Whether they've traveled across the globe or from the other side of town, your wedding guests have taken the time and effort to be there with you on your wedding day. One way to show your appreciation is to thank them with a remembrance of the special day.
A wedding guest gift, or wedding favor, is a thoughtful way for the bride and groom to show guests their gratitude for their attendance and friendship.
“It's not obligatory to send wedding favors home with guests, but it certainly does end the celebration on the right note,” says etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder of The Protocol School of Texas and author of Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
“Over the years, the wedding favor has transformed from a love knot made out of material in the 16th century to simple goodie bags to something meaningful that represents the couple, such as a keychain with their initials or shaped in the design of their favorite pet,” Gottsman says.
Wedding favors in modern times
Many of today's brides and grooms continue the time-honored tradition by giving small bags or jars filled with candy or popcorn. Gottsman says a monogrammed cookie is a popular choice as a wedding favor today, since it's “a tasty treat that can be enjoyed the next day.”
Etiquette expert and former wedding coordinator Elaine Swann, founder of The Swann School of Protocol, says wedding favors have evolved over the years to become more creative, thoughtful, and personalized.
“I've seen everything from seeds to small potted plants to luxury brand coin purses,” she says. “Wedding favors can really run the gamut. It's just such a nice gesture to give your guests something to thank them for joining you on your special day.”
Swann recommends that couples consider two main factors when choosing wedding favors: their budget and their guests' exit travel. “If your guests have traveled a long distance to your wedding, you want to make sure they can get the gift home with them,” she says.
If packing space is at a premium, Swann says sending gifts is also an option. “As a different spin on the wedding favor, have something special delivered to out-of-town guests and family who are making a special effort to come in for the wedding.”
Regardless of how far your guests came to be with you or how much you have to spend, these wedding favor ideas will make the recipients — and your wallet — happy.
Our favorite wedding favor ideas
Bath Lover Gift Set
Your guests will be dancing all night long at your reception, so why not give a gift that will help them relax and refresh afterward? This lovely bath set includes two vials of bath salts, a heart-shaped bath bomb, and a bar of lavender mint soap. The best part? It's all gift wrapped and ready for giving.
Message in a Bottle
Writing a special thank-you note and tucking it inside a corked bottle is a fun way to express your appreciation. You can even coordinate this memorable favor with your color scheme. The bottles are available with red, pink, blue, or purple rose petals along with sand and seashells.
Belgian chocolates
You can't go wrong with a box of chocolates. This one features a selection of luscious milk, dark, and white chocolate truffles in such mouthwatering flavors as coconut crème, hazelnut praline, and passion fruit.
Gold-plated rose flower
This lovely bloom will serve as a long-lasting reminder of your special day for your guests. Each flower is plated in 24K gold and sits on an elegant and convenient stand, allowing the recipient to display it in wherever he or she pleases.
Cake pops
Your guests were incredibly thoughtful in coming to your wedding, so why not return some of that sweetness with delicious cake pops? Made of rich fudge cake decorated to look like ice cream sundaes, these individually wrapped goodies are as delightful to eat as they are to look at.
Personalized glasses
Every time your guests go to quench their thirst with the contents of one of these glasses, they'll instantly think of you. There's something for everyone here, as they come in a wide variety of shapes and styles: pilsner, pint, wine (both stemmed and stemless), whiskey, and beer can.
Succulent trio
Give them as a set of three or split them up — it's up to you. These mini succulents are nestled in trendy ceramic containers. There's no green thumb needed for these low-maintenance beauties!
Chocolate covered strawberries
Who can resist plump, juicy strawberries dipped in dark chocolate and drizzled to perfection? None of your wedding guests, we can assure you.
Cookie card
Show your wedding guests how glad you are that they shared in your special day with this sweet and delicious thank-you cookie card.
Individually wrapped bags of popcorn
Love is popping! Each box is filled with five individually wrapped bags of delicious Popcorn Factory popcorn. Flavors include butter, cheese, white cheddar, caramel, and cookies and crème.
Cookie-scented candles
You're thankful for your loved ones, and you can bet they'll be appreciative when they receive this duo of coconut wax candles that, when lit, will make them wish they were eating cookies.
Waterford Glass Rose
This beautiful and delicate glass keepsake is available in lavender, red, or pink. It's perfect for the special people and moments you'll cherish forever.
AUTHOR
Tricia Drevets has over 15 years of experience as a freelance writer, specializing in topics of interest to small business owners. She also frequently writes about parenting, senior care, and healthy living. When she’s not at her keyboard, you might find her digging in her garden or hiking the trails of Southern Oregon with her golden retriever.