. I remember one wedding I worked on at a lovely Melbourne winery, where the couple chose to give away little potted succulents. Not only did these little plants fit perfectly with the rustic and nature-inspired theme, but they were also a sustainable choice—no plastic, no waste, and something guests could care for and enjoy for years.
There are plenty of green wedding favour options that won’t break the bank. Seed packets are a great example—wildflower or herb seeds make a charming and practical gift, plus they’re easy to package. If you’re looking to go all-in on eco-friendliness, consider wooden or bamboo items, which are biodegradable and have a timeless appeal. I once worked with a couple who handed out bamboo straws in a small, eco-friendly pouch. It was a unique favour, and guests loved the idea of reducing plastic waste.
How to Cut Down on Waste with Practical Green Favours
It’s great to think about your guests, but it’s even better to think about the future impact of your wedding. Eco-friendly wedding favours can be beautiful, functional, and waste-free. During a recent wedding I helped plan in Melbourne, the couple chose eco-friendly packaging for all their favours. Instead of traditional plastic bags, they opted for reusable cotton bags with a simple logo. It was minimal, practical, and so much more sustainable than using plastic.
Another idea is to choose favours that guests can reuse, such as metal straws or eco-friendly tote bags. One couple gave out custom-designed tote bags with a message like, “Take me to the beach!” and guests used them for everything from groceries to beach days. It felt right for the occasion and was a favour that kept giving long after the wedding.
Creative DIY Wedding Favours: Personal Touches That Wow
How to Create Memorable DIY Favours
DIY wedding favours are a fantastic way to add a personal touch while staying within budget. If you’ve got a bit of time on your hands and love to craft, DIY favours allow you to create something truly unique. When my partner and I were planning our wedding, we made our own favours—handmade soap bars wrapped in natural twine with a personalised label. It wasn’t hard to make, and it was incredibly rewarding to see our guests take home something we created with our own hands.
Think about what reflects you as a couple. If you love to bake, consider homemade cookies, cupcakes, or jams. If you’re into crafting, maybe handmade candles or small trinket boxes would suit your wedding theme. Not only will DIY favours give your guests something special, but they also allow you to incorporate your own creativity into the celebration. Plus, when guests ask about the favours, you’ll have the perfect story behind them.
When to Choose DIY Favours: Considerations and Tips
DIY wedding favours are not without their challenges, though. I’ve worked with a couple who had an ambitious idea to create hand-painted miniature ceramic pots as favours. While the end result was stunning, they ended up running out of time, and the process became more stressful than they anticipated. So, if you’re considering DIY, it’s important to set realistic expectations and timeframes.
My advice? Start early. And if you’re on the fence, keep it simple. Homemade candles or hand-stamped notebooks are quick to make and don’t require a lot of resources. You can also involve your bridal party or family members to help, which can turn the favour-making into a fun bonding activity.
Wedding Favour Trends for 2025: What’s In and What’s Out
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Trendy Wedding Favours for 2025: What’s Hot This Year
2025 is shaping up to be a year of innovation when it comes to wedding favours. Couples are moving beyond traditional offerings and thinking outside the box. A trend I’m seeing more of lately is the experiential favour. Imagine giving your guests a favour they can actually experience at the wedding, like a custom caricature or a photo booth picture. These types of favours are great because they double as both a fun activity and a keepsake.
One of the coolest trends I’ve seen this year was a couple who handed out mini bottles of hand sanitiser with personalised labels. While that might sound mundane, they tied it into the overall theme by making it a “wellness” favour, acknowledging the challenges of the past few years. It was practical, thoughtful, and very on-point for 2025 wedding trends.
Wedding Favour Trends to Avoid: What’s Falling Out of Fashion
While it’s important to stay on top of trends, there are a few fad trends I’d advise against in 2025. One of them is excessively extravagant favours that serve no real purpose. I’ve worked on weddings where the couple chose to give out expensive crystal figurines, only for most guests to leave them behind. It’s not that the item wasn’t beautiful, but it didn’t fit the vibe of the wedding, and it wasn’t something guests were likely to take home.
Another trend that’s fading out is the over-personalisation of favours. Guests love a personal touch, but when every item is emblazoned with your full name and wedding date, it can feel more like a billboard than a gift. Think subtle—maybe a custom design that ties into your wedding theme rather than the details of your marriage.
How to Present Wedding Favours: Packaging and Presentation Tips
Beautiful Presentation: Ideas for Wedding Favour Bags and Boxes
I’ve worked on weddings where the presentation of the favours became as much of a talking point as the gifts themselves. Think about it—how you present your favours can elevate even the simplest gift. For instance, at one wedding, I helped create rustic favour bags using burlap and twine, which perfectly matched the farm-style theme. Inside were homemade cookies that were simple yet delicious. Guests adored the presentation, and it gave the favours an authentic touch.
If you’re looking for inspiration, consider using personalised boxes or bags, or even eco-friendly wrapping like biodegradable tissue paper. The key is to keep it cohesive with your theme. If you’re going for elegance, satin bags or small ornate boxes with ribbon will look stunning. If you’re leaning more towards casual, a simple jute bag or clear plastic bag with a natural look might suit you better.
Personalising Your Wedding Favours’ Packaging: A Simple Yet Stylish Touch
Small touches, like adding a personalised note or thank-you card, go a long way in making your favours feel extra special. One couple I worked with personalised every favour bag with a small thank-you note written by hand. Guests were moved by the gesture, and it made their experience even more intimate. Remember, it doesn’t have to be elaborate—just something that feels sincere and aligned with the vibe of your wedding.
Alternatives to Traditional Wedding Favours: Meaningful Gestures
Charitable Donations: Giving Back in Lieu of Wedding Favours
Sometimes, a physical wedding favour just isn’t what feels right. Over the years, I’ve worked with couples who have opted for an alternative approach—making a donation to charity in lieu of traditional wedding favours. It’s a thoughtful and meaningful way to express gratitude to your guests while supporting a cause close to your heart.
I remember one couple I worked with who had a strong passion for animal rights. They chose to make a donation to a local animal shelter in each of their guests’ names, and it was one of the most touching moments I’ve witnessed. Instead of a physical gift, guests received a personalised card informing them of the donation. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many guests saying it was the best wedding favour they’d ever received.
If you’re considering this option, you can select a cause that aligns with your values or something your guests will resonate with. From environmental organisations to local charities, your wedding can be a platform for giving back. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also makes your wedding more impactful and memorable in a unique way.
Thank You Notes: A Thoughtful, Low-Cost Alternative to Favours
For couples on a tight budget or those simply looking to reduce waste, a handwritten thank-you note can be just as meaningful as any physical favour. I’ve worked with several couples who took the time to personally write messages of appreciation for each of their guests. The impact of those heartfelt notes can be profound.
One bride I worked with spent the day after her wedding writing individual thank-you notes for every guest, and I can tell you, it was one of the most memorable aspects of the wedding. It was so simple but so meaningful, and it certainly made her guests feel special. You can also combine a handwritten note with a small memento from the day, like a photo taken during the celebration.
Whether you include a personal anecdote or express your gratitude for their presence, this option allows you to give something thoughtful without the need for a physical favour. Plus, it’s a gesture that’s often kept and cherished long after the wedding.
What’s the Best Wedding Favour for Your Big Day?
Choosing the Perfect Wedding Favours
At the end of the day, the “best” wedding favour is the one that resonates with you, your partner, and your guests. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but here are some quick tips to ensure you pick a favour that’s both meaningful and memorable:
- Consider practicality: Choose items your guests can use, whether that’s a bottle opener, a reusable tote bag, or something seasonal.
- Stay true to your theme: Whether it’s rustic, elegant, or quirky, your favours should reflect your wedding style and personality.
- Personalisation is key: Subtle touches like initials or a meaningful date can make a favour feel unique and thoughtful.
- Eco-friendly options matter: Consider sustainable, waste-free options that align with modern values.
- Don’t overcomplicate it: Sometimes, a simple thank-you note or donation to charity can be just as powerful as a physical favour.
Ultimately, the best wedding favour is one that reflects your love story, fits your budget, and adds something special to your celebration. Your guests will appreciate whatever you choose as long as it comes from the heart.
Let’s Get Straight to the Point
Choosing the right wedding favour is about balancing practicality, personalisation, and your wedding theme. Whether you opt for edible treats, reusable items, or eco-friendly gifts, it’s crucial to select favours that your guests will appreciate and use. Consider your budget, theme, and the impact you want to leave. Trends for 2025 include experiential favours like caricatures and custom photo booth pictures, as well as sustainable, personalised gifts. If you’re on a tight budget, DIY favours or charitable donations are great alternatives. Ultimately, the best favours are those that feel personal and meaningful to both you and your guests.
