Wedding Favors 101: Unique Ideas, Trends, and Inspiration for Your Big Day
Wedding favors are one of those small details that make a big impact on your celebration. They’re more than just little gifts—they’re a way to thank your guests for being part of your love story while also adding personality and charm to your big day. Favors can be practical, fun, edible, or sentimental, and the right choice will reflect who you are as a couple and tie beautifully into your wedding theme.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best wedding favors, how many to order, and creative favor ideas that your guests will actually use (and love).
What Are Wedding Favors? Wedding favors are a small gift given to your guests as a token of your appreciation as newlyweds.
Do You Really Need Wedding Favors?
The short answer: no, wedding favors are not required. But they are a wonderful way to show appreciation to your family and friends. Guests love leaving with a little token to remember your celebration, and thoughtful favors often double as décor or conversation starters. Whether you go all-out with personalized gifts or keep it simple with edible treats, wedding favors can add an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your day.
How Many Wedding Favors Should You Have?
A common question couples ask is: How many wedding favors do we need? Typically, you’ll want to order one favor per guest. However, if your favors are larger items (like candles or mini bottles of wine), you might choose to give one per couple or family instead. Always add a few extras to your order in case of last-minute RSVPs or unexpected guests.
Pro Tip: If your favors double as place cards or escort cards, you’ll definitely need one for each guest to ensure seating runs smoothly.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Favors
When it comes to picking your favors, think about three key factors:
Practicality – Will your guests actually use this? (If not, it might end up left behind.)
Personalization – Does the favor reflect your personality as a couple or your wedding theme?
Budget – Favors can range from $1 each to $15+ depending on how elaborate they are. Set a realistic budget upfront.
Some couples like to align their favors with the wedding season (e.g., cozy blankets for winter, fans or sunglasses for summer), while others prefer edible options like cookies, chocolates, or locally made treats that double as a late-night snack.
Presentation Matters: How to Display Wedding Favors
Don’t forget about the presentation! Wedding favors can double as decorative elements when displayed creatively. You might choose to:
Place them at each guest’s seat as part of the table setting
Arrange them on a styled favor table near the exit with a cute sign
Use them as escort cards to help guests find their tables
Adding ribbons, custom tags, or your wedding logo makes favors feel more personal and polished.
Place Cards as Wedding Favors
One of the most creative and practical ways to combine two elements of your wedding day—seating arrangements and guest gifts—is to use place cards as wedding favors. This idea not only adds a fun, personalized touch to your reception but also ensures that your favors don’t get left behind since they’re directly tied to each guest’s seating. It’s a win-win for both style and functionality.
Place cards are already a necessary part of most weddings, so turning them into dual-purpose wedding favors saves money, time, and table space. Instead of spending your budget on both traditional favors and separate escort cards, you can combine the two for a thoughtful, budget-friendly alternative. Guests love the personal detail of seeing their name attached to a keepsake they can take home.
Creative Place Card Favor Ideas
Couples are getting increasingly inventive with this concept, and there are countless ways to make it match your wedding style:
“Take a Shot and Find Your Seat” Displays: Guests pick up a shot glass with their name and table number on it, then use it to toast the couple. Not only does it get the party started, but the shot glass doubles as their wedding favor.
Customized Coasters: Personalized coasters with each guest’s name and table number serve as both a seating guide and a practical keepsake they can use at home. These are especially popular for rustic weddings or cocktail-style receptions.
Mini Champagne Bottles or Wine Splits: Attach escort tags to mini bottles for a favor that’s as celebratory as it is functional.
Personalized Candles: Small candles with labels featuring your guests’ names and table numbers are a classy and timeless option.
Succulent or Plant Place Cards: For eco-friendly weddings, tiny potted succulents or plants with name tags are beautiful table décor that guests can take home and enjoy long after the wedding.
Edible Escort Cards: Think cookies, macarons, or chocolates with names hand-lettered in icing or attached to custom packaging. Guests will love the sweet surprise.
Food & Drink Wedding Favor Ideas
When it comes to favors, nothing beats food and drink. Why? Because your guests will actually enjoy them! Unlike trinkets that may get left behind, edible wedding favors are practical, delicious, and always a crowd favorite. Guests can snack on them during the reception, take them home for later, or even enjoy them the next morning as a reminder of your celebration. Plus, food and drink favors are highly customizable, allowing you to add playful signage, clever sayings, or personalized packaging that ties back to your love story.
You can even add a cute sign like:
“Love is sweet—take a treat!”
or
“[Insert your names]’ favorite snack—enjoy it here or take it home!”
Here are some of the most popular (and creative) food and drink wedding favor ideas:
Popcorn Favors
Popcorn is a timeless wedding favor that works for any theme. Package it in custom bags, jars, or boxes with cute sayings like:
“Thanks for popping by!”
“He popped the question!”
You can also offer multiple flavors (butter, caramel, kettle, or gourmet mixes) so guests can pick their favorite.
S’mores Kits
Perfect for rustic or outdoor weddings, s’mores kits are cozy, nostalgic, and adorable when packaged in clear bags or small boxes. Pair them with a pun like:
“There’s always room for s’more love.”
These are especially popular for fall weddings or venues with fire pits.
Mint Favors
Simple, affordable, and easy to personalize, mints are always a hit. Use sayings like:
“Mint to be.”
Packaged in tins, jars, or custom wrappers, they’re a refreshing (and budget-friendly) choice.
Pretzel Favors
Pretzels are both fun and versatile—you can do soft pretzels, chocolate-covered pretzel rods, or mini bags of pretzel bites. Add cute signage like:
“Thanks for helping us tie the knot.”
“We tied the knot.”
They’re especially perfect for Oktoberfest-inspired weddings or casual celebrations.
Donut Favors
Donuts are universally loved and make for a fun late-night treat or take-home snack. Pair them with sayings like:
“Donut mind if I do!”
“Glazed and delicious from the new Mr. & Mrs.”
You can even display them on a donut wall for double duty as décor.
Goodie Bags or Candy Buffets
A candy bar or snack mix station allows guests to create their own custom goodie bag favor. Add signage such as:
“Hugs and kisses from the new Mr. & Mrs.”
“The perfect mix.”
This option is interactive, budget-friendly, and perfect for couples who want variety.
Drinkware Favors (Shot Glasses & Koozies)
For couples who love to party, drink-related favors are always a hit. Hand out custom shot glasses with the phrase:
“We tied the knot, so take a shot.”
Or, give personalized koozies with:
“To have and to hold, and to keep your drink cold.”
Both are practical keepsakes that guests can continue using long after the wedding day.
Food and drink wedding favors are the perfect mix of fun, functional, and thoughtful. They don’t sit on a shelf collecting dust—they’re enjoyed right away. Whether you go with savory snacks, sweet treats, or drinkware keepsakes, edible favors always leave a lasting impression. With creative packaging and playful sayings, these favors double as décor, photo opportunities, and conversation starters at your reception.
Wedding Favor Ideas Your Guests Will Love
When it comes to wedding favors, there’s no shortage of creative and unique ideas. From personalized keepsakes to practical goodies, the best favors are the ones that reflect your personality as a couple and leave guests with something fun or useful to remember your big day. Below are some of the most popular and unique wedding favor ideas—complete with witty sayings—that are guaranteed to make your guests smile.
Luggage Tags
Perfect for couples who love to travel or are planning a destination wedding, custom luggage tags are practical and stylish. Guests can use them long after the wedding, and they tie beautifully into a theme of new adventures together.
Saying idea: “And so the adventure begins.”
Sparklers
Sparklers are not only a fun favor but also a built-in photo opportunity for your reception exit. Guests can light them up at the end of the night for a magical send-off.
Saying idea: “Let love sparkle.”
Hand Fans
For summer weddings, outdoor ceremonies, or warm-weather receptions, personalized hand fans are both thoughtful and useful. They keep guests cool during the ceremony and double as décor if styled with your wedding colors.
Saying idea: “Love is in the air.”
Mini Plants or Succulents
Mini plants are eco-friendly wedding favors that also serve as décor. Guests can take home succulents, herbs, or small potted flowers as a reminder of your growing love.
Saying ideas: “All things grow with love.” or “Take one and watch love grow.”
Bottle Openers
Bottle openers are one of the most practical wedding favors for guests. They’re useful, easy to personalize, and come in countless styles to fit your theme.
Saying ideas: “The key to happiness is love… and the ability to open a bottle.” / “Drunk in love.” / “Pop, fizz, clink.”
Mugs & Wine Glasses
Giving each guest a custom mug or wine glass is a classy and practical choice. You can even make them double as their drinkware for the evening.
Saying ideas: “Your glass for the night, for whatever tastes right.” / “Cheers to love.” / “What happens at the reception, stays at the reception.”
Custom Chapstick
Chapstick is one of those small, practical favors guests will actually use. With a clever label or cute packaging, it’s both affordable and memorable.
Saying ideas: “Our love is the balm.” / “Kiss the miss goodbye.”
Sunglasses
For daytime or outdoor weddings, custom wedding sunglasses are fun, functional, and always a hit on the dance floor. They also make for fantastic photos.
Saying ideas: “Don’t be blinded by our love.” / “Protect your eyes, our love is blinding.”
His & Hers Shot Glasses
Custom shot glasses are a playful way to celebrate your love and give guests a keepsake they’ll actually use at home.
Saying ideas: “He took a shot & she said yes.” / “We tied the knot, time to take a shot.”
Mini Candles
Candles are timeless, romantic, and easy to personalize with labels, scents, or packaging. They’re also a favor that guests will truly appreciate long after the wedding.
Saying idea: “Keep the fire burning.”
Hangover Kits
One of the trendiest and most practical wedding favors, hangover recovery kits are perfect for couples hosting a lively reception. Include items like water, pain relievers, and mints for a funny but useful gift.
Saying ideas: “But did you die?” / “Hangovers last a day, but memories last a lifetime.”
Koozies
Koozies are a wedding classic! They keep drinks cold during the reception and are easy to customize with names, dates, or funny sayings.
Saying ideas: “To have and to hold, and to keep your drink cold.” / “We came for the I Do’s and stayed for the free booze.”
Wedding favors don’t need to be expensive or elaborate—they just need to be thoughtful. The best wedding favors for guests are practical, personal, and tied to your unique love story. Whether you choose mini plants, edible treats, drinkware, or fun keepsakes, favors are a small but meaningful way to thank your guests for celebrating with you. With the right presentation, they can also double as décor, escort cards, or part of your reception design.
Wedding Favor Tips & Tricks
When it comes to wedding favors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. But the truth is—wedding favors don’t have to be complicated or over-the-top. With a little planning and thoughtfulness, you can choose favors that your guests will actually love and use. To help you make the most of this wedding detail, here are some tried-and-true tips for selecting, ordering, and displaying your favors.
1. Keep It Simple and Practical
The golden rule of wedding favors is this: if it’s not useful, it won’t be appreciated. You don’t want your gifts ending up in a junk drawer or left behind on tables at the end of the night. Instead, focus on favors that are simple, meaningful, and practical.
Some of the best options include:
Food favors like popcorn, macarons, cookies, or local treats.
Travel-inspired favors such as luggage tags or mini hand sanitizers for destination weddings.
Practical keepsakes like bottle openers, chapsticks, or koozies.
When in doubt, ask yourself: Would I personally use or enjoy this favor if I were a guest? If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.
2. Order the Right Amount
Couples often overestimate how many favors they’ll need, which can lead to overspending. A helpful tip is to order one favor per couple or household rather than one per guest—especially if your favors are larger or more expensive items. This ensures everyone is included without leaving you with extras at the end of the night.
3. Plan Out Your Favor Display
Presentation matters! The way you display your wedding favors can encourage guests to take them home while also serving as part of your reception décor.
Some popular favor display ideas include:
Arranging them neatly at each place setting
Setting up a designated favor table near the exit with signage
Incorporating them into your seating chart or escort card display (two-in-one!)
Make sure the display is in a visible, high-traffic location so guests don’t forget about them.
4. Use Signage to Make It Clear
Guests won’t always know what’s meant to be a wedding favor, so having a simple sign is key. Phrases like “Please take one!” or “A little thank-you from us to you” add charm while also clarifying that the items are for them to enjoy. Custom signage that matches your wedding stationery or theme can also make your display more cohesive.
5. Don’t Overthink It
At the end of the day, wedding favors are a sweet extra, not the star of the show. Focus on what feels personal and budget-friendly for you as a couple. Guests will remember the love, laughter, and fun of the celebration far more than whether their favor was Pinterest-perfect.
By keeping things simple, practical, and intentional, your wedding favors can serve as a heartfelt “thank you” to your guests without causing unnecessary stress. Choose items people will actually use, order the right quantity, and present them in a way that’s clear and inviting. Whether you go with edible treats, personalized keepsakes, or fun drinkware, these small tokens of appreciation will leave a lasting impression and ensure your guests feel valued.
Wedding favors may be small, but they’re a meaningful way to say “thank you” to the friends and family who came to celebrate your big day. Whether you choose practical wedding favors like bottle openers or chapstick, edible favors like popcorn or donuts, or personalized keepsakes that reflect your love story, the key is to keep them thoughtful and useful. With the right planning, presentation, and creativity, your favors can double as décor, spark joy for your guests, and leave a lasting impression long after the reception ends. Remember—wedding favors don’t need to be expensive or elaborate to be memorable. Choose something that feels true to you as a couple, and your guests will appreciate the gesture.