Are Wedding Favors Falling Out of Favor?

Favors are stupid … alright, that was a bit harsh!  However, I have noticed a growing trend with favors and the trend is that of couples forgoing favors altogether.  Now don’t get me wrong, I love homemade caramels, cute candy displays, a photo booth or a late night snack table with stylish doggie bags for guests to take snacks home in.  I am just not a big fan of pilsner glasses imprinted with intertwined hearts and the wedding date.  To be honest, I haven’t seen many favors that I like with dates on them or intertwined hearts for that matter.

Fleur de Sel Caramel

There are ways to incorporate favors at your wedding without them ending up in the trash.  First, edible items are a big hit.  I am not suggesting that you purchase M&M’s with your face on them, or mints or Jordan almonds wrapped in tissue, but there are a lot of cute options for edible favors including truffles, macaroons, mini pastries or any other sweets that you enjoy as a couple.  I would either go with a high quality company like Godiva or a homemade option (and yes, etsy counts as homemade).  When you are dealing with edible favors, it is best not to set them at everyone’s place.  Not only does this clutter the table but you are buying a favor for each person and inevitably tossing a good amount of them out at the end of the night.  Also, guests that really enjoy the favor are only allowed one.  Other than putting favors at each place setting, you could have a candy bar with cute apothecary jars and little silver scoops (I offer these items to my brides so they don’t have to buy them) or you could set items out on antique silver trays.  If you make goodies into a display, they not only provide guests with a tasty treat but also add another unique element to the design of your decor.

Sweet as Pie via Bride's Cafe

Some options for a non-traditional favor include setting up a photo booth where guests get to take home fun pictures of themselves or having a photo flipbook that allows guests to be goofy while they create their own flipbook.  Favors that also entertain work double duty and you will absolutely get your money’s worth.

Amelia Tarbet photography

The rehearsal dinner is also a great place to satisfy your favor itch.  At the rehearsal you have a better opportunity to personalize the gifts and make them more meaningful.  If you are a baker, make jars of dry cookie ingredients for your guests.  All they have to do then is add the wet ingredients and voila, homemade cookies.  Having a Mexican fiesta rehearsal dinner?  Whip up your famous salsa and give it to guests in little jars.  If you enjoy a nice bottle of wine, pick one up for each couple at the rehearsal, wrap them in gingham and guests will be able to sip it at home and reminisce about your beautiful wedding.  Honey, jam and anything else homemade can also make great gifts for your extra special wedding guests.  Be sure to make these items well in advance or ask for help … you don’t want to be stressing about salsa the day before your wedding.

Steven Myers Photography via Once Wed

So skip the M&M’s, intertwined hearts and wedding date items and opt for something your guests will truly enjoy.  Or skip the favors altogether because I can promise you I have never heard a guest complain about the lack of a favor but I have seen them drop favors in the trash on their way out.