Wedding party favors are small gifts given to guests at a wedding as a token of appreciation for their presence and support on the couple’s special day. The tradition of giving wedding favors has been around for centuries, evolving over time from simple tokens to personalized keepsakes, with couples now having the opportunity to choose favors that reflect their style, theme, and the atmosphere they want to create at their celebration. While wedding party favors are not mandatory, they have become an expected gesture at modern weddings, serving as a meaningful way to thank guests and add a personal touch to the event.
This article explores the most typical wedding party favors, offering a range of traditional and contemporary options for couples looking to express their gratitude to their guests. Whether you’re planning a small intimate gathering or a grand celebration, choosing the right wedding favor can be an enjoyable and creative aspect of wedding planning.
The History of Wedding Favors
Wedding favors have a long-standing history that dates back to the 16th century, particularly in Europe. The original wedding favors, known as “bonbonnieres,” were small boxes made of porcelain, crystal, or glass, and were filled with sugar cubes, almonds, or other sweets. These bonbonnieres symbolized wealth and good fortune, and the sweet treats were meant to bring good health and happiness to the newlyweds and their guests.
In ancient times, it was common for couples to distribute sugar-coated almonds, also known as Jordan almonds, as wedding favors. The almonds were symbolic of the bitter and sweet experiences of married life. Over the years, wedding favors have evolved to include a variety of gift items, from edible treats to decorative keepsakes.
Common Types of Wedding Favors
Wedding favors come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and the options available to couples are practically endless. However, some favors have remained timeless favorites for their simplicity, charm, and versatility. Below are some of the most typical wedding party favors that continue to be popular choices for couples today.
1. Edible Favors
Edible wedding favors are a delightful way to thank guests while also giving them something they can enjoy right away. These favors are often chosen for their practicality and the ability to appeal to all kinds of guests, from sweet tooths to savory enthusiasts.
Miniature Cakes or Cupcakes: Small cakes or cupcakes personalized to match the wedding theme can serve as both a decorative element and a delicious treat. Flavors can vary to suit a variety of tastes, including chocolate, vanilla, or more adventurous flavors like red velvet or lemon.
Candiesand Chocolates: Offering chocolates or candies in beautiful packaging is a classic wedding favor that guests of all ages will appreciate. Couples may choose individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet candy bars, or custom-made candy with the couple’s initials.
Honey Jars or Jam: Small jars of honey, jam, or preserves are charming, rustic wedding favors that can be personalized with custom labels or ribbons. This option works especially well for couples planning a farm-to-table, vintage, or rustic-themed wedding.
Personalized Cookies: Cookies decorated with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a theme-related design make for a memorable and tasty gift. Cookie favors can be tailored to match the wedding’s color scheme and can include various types of cookies, such as sugar cookies, macarons, or biscotti.
Bottles of Wine or Liquor: Small bottles of wine, champagne, or craft liquor make for elegant and sophisticated wedding favors. These can be personalized with custom labels that include the couple’s names and wedding date.
2. Practical Wedding Favors
Practical wedding favors are often chosen because they serve a functional purpose, ensuring that the gift will be used and appreciated for some time after the wedding day. These types of favors are perfect for couples who want to give guests something both meaningful and useful.
Custom Tote Bags: Tote bags are a practical wedding favor that can be used for a variety of purposes, from grocery shopping to beach trips. Couples can personalize the bags with a custom design, wedding date, or meaningful quote.
Miniature Bottles of Hand Sanitizer: A functional and thoughtful favor, especially in today’s health-conscious world, mini hand sanitizers with custom labels are both practical and appreciated. They make excellent favors for outdoor weddings or weddings with a lot of movement and interaction.
Personalized Coasters: Coasters are a popular and versatile wedding favor that can be easily customized with designs, initials, or wedding dates. They come in a wide variety of materials, including cork, wood, and marble, and can be personalized to match the wedding theme.
Matchboxes or Lighters: These small, useful favors can be personalized with the couple’s names, wedding date, or a cute quote. They are particularly well-suited for outdoor weddings, where guests may use them to light candles, sparklers, or fire pits.
Portable Phone Chargers: A practical wedding favor that can be used immediately and for years to come, portable phone chargers ensure that guests’ devices stay powered throughout the day. These are especially ideal for couples hosting outdoor or destination weddings where phone battery life may be at a premium.
3. Decorative Keepsakes
Decorative wedding favors are often chosen for their aesthetic value, allowing guests to take home a physical representation of the wedding day. These keepsakes are meant to evoke memories of the event and serve as a lasting reminder of the couple’s special day.
Personalized Picture Frames: A classic and elegant favor, personalized picture frames can be used to hold a photo from the wedding or as a decorative element in the guest’s home. These frames can be engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date, or they can feature a meaningful quote.
Candles: Candles are a romantic and versatile wedding favor that can be customized in a variety of ways. From personalized labels to unique scents that match the wedding theme, candles provide guests with a fragrant and calming reminder of the special day.
Succulent Plants: Small potted succulents make for charming and eco-friendly wedding favors that guests can nurture at home. Succulents are easy to care for and symbolize enduring love and growth, making them a fitting gift for a wedding.
Custom Keychains: Keychains are a popular wedding favor choice because they are practical, portable, and easily personalized. Couples can opt for keychains in various shapes and materials, such as metal, acrylic, or wood, and have them engraved or printed with the couple’s names and wedding date.
Miniature Terrariums: For a unique and elegant gift, miniature glass terrariums filled with plants, sand, or decorative stones can be a stunning wedding favor. These beautiful creations add a touch of greenery and nature to the event, making them a perfect choice for couples with a nature-inspired wedding theme.
4. Themed Wedding Favors
Themed wedding favors are often chosen to match the overall aesthetic or motif of the wedding. Whether it’s a seasonal wedding or one inspired by a specific color palette or cultural theme, favors that align with the wedding’s overall look and feel can create a more cohesive and personalized experience for guests.
Beach-Themed Favors: For a destination wedding or a celebration near the water, beach-themed wedding favors are a popular choice. Options include seashell keychains, mini bottles of sunscreen, beach towels, or flip-flops. These fun and functional gifts can transport guests to a relaxing beach getaway.
Rustic Favors: For couples with a rustic or vintage wedding theme, natural materials like burlap, wood, and mason jars work well for wedding favors. Wooden coasters, mason jar candles, and jars of honey are all great options that reflect the couple’s earthy and charming style.
Seasonal Favors: Seasonal wedding favors are a great way to incorporate the time of year into the celebration. For example, couples hosting a fall wedding might give out mini pumpkins, cinnamon-scented candles, or apple cider packets, while couples getting married in the winter might opt for snowflake ornaments, hot cocoa mixes, or mini mittens.
5. Charity Donations as Wedding Favors
In recent years, couples have increasingly chosen to forgo traditional wedding favors in favor of making a charitable donation in honor of their guests. This option allows couples to give back to causes that are important to them, while also sparing guests the need to take home an item they might not need.
Donation Cards: If you choose to donate to a charity in lieu of traditional wedding favors, you can create a donation card or note to place at each guest’s seat. The card will inform them of the donation made on their behalf and provide details about the charity.
Conclusion
Wedding party favors serve as a thoughtful way to express gratitude to the guests who celebrate with you on your special day. While traditional wedding favors, such as bonbonnieres and sugar-coated almonds, remain popular, today’s couples have a wide range of options to choose from. Whether you opt for edible treats, practical items, decorative keepsakes, or themed favors, the key is to select something that aligns with your wedding theme and resonates with your personal style.
Ultimately, wedding favors are a meaningful way to create lasting memories of your wedding celebration. By choosing a favor that reflects your personality, your love for each other, and your appreciation for your guests, you’ll ensure that your guests leave your wedding with a keepsake they’ll cherish for years to come.
